New Mexico's Universal Childcare with Debra Rinell (Day 1)

Washington's delegation arrived in New Mexico this evening to begin our fact-finding visit focused on the state's universal childcare system.

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The evening began at Church Street Café, where we had the opportunity to hear from Senator Muñoz, who candidly shared that he was initially opposed to the idea of universal childcare. His perspective changed as he came to understand the critical role childcare plays in supporting the workforce and strengthening the economy.

That theme was echoed by the Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, who stated, "Childcare is not a family issue—it's an economic one."

The evening served primarily as an opportunity to meet and connect with fellow attendees over a wonderful New Mexican buffet. Tomorrow promises to be a much fuller day as we meet Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and hear from multiple panels representing different sectors of the childcare community. 

We will learn how New Mexico built support for universal childcare, how they plan to sustain it, and what impact they have seen since implementation began on November 1, 2025.

As a Washington provider, I am eager to learn what lessons might help our state better support families and the childcare professionals who serve them.

Follow along on Care and Connect as I share daily insights, conversations, and reflections from the experience - unpacking the why, the how, and what it could mean for the future of child care.

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