NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani Promises Free Childcare Now

UPDATE: New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has just announced a groundbreaking plan for universal childcare, aiming to make it free for every child under the age of 6. This ambitious initiative could significantly impact families in the most expensive city in the U.S.

Drawing inspiration from New Mexico’s recent success with universal childcare, which took effect on November 1, Mamdani’s proposal would eliminate income limits and copays, making childcare accessible to all. New Mexico’s program not only supports parents but also raises wages for childcare workers, a move that could serve as a vital model for NYC.

“Childcare is the backbone of our economy,” said Julie Kashen, senior fellow at The Century Foundation. She emphasized the financial relief this initiative could provide to families, allowing them to redirect funds towards savings and essential needs.

Under the New Mexico policy, families previously paying an average of $12,000 annually for childcare can now access services without additional fees. This change is expected to boost the state’s economy by putting more money back into the hands of parents.

Mamdani’s proposed funding strategy includes raising taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations, a contentious point among some local business leaders. The estimated cost for implementing a similar program in NYC is around $6 billion, which would expand existing free preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds.

New Mexico has leveraged its natural resources to support its childcare funding. As the second-largest crude oil producer in the U.S., the state generated over $11 billion in tax revenue from fracking last year alone, allowing for significant investments in a $30 billion permanent fund dedicated to childcare.

In tandem with universal access, New Mexico has also increased the minimum wage for childcare workers to $18 per hour, well above the state’s minimum wage. This wage hike aims to attract more individuals to the childcare field, where median wages are lower than those in 97% of other professions.

“They get paid less than dishwashers and dog walkers,” explained Hailey Gibbs, associate director for early childhood policy at the Center for American Progress. Improving compensation and benefits for childcare workers is essential for retaining dedicated professionals in this crucial sector.

In NYC, median wages for daycare workers are currently around $18.09 per hour, significantly lower than the metro area’s median wage of $28.55. Mamdani’s plan includes proposals to align these wages closer to those of NYC school teachers, potentially offering $70,000 for new employees.

This developing story highlights the urgent need for comprehensive childcare solutions as families grapple with rising costs and limited access. As Mamdani moves forward with his plans, eyes are on NYC to see if it can replicate New Mexico’s innovative approach.

Stay tuned for more updates on this critical initiative affecting countless families in New York City and beyond.