FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 9, 2019
Contact: Chris Nordstrum chris.nordstrum@nmlegis.gov, 415-601-1992
Bill Creating Early Childhood Education and Care Department Passes Both Chambers, to Reach Governor’s Desk
(Santa Fe) Today, Senate Bill 22, legislation to establish the “Early Childhood Education and Care Department,” a new, cabinet-level department focusing on the needs of New Mexico’s youngest population, passed in the House of Representatives with broad support. Senator Michael Padilla (D-Bernalillo) is the bill’s sponsor, along with Representative Linda M. Trujillo of Santa Fe.
The new department brings together and oversee multiple divisions responsible for the well-being of children and families in New Mexico, including childcare licensing, early childhood education, and early intervention services.
“The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department will bring consistency, accountability, and quality to the full Continuum of Early Education services in our state,” says Senator Padilla. “This department will have a Manhattan Project style impact on New Mexico’s economy, by producing a world-class workforce that is second to none.”
Governor Lujan Grisham, in an executive message to the Senate dated February 20, expressed her strong support for this measure, and it is therefore expected to be signed into law.
“This is the most important thing that we have done in decades to turn around poverty and improve our economy,” Senator Padilla concludes.
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