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In its 2012 budget, New Mexico spent roughly $137 million on programs aimed at helping young children and their families. In 2013, we ranked last in child well-being, according to the annual Kids Count Data Book compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
And so began the concerted effort by advocates and lawmakers alike to invest in our state’s children, especially those in low-income families and at-risk situations.
By fiscal 2019, that spending was up to $306 million – including $64 million for Pre-K to better prepare children for elementary school; $45 million for Family, Infant, Toddler programs to help families with children with developmental delays; $30 million for K-3 Plus to add 25 days to the school year to help children at low-income or low-performing schools in kindergarten through third grade; $23 million for home visiting to educate pregnant women and new parents on caring for children to improve their health and reduce abuse; and $10 million for other programs like early literacy and professional development.