Jan 28, 2026

ECECD 2026 Legislative Session Mailer - Jan. 27, 2026

Upcoming Hearing, Midway Check-in, Resources Webpage, plus more! ????‍????????

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This mailer is focused on early childhood legislative priorities and is intended to help families, early childhood professionals, and community partners stay informed about key policy areas, resources, and opportunities to engage throughout the session.

KEY DATES

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Jan 29: Senate Finance Committee, 8:30 a.m.

Feb 14: Early Childhood Day

Feb 19: Session ends

Attend the Senate Finance Committee Hearing

Legislative committee hearings are meetings where small groups of lawmakers review bills before they go to a full vote. Committees are specialized—some focus on education, others on healthcare or budgets.

ECECD is scheduled to present during the following hearing:

Senate Finance Committee

Thursday, January 29 at 8:30 a.m.

New Mexico State Capitol, Room 322

490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Public Participation is Encouraged: Meetings are open to the public and available to attend in person or view online at www.nmlegis.gov . Public comment will be taken at the end of the day, following the conclusion of scheduled agenda items.

Community Legislative Preview: Thank You for Joining Us

Thank you to everyone who joined ECECD’s Community Legislative Preview on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. A special thank you to our guest speakers for sharing their time, expertise, and insights to help ground this conversation in community needs: Senator Michael Padilla and Representative Tara L. Lujan .

Universal Child Care remains ECECD’s top priority this session. During the event, we shared an overview of early childhood legislative priorities, what to expect during the 2026 session, and ways families and communities can stay engaged on issues that matter most to young children.

Missed the event? Access the resources below:

Community Legislative Preview presentation in English | Spanish

Accessible PDF version in English | Spanish

Join Us for a Midway Check-In

We are also pleased to announce two additional legislative session webinars:

Spotlight on the 2026 Legislative Session for Families and Communities: Midway Check-In

English Session Monday, February 2, 2026 7 - 8 p.m.

Join via Zoom: https://nmececdorg.zoom.us/j/81238084709

Enfoque en la Sesión Legislativa 2026 para Familias y Comunidades: Revisión de Medio Período

Sesión en español Martes, 3 de febrero de 2026 7:00 a 8:00 p.m.

Únase por Zoom: https://nmececdorg.zoom.us/j/81238084709

New: 2026 Legislative Session Resources Webpage ECECD has launched a new 2026 Legislative Session Resources webpage, designed to be your one-stop source for materials and updates throughout the session.

This page brings together key information in one place, making it easier for families, providers, and community partners to stay informed and engaged as the session unfolds.

On the webpage, you’ll find:

ECECD’s legislative priorities and session updates

Event information, including Early Childhood Day

Presentation materials and downloadable resources

Ways to stay engaged throughout the legislative session

Visit the page: nmececd.org/2026-legislative-session/

We will continue updating this page throughout the session as new resources and information become available.

Governor’s State of the State Highlights for Early Childhood

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham delivered her eighth and final State of the State address on January 20, 2026, outlining priorities including child welfare, education, health care, housing, and economic opportunity. She emphasized New Mexico’s commitment to doing big things together and highlighted early childhood as one of the clearest examples of that approach in action.

The Governor shared the story of Kenny and Crystal Martinez, a firefighter/paramedic and emergency room nurse whose family struggled to find reliable child care before the launch of Universal Child Care. With universal access, both parents are now able to work and keep their children in the same preschool, bringing greater stability to their family.

She also honored Angela Garcia, a Las Cruces early childhood provider who grew up in the industry and now leads a center employing 33 staff. With strengthened child care investments, Angela has increased wages by 200% and is expanding her programs to serve more infants and toddlers.

These stories underscored how investments in child care are delivering real benefits for New Mexico families and providers. The Governor called for continued and sustained funding this session, including a $160 million recurring increase for Universal Child Care to ensure access for families across New Mexico for years to come.

Watch the Governor’s State of the State address.

Vol. 2 Family Guide to New Mexico’s 2026 Legislative Session

Our newly expanded Family Guide walks you through how the New Mexico legislature works, why these decisions matter for early childhood, and practical ways families can participate and make their voice heard.

The guide is available in English and Spanish and is designed to be clear, accessible, and family-friendly.

What’s Inside:

Communications Toolkit

Family-friendly information sheets

A simple guide to contacting your elected lawmakers

You’re Invited to Celebrate Early Childhood at the Roundhouse

Save the Date | Saturday, February 14 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | New Mexico State Capitol

Early Childhood Day at the Roundhouse returns in 2026 with the theme “When Child Care Works, New Mexico Works.” This year’s event will highlight Universal Child Care as a cornerstone of New Mexico’s commitment to working families, children, and communities.

Join early childhood educators, families, partners, and advocates at the State Capitol for a day of connection, learning, and celebration. Together, we will uplift how Universal Child Care and other early childhood investments help families…