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Ant Thornton, Senator for New Mexico | X

Sen. Thornton on Universal Child Care: ''Do you really want the government taking care of your kids?'

Senator Ant Thornton of New Mexico has expressed his view that families should receive tax rebates to select their own caregivers, rather than depending on a state-run universal child care system. Thornton made this statement on the social media platform X.

"Sounds good at first, but do you really want the government taking care of your kids before they even enter school," said Anthony Linn Thornton, New Mexico State Senator from 198th District (R). "Universal Child Care… paid for by your tax payer dollars. Wouldn't you prefer a tax rebate that allows you the parent to choose the caregiver of choice?"

Starting November 1, 2025, New Mexico will implement a universal child care program under Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. This initiative will provide no-cost care to all families regardless of income. The program expands an earlier version that was limited to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level and includes waived copays, expanded eligibility, and increased pay for providers. The New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department estimates average family savings at $12,000 per child annually.

Child care costs in New Mexico are among the highest burdens for families, with infant care averaging $14,200 per year and preschool care about $10,000. These expenses represent 21% and 15% of the state's median family income respectively, far exceeding the federal affordability benchmark of 7%. According to the Economic Policy Institute, only 10.8% of families can afford infant care without surpassing this threshold.

Universal child care programs have shown measurable benefits in other contexts, including improved family stability and early childhood outcomes. A Stanford-backed analysis of Nordic models linked universal access to higher maternal workforce participation and narrower achievement gaps. Earlier phases of New Mexico's program have already reduced family costs and increased educator wages, as reported by The Guardian and the Associated Press.

Anthony "Ant" L. Thornton is a Republican who has represented New Mexico's 19th Senate District since January 2025 after winning the 2024 election. Prior to his political career, he worked as an aerospace engineer and senior manager at Sandia National Laboratories and held roles in corporate strategy and as an ombudsman. Thornton previously ran as the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022, according to Ballotpedia and the New Mexico Senate GOP.

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