Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –Arguments will be heard today in a lawsuit over NM’s first-of-its kind universal free childcare program. Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Duke Rodriguez filed the suit in April and argues the program was implemented illegally. Rodriguez said, “The governor unilaterally announced a program that was not statutorily mandated, appropriated money that is not within the executive branch’s authority. All I’ve advocated for is follow the law.” NM state lawmakers approved a statutory framework and state funding for the program back in February, after the Governor signed an executive order last September establishing the program. Before the new law went into effect in late May, a judge ordered the department to stop enforcing the program or explain why it should continue. Today’s public hearing begins at 1:30. The state’s universal childcare program is still in place with over 45,000 NM kids currently enrolled in the program.
