Santa Fe, NM (KKOB) – A state judge on Tuesday ordered Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration to pause New Mexico’s free, universal childcare program or present an argument for why the program should not be halted permanently.
Second Judicial District Judge Elaine Lujan issued the ruling in a lawsuit filed by Republican candidate for Governor Duke Rodriguez and other members of the GOP, which seeks to invalidate several rules expanding free childcare to all New Mexico families, regardless of income.
The state has 30 days to contest the ruling and must appear for a court hearing June 11.
Michael Coleman, a spokesperson for Lujan Grisham, noted in an email the judge rejected Rodriguez’s request for the universal childcare program to be halted outright, instead giving the state an opportunity to argue its case.
