In times of loss of so much that had been done in the name of a public good, I want to keep imaging what's possible.
Here's an excellent example:
New Mexico funded free childcare for families up to 400% of the federal poverty level, meaning that nearly half of all families in the state qualified and were then able to enroll in college, seek new jobs, pay for rent and car repairs without cutting into grocery budgets.
At the same time, the state funded higher wages for childcare workers (above poverty wages for the first time for many) and reimbursed centers at higher rates, supporting centers' capacity to purchase supplies and equipment. Children had access to higher quality and more dependable care.
The program appears successful in reducing poverty and supporting family well-being.
We have to keep imaging what it possible in times like these. We have to.
I'll commit to posting "what's possible" more often, amongst my ranting about the "now".
