FAMILY INFANT TODDLER FUNDING

SB 198 appropriates $2.2 million from the general fund to restore provider payment rates for New Mexico's Family, Infant, Toddler Program for the second through fourth quarters of fiscal year 2025. This bill directly affects childcare providers who serve infants and toddlers by reinstating a previously approved rate increase that was not funded. The key provision allocates specific funding to cover these payments, with any unspent balance reverting to the general fund by year-end. The emergency clause allows immediate implementation to address urgent needs in early childhood care.