New Mexico will offer child care at no cost to all residents, regardless of incomes, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Monday, thus becoming the first U.S. state to offer universal free child care, she said. “Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexico’s future prosperity,” the governor said in a statement issued following a news conference. “By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”The free child care will save families on average $12,000 annually, the governor’s office said. Between 12,000 and 13,000 new child care slots could open up, with a goal of 55 new licensed child care centers, 120 new licensed homes and 1,000 new registered homes, she noted.