When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the March on Washington, he described a “fierce urgency of now.” He reminded a divided nation that we need one another, and that we are stronger when we march forward, together. “We cannot walk alone,” he said. “And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back.” A half century later, Dr. King’s words still have great meaning and life.

Child care assistance has been lauded by politicians and parents alike as the most effective way to make work pay. New Mexico’s families deserve the opportunity to work with the sense of security knowing their children are not only in a safe place, but spending their day in a place that fosters their intellectual and emotional development.

Have you ever wondered what our children will think about what we did today when it’s become a part of history? When they’re old enough to understand what’s going on today, whether it’s 15, 20, or 25 years from now, what are they going to think about our today? Right now. Decisions that our leaders make today will affect today’s babies now and when they become the young adults of tomorrow, yet it seems that the only comments ever made about the future are simply political rhetoric.

It has been gratifying to see the media attention given to the impact that revenue decisions like the reimbursement rate cuts have had on small businesses and families. Yet, we aren’t ready to say “mission accomplished.” Too many of New Mexico’s children do not have the opportunity to access the important high-quality services that are proven to set them on the path to success in school and in life.