Whistleblower Sues Over New Mexico Childcare Fiasco | Santa Fe News

New Mexico’s bold move to offer free universal childcare has backfired financially—and politically. Former CFO Carmel Pacheco-Aragon is suing after blowing the whistle on an $83 million budget hole she says was created by the program’s rushed rollout. Despite months of warnings, officials allegedly covered up the shortfall by illegally moving funds, then placed her on administrative leave after she accidentally copied an email. Now, she’s demanding her job back, double pay, and damages, accusing the state of silencing a whistleblower. The department hasn’t responded—and this scandal shows how well-intentioned policies can spiral into chaos without proper oversight. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ec10e9767c8ac8a9