Panel approves raising minimum wage to $10

SANTA FE – New Mexico hasn’t increased its $7.50-per-hour statewide minimum wage for a decade, but that could change this year due to a renewed push by advocates and a new state political landscape.

A bill seeking to bump up the minimum wage to $10 an hour – and even higher in coming years – cleared its first legislative hurdle on Tuesday on a 6-3 party-line vote, with majority Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed.

“Minimum wage workers are past-due for a raise,” said Rep. Miguel Garcia, D-Albuquerque, one of the measure’s sponsors, at a news conference before Tuesday’s hearing in the House Labor, Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

“We’ve got the votes to make it happen in the House and Senate,” he added.

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