Anne Easby-Smith, left, and Trace Robbins, right, who work for House Speaker John Boehner, help to prepare the Rayburn Room on Capitol Hill in Washington,Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, where members of the House of Representatives will pose for pictures at an oath of office ceremony with Boehner. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Higher minimum wage affects sixth of NM workers
Published: 04:18:22 PM, Fri 15 February 2013 UTC
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Supporters of raising the minimum wage say it will help a sixth of New Mexico's work force and provide $105 million in higher wages.
A study by New Mexico Voices for Children estimates 137,000 workers will benefit if the state's hourly minimum wage is increased to $8.50 from $7.50, and it's adjusted annually for inflation. Proposals to do that are pending in the Legislature.
Business groups say a higher minimum wage could cause job losses.
However, the social advocacy group said Thursday the economy will receive a $67 million boost — creating almost 600 jobs — because New Mexicans will have more money to spend on goods and services.
The study said an hourly wage of $9.25 is needed for a family of three to reach the federal poverty level.
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