SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico House or Representatives has endorsed a proposal to increase the statewide minimum wage to $9.25 an hour from $7.50.
The House endorsed the increase on Friday, days after the Senate voted to raise the base wage to $9. The Legislature has until the end of the session on March 18 to come up with a compromise.
Any increase would be felt most acutely in rural, low-income areas. The state’s three largest urban areas - Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Albuquerque - already have local minimums. The highest is $11.09 in Santa Fe.
Republican House members proposed an $8.45 minimum in an amendment Friday that was rebuffed by Democrats. Neither bill includes future cost-of-living increases.
Republican Gov. Susana Martinez has indicated she may support a limited increase.
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