A bill to increase the minimum wage tied to inflation, passed the House Labor and Human Resource Committee Tuesday with a party line vote of 3-2. House Bill 668, introduced by HLC Chairman Representative Miguel Garcia (D-Bernailillo-14), represents Democrat’s belief that hard work deserves fair pay and their commitment to standing up for New Mexico’s low-wage workers.
A similar bill failed to pass the House Voters and Election committee, with some members of the committee questioning whether the New Mexico state constitution is where minimum wage regulations belong, or if it was better suited for state statute. HB 668 addresses those concerns by putting increases in the minimum wage, driven by inflation, into state statute.
“I said I would not stop fighting to ensure New Mexico’s hard working citizens receive a fair wage and I mean it,” said Rep. Miguel Garcia. “I have listened to the concerns of my colleagues about how best to address the issue of minimum wage increases and I believe HB 668 is something we can all get behind. This struggle is far from over, however I am committed to continuing to fight for the belief in fair pay for hard work. It is the right thing to do for workers and it will be good for the economy.”
House Bill 668 now goes to the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee for further review.