Legislature OKs wage, pension, health bills
The New Mexico Legislature wrapped up work Friday night on three key issues, sending to the governor bills to raise the states minimum wage, establish a state-run health insurance exchange and shore up the solvency of a pension plan for educators.
The states minimum wage would increase to $8.50 an hour the fourth-highest rate in the nation under the measure approved largely along party lines as lawmakers rushed to beat a Saturday deadline for adjournment. The bill is opposed by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
The state minimum wage has been $7.50 an hour since 2009, and supporters said the proposed increase would help workers cope with rising prices.
This is about the people, said Rep. Carl Trujillo, a Santa Fe Democrat. This is about an extra $40 in the pocket every single week.
More at http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/article_3e967d15-e321-5770-b414-97b7cdae10ad.html .