While New Mexico lawmakers continue to debate increases to the state's minimum wage, some cities are pushing ahead and already have wages that are higher than the minimum.
Business owners in Las Cruces are preparing for a minimum wage hike that starts Jan. 1, the first of three increases planned over the next four years.
On Jan. 1 minimum wage in the city will increase 90 cents per hour — from $7.50 to $8.40.
Employees who work off tips will see an increase in their hourly wages from $2.13 to $3.36.
Some local business owners have already made changes in anticipation of the increase, while others say they may have to raise prices or cut back on hours.
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Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com
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