A proposal to boost New Mexico's minimum wage to $8.30 an hour next year and provide for annual inflation increases rate has cleared a Senate panel. The Rules Committee voted 6-4 along party lines Friday to forward the measure to another panel for consideration. The proposed constitutional amendment is a top priority for Democrats in this year's legislative session.
If approved by the Legislature, the minimum wage proposal would be placed on the November general election ballot for voters to decide.
The minimum wage has been $7.50 an hour since 2009.
The proposal would adjust the wage rate for inflation since 2009, setting it at an estimated $8.30 next year, according to a Legislative Finance Committee analysis.
The minimum wage would then be automatically increased each year for inflation.
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