Minimum wage hike might gain approval in 2007

A state minimum wage increase might have a better chance at legislative approval in 2007 than it did in this year’s session.

Gov. Bill Richardson attended this weekend’s meeting of the Senate Democratic caucus in Socorro, and attempted to make nice by asking for members’ input on his proposals. When he got to Sen. Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces, she brought up the minimum wage increase proposal.

It’s one of many that has led to wrangling between the governor and Senate.

Most of Doña Ana County’s legislators, particularly those who represent the south county, are concerned about raising the minimum wage without some protections for border businesses. In a community like Anthony, which is in New Mexico and Texas, for example, a $7.50-per-hour minimum in New Mexico would likely chase some businesses across the street or down the road to Texas, where they could pay $5.15.

Papen said she shared her concern with the governor that this part of the state was left out of crafting the bill this year. Papen said the governor pledged to work with area legislators to find a solution.

“He said, ‘Let’s work it out,’” Papen told me.

“I support a minimum wage increase,” Papen said. “It’s how we craft a minimum wage bill that lets us be able to compete internationally and to be able to compete with Texas.”

Earlier this year, the legislature failed to act on a proposed minimum wage increase to $7.50 per hour because the House and Senate could not agree on terms. The biggest disputes were over how quickly to phase in an increase and who should be exempted.

Papen was one who, early on, proposed amendments to the Senate bill. She wanted to slow the rate of increase and include an exemption that would allow employers to pay the federal minimum wage – which is currently $5.15 per hour – to new employees for their first 12 months on the job.

Papen said opinion was originally sought from Southern New Mexico but, when it came time to draft the bill, this part of the state was left out of the process.

“I support a minimum wage increase, but if it can’t accommodate our part of the state and we’re not even in the equation, I don’t feel comfortable supporting it,” Papen said.

State Rep. Mary Helen Garcia of Las Cruces agreed.

“I would hope so,” she said when asked if there is a greater chance of approving a minimum wage increase this year. “I do think we have to increase the minimum wage, and it has to be in increments.”

She suggested exemptions for businesses near the border as a possible compromise.

Garcia said she will examine carefully any proposal that is made.