SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A Senate committee has shelved a proposal to raise New Mexico's minimum wage by 50 cents an hour.
The Public Affairs Committee turned down the proposal yesterday on 6-2 vote.
Most of the panel's Democrats said the proposed increase wasn't enough to adequately help workers. The minimum wage has been $7.50 an hour since 2009.
The proposal by Democratic Sen. Clemente Sanchez of Grants would have increased the rate to $8.
Another wage proposal backed by many Democrats is pending in the Senate. It would change the state constitution to annually increase the minimum wage for inflation and start by boosting the rate to about $8.30 an hour.
Republican Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed a bill last year to raise the minimum wage to $8.50, but supported $7.80 an hour.