New Mexico recently raised the minimum wage, giving those earning $11.50/hr a .50 cent boost, to $12/hr. But lawmakers are pushing for an even bigger increase that could potentially raise the NM minimum wage in 2024 to an incredible $16/hour by 2024. This is because inflation is soaring across the country. Food prices are going up, rent is up, and minimum-wage earners just can’t make ends meet.
New Mexico is one of 23 states that increased the minimum wage this year to combat inflation’s effect on low-wage earners. But, many small business owners believe increasing the minimum wage will only intensify inflation, as business owners will pass the increased costs on to consumers.
Rob Black, President of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce shared his concern with KOB4 that raising the minimum wage could be detrimental to the economy in the state. He warned this could lead companies toward downsizing staff or narrowing down the kind of employees they can afford to hire.
two new draft bills that will Increase nm minimum wage in 2024
Representatives Miguel Garcia of Albuquerque and Christine Chandler from Los Alamos have introduced two different draft bills aimed at increasing the minimum wage in New Mexico. As the cost of living continues to rise, the two have drafted two separate bills that would increase the minimum wage to as much as $16 an hour by 2024.
Representative Garcia has introduced draft legislation that would increase the minimum wage annually based on the increase in the cost of living as measured by the consumer price index. Representative Chandler’s bill, HB25, would raise the minimum wage to $16 by January 1, 2024, and then increase annually based on the increase in the cost of living as measured by the consumer price index.
How will a minimum wage affect New Mexico’s economy?
Despite calls to increase the minimum wage and to help those living on a low income, opponents point out the potential negative consequences of such an increase. For small business owners already struggling it could mean having to let go of staff.
Younger workers may find it more difficult to find work as business owners prioritize which workers to hire. Younger workers are typically the ones making minimum wage. If the minimum wage goes up to $16 per hour, some companies may choose not to hire these workers with little or no work experience.
In addition, it may be difficult for employers to cover the higher labor costs, and the extra expenses will likely end up being passed on to customers who are already struggling with rising prices. Small business owners are also feeling the effects of inflation.
Instead of raising the minimum wage, New Mexico should look at ways to address the underlying causes of inflation and other ways to help struggling workers. Although there is much debate over what has caused the skyrocketing inflation, addressing the issue directly makes much more sense.
Unfortunately, raising the minimum wage is not a long-term solution for tackling inflation in New Mexico. Though people may feel that making a higher wage is helping them, ultimately this solution offers false hope to those struggling here in New Mexico.
