PRESS RELEASE

February 15, 2006

For More Information Contact: Carter Bundy cell: 463-8499 or Bill Jordan cell: 350-3097

Legislators Vote Themselves Raise While Some Refuse
To Commit to Minimum Wage Increase For Working New Mexicans

Santa Fe - Members of New Mexicans For A Fair Wage coalition expressed outrage at the decision of New Mexico's legislators yesterday to give themselves a 17% raise in their pension plan while some key Senators continue to refuse to commit to a minimum wage increase for working New Mexicans.

Legislators' pension plan also includes an automatic annual cost of living adjustment of 3%.

The statewide coalition has been working for months for an increase in New Mexico's minimum wage to $7.50, indexed to inflation with no preemption of local wage ordinances. Supporters are asking for legislation to include an annual cost of living increase which will not exceed 3%.

Indexing New Mexico's minimum wage to inflation has been a key sticking point among many legislators.

The coalition supports the minimum wage bill sponsored by Speaker Lujan, and passed by the House, which increases New Mexico's minimum wage to $7.50 and provides an annual cost of living increase capped at 3%.

"Working New Mexicans like me are just asking for a modest step towards greater economic opportunity. By this action, legislators are telling New Mexico's hard working families: 'we will take care of ourselves, but we will not take care of you', said Mike Taylor, an Albuquerque resident and active member of ACORN who earns $6.25 an hour.

Allen Sanchez, Executive Director of the NM Conference of Catholic Bishops added: "This is an issue of basic fairness. How can legislators possibly justify giving themselves greater economic security while some in the Senate continue to refuse to give it to working New Mexicans? Senators have less than 24 hours to help pass a meaningful wage increase for working New Mexican's: $7.50, indexed to inflation. We still hope they will do the right thing".

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