Bill > SJR18

This Joint Resolution proposes an amendment to the New Mexico Constitution to establish a state minimum wage that automatically increases annually based on the rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers, but with a cap of no more than a four percent increase in any single year. This adjustment, which will be rounded to the nearest five cents, is set to begin on July 1, 2017, with the initial increase reflecting the cost of living from 2009 through 2015. The governor will be responsible for publishing the adjusted minimum wage rate each year by September 1 for the following January 1. Importantly, the minimum wage will not decrease if the cost of living declines, and employers can pay tipped employees less than the minimum wage if their tips, combined with their wages, meet or exceed the minimum wage. The resolution also clarifies that local governments are not prevented from setting a higher minimum wage than the state rate. This proposed constitutional amendment will be put to a vote of the people at the next general election.