Group Backs Higher Minimum Wage To Help Kids
File photo of a teacher reading to her pre-kindergarten class. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Knowledge Universe)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A group advocating for policies to help children and low-income families recommends New Mexico raise its minimum wage and boost spending on early childhood programs, including child care and pre-kindergarten.
New Mexico Voices for Children on Monday outlined a broad policy agenda to address findings by a national survey this year that found New Mexico worst in the nation for child well-being.
The advocacy group said raising the hourly minimum wage to $10.10 would help a fifth of children by increasing at least one parent’s income. Another proposal calls for increasing the payout from a state permanent fund to provide additional money for early childhood programs.
Republican Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed a bill this year that would have increased the hourly minimum wage from $7.50 to $8.50 an hour.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
