Group Backs Higher Minimum Wage To Help Kids

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.

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