ALBQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - If a Bernalillo County commissioner gets his way, the minimum wage in unincorporated areas of the county would increase to match the minimum wage now in effect in Albuquerque.
Commissioner Art De La Cruz says he plans later this month to propose raising the minimum wage in unincorporated areas to $8.50 an hour later.
That's the rate now in effect in Albuquerque as a result of a voter-approved ordinance that raised the rate from $7.50 an hour.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that De La Cruz would not apply to other municipalities such as Tijeras and Los Ranchos.
Commissioner Wayne Johnson is voicing opposition to the proposal. He says it'd hurt businesses and stifle economic growth.
The federal minimum is $7.25.
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