New Mexico Gov. Vetoes Minimum Wage Bill

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez (R) has vetoed two bills that would have increased the state’s minimum wage. The first bill, originating from the state of House of Representatives, would have increased the minimum wage from $7.50 to $9.25 an hour. The second bill, originating from the state Senate, would have increased the minimum wage to $9 an hour.

This is not the first time that the Governor has vetoed an increase in the state’s minimum wage. In 2013, Gov. Martinez vetoed legislation that would have increased the minimum wage to $8.50 an hour.

In her veto statements, Gov. Martinez stated that the level of increase in the bills would hurt many small businesses. Martinez has stated publicly that she is willing to sign an increase to the state’s minimum wage if it is below $9 an hour.