This is all I could find about the debate a few days ago.
I still find it very hard to believe a Lowe’s or Chili’s would relocate. How can it possibly be economical to do so? mjh
debates wage increase
Heinrich and five others discussed the pros and cons of the proposed local minimum wage increase at the
UNM Continuing Education building on Tuesday night. The proposed increase of the minimum wage in Albuquerque from $5.15 per hour to $7.50
per hour will appear on the Oct. 4 ballot.
About 20 people came to the event, which was sponsored by the Anderson
Schools of Management. …
Jerry Easley, chairman of the Albuquerque Employment Growth Initiative, said he was against the
increase. He said $7.50 per hour will not help workers enough.
“To characterize $7.50 as a living wage is disingenuous,” he said.
“It will never support a family.” [mjh: so it isn’t enough and this opponent wants more?]
He said the increase would
push employers out of Albuquerque. He said after the 2003 minimum wage increase in Santa Fe, several businesses including Lowe’s and
Chili’s relocated or started businesses outside the city limit.