Minimum Wage Increase

Argued against raising the minimum wage, stating entry-level jobs should not be career living wages and cause inflation.

Opposed the ordinance, citing administrative burdens and negative impacts on small businesses.

Opposed the minimum wage increase, warning against 'suicidal empathy' that harms the broader economy.

Supported the minimum wage increase and suggested phasing back wages over prior years if feasible.

A local business owner opposed the abrupt wage jump without prior economic impact studies.

Opposed government-mandated wage increases, sharing past personal experiences working multiple entry-level jobs.

Expressed concern that a $15 minimum wage would reduce entry-level opportunities for young workers.

Representing the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, opposed the ordinance as drafted without a three-year phase-in and removal of HUD indexing.

A local property owner and employer expressing concern over automatic wage escalators tied to CPI and fair market rents.

Operates assisted living communities, warning that higher labor costs will increase monthly rates for seniors on fixed incomes.

Spoke in favor of the minimum wage increase, citing housing vacancy statistics and community economic benefits.

State Senator supporting O-26-33, praising the council for recognizing cost of living realities.

CEO of NM Restaurant Association, opposed the 25% minimum wage jump, citing severe payroll impacts on independent restaurants.

Supported the minimum wage increase as necessary for worker dignity.

Spoke in Spanish supporting the minimum wage increase, sharing personal hardships of working multiple low-wage jobs.

A restaurant owner speaking through an interpreter in support of the $15 minimum wage, noting it improves staff retention.

A childcare owner speaking in Spanish in support of the minimum wage, noting higher pay reduces teacher turnover.

An organizer with El Centro supporting the minimum wage ordinance to combat rising living costs and wage theft.

Representing the Libre Initiative, opposed the minimum wage hike due to unintended economic consequences for small businesses.

Representing Americans for Prosperity, urged opposition to the minimum wage increase due to cost burdens on small employers.

Opposed the minimum wage increase, arguing it would destroy small businesses and eliminate full-time jobs.

Representing the NM Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern over fixed reimbursement rates in home health and automatic rent escalators.

Opposed raising the minimum wage, arguing it is inflationary and will cause businesses to pass higher costs onto consumers.

Supported wage growth but urged careful consideration of how indexing wages to HUD fair market rent affects small businesses.

Spoke in Spanish supporting the minimum wage ordinance, explaining that low wages make it impossible to cover basic living expenses.

Spoke in Spanish supporting the minimum wage, highlighting the struggles of working long hours as a cook and cleaner.

Supported the minimum wage increase on behalf of childcare workers struggling with basic expenses.

An economics researcher urging the council to vote for the minimum wage increase, noting positive outcomes in cities like Denver.

Supported the minimum wage hike, discussing how unexpected injuries and low wages trap workers in poverty.

Representing a hotel management company, noted they already pay $15/hr but expressed concern over HUD rent indexing and predictability.

Supported raising the minimum wage, sharing personal budget struggles despite making slightly above minimum wage.

Representing the Rio Grande Foundation, urged the council to oppose the minimum wage hike, citing negative impacts on small businesses.

Supported the minimum wage increase, emphasizing the working-class cost of living crisis.

Owner of Tomasita's, spoke against increasing the tipped minimum wage, noting it diverts funds away from kitchen staff.

Representing NAIOP, opposed the minimum wage ordinance due to increased labor and construction costs.

A local business owner opposed the abrupt minimum wage hike and had his statement read in Spanish by an interpreter.

Representing NELP, supported the minimum wage increase and its inclusion of housing cost indexing.

A teacher supporting the minimum wage hike as a necessary step against rising living costs.

Owner of Holiday Bowl, warned that an immediate 25% wage increase would add $300,000 in payroll costs.

Independent gubernatorial candidate opposed the bill without further economic study and favored tax incentives.

Supported the minimum wage increase, highlighting working-class struggles against inflation and stagnant wages.

APSD elementary vice president supporting the minimum wage increase, linking family economic stability to student success.

A UNM graduate supporting the minimum wage increase to help young professionals afford housing in Albuquerque.

A restaurant operator discussing payroll figures and urging a phased wage increase.

Supported raising the minimum wage to improve purchasing power and reduce poverty.

Opposed the minimum wage increase, arguing it hurts small businesses and triggers inflationary cycles.

Spoke in Spanish supporting the minimum wage ordinance on behalf of working families.

Supported the minimum wage increase, noting Albuquerque has successfully absorbed past wage hikes.

A local author supporting the minimum wage increase and criticizing council representation.

Supported the minimum wage increase and rental indexing, arguing low minimum wage states have worse economic outcomes.

Representing developmental disabilities providers, warned that state-contracted providers cannot raise reimbursement rates to cover wage hikes.

Representing the Greater Albuquerque Hotel and Lodging Association, opposed the abrupt wage hike and requested an economic study.

Representing food manufacturers and nursing homes, opposed the 25% wage increase due to fixed reimbursement rates and large payroll impacts.

Representing the Albuquerque Espanol Chamber, expressed concern over the 25% wage jump and fixed Medicaid reimbursement rates.