Legislation brings compensation for municipal projects in line with standards for state public works projects

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House of Representatives voted 41-26 to advance legislation to provide New Mexicans working on publicly-supported projects a competitive, prevailing wage for their work.

House Bill 6 would require contractors, subcontractors, or other companies hired for projects funded by Municipal and County Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) to provide a prevailing wage, meaning workers would receive their industry's established fair wage and standard benefit minimums. This brings compensation for these projects in line with existing standards for the state's public works projects, such as building and road construction.

"Making sure hardworking New Mexicans and tradespeople are fairly paid for their skilled work isn't just the right thing to do, it also promotes high-quality construction on taxpayer-supported projects," said the bill's lead sponsor House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe).

"Industrial Revenue Bonds support public projects that create jobs and stimulate economic growth in communities across our state," said co-sponsor Joseph Sanchez (D-Alcalde). "The skilled workers who bring these projects to life deserve the same fair wages they would earn elsewhere."

Currently, workers on IRB projects are only required to be paid minimum wage, despite many of them having extensive experience and certifications in skilled trades. Paying fair wages reduces poverty and leads to safer, more productive job sites, and encourages skilled workforce development.

New Mexico's prevailing wage rates are determined by the state's Workforce Solutions Department Labor Relations Division in accordance with industry standards. Prevailing wage laws have been shown to benefit the economy by increasing worker productivity, reducing workplace injuries, and boosting apprenticeship training, which helps address the shortage of skilled labor in construction.

House Bill 6 is also sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque), House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque). The legislation now moves to the Senate.

HB 6 is part of the House Democrats' slate of legislation this session to address the rising cost of living by helping to raise pay and strengthen benefits for working people, protect consumers from corporate greed, and lower the costs of essentials, like housing, healthcare, and groceries.

A non-comprehensive list of affordability legislation that has or will be introduced by House Democrats this session includes:

Raising minimum pay for school staff (HB 201)
Stopping employers from taking credit card fees out of the wages of tipped workers (HB 22)
Eliminate unfair pricing by ticket resellers (HB 26)
Establishing a commission to study and make recommendations on how to reduce grocery store prices and improve local supply chain issues (HB 17)
Prohibiting grocery and retail stores from using so-called "dynamic" pricing to gouge consumers (HB 285)
Protecting renters from discrimination or artificial rent increases (HB 43, 98, 215, 339)
Improving healthcare access and price transparency (HB 186, 263)
Provide free high school equivalency testing and preparatory services (HB 167)

Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature's Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.