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NM Delegation Splits Along Party Lines On President's Address

New Mexico’s Democratic Congressional delegation cheered President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address and his announcement yesterday that new federal contract workers would see an increase in their minimum wage. 

Senator Martin Heinrich for an increase in the minimum wage across the board, saying people who work full time shouldn’t be living in poverty. Heinrich noted an increase would disproportionately affect women.

Senator Tom Udall also called for an increase to the federal minimum wage and highlighted the need for innovation and support for small tech businesses.

First-term Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham stressed the economic impact that reforming the country’s immigration system would have, while Representative Ben Ray Lujan spoke of support for the state’s federal labs.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, Lujan said getting lab technology into the marketplace is key to the state’s economic development.

The lone Republican member of the New Mexico Congressional delegation, Representative Steve Pearce, expressed anger and offense at the President’s plan to use executive orders if lawmakers don’t take action on his proposals.

Elaine Baumgartel was KUNM's News Director from 2013 to 2019. She was local Morning Edition host from 2007 through 2012 and she regularly hosted the station's live news and public affairs show for some years. Elaine originally came on board at KUNM as a volunteer and student employee in 2003.