Two Bedrooms = Three Jobs

December 14, 2005
Report: Two Bedrooms Equals Three Jobs in NM

(Sound files are available at: www.newsservice.org)

Albuquerque, NM - A new study released yesterday (Tuesday) by the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows that minimum wage workers in New Mexico have little chance of finding affordable housing. And Charlotte Roybal with Health Action New Mexico, a member of the New Mexicans for Fair Wages Coalition, says the proposed minimum wage increase wouldn't solve the problem - but it would help.

Jobs have to pay at least 12 dollars an hour for a person to afford the average rent on a two-bedroom apartment in New Mexico, according to a new report (from the National Low Income Housing Coalition). Charlotte Roybal with the New Mexicans for Fair Wages Coalition says most minimum wage workers in New Mexico only make five dollars, fifteen cents an hour...

"Therefore, people work two and three jobs, and they still can't make it. Especially this winter with heating bills."

Housing is considered affordable if it takes up less than a third of a household's income. The fair market average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in New Mexico is $626 a month. When utilities are included, New Mexicans earning the minimum wage would have to work three jobs to pay the bills. The coalition supports raising the state minimum wage to seven dollars, fifty cents an hour. Some businesses say that could put them out of business.

Roybal says the proposed minimum wage increase would help families afford housing.

"The recommended legislation for $7.50 an hour is a good start towards a living wage, but it's going to take more than that."

Roybal is at 505-930-0563. The National Low Income Housing report is online at http://www.nlihc.org/

NEW MEXICO NEWS SERVICE
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