New Mexico State Workers May Not Get Raises

"It's very unfortunate for state employees or anybody tied to the state that are expecting their raises this year," said Racquel Villagran, a government worker in Sunland Park, N.M., whose pay is tied to the state.

In an e-mail to KFOX, New Mexico Finance Department spokesperson Nicole Gillespie said, “The final budget will be determined in the upcoming legislative session, but at present the freeze on pay increases is effective statewide, including State Police.”

By later this afternoon, KFOX got a different story from New Mexico State Police leaders.

"I'm telling you that's not correct,” said Peter Olson, spokesperson for New Mexico Department of Public Safety. “They will get their annual step increases if they qualify and meet all the requirements."

Olson said the clarification was made earlier Tuesday. He said the department is actually expanding.

"In fact we are starting a new recruit class with 27 new recruits in February. We have plans for a second school in July," he said.

For some, raise or not, they are still grateful.

"The way this economy is right now, it's safe to say that at least you have a job," said Villagran.

As of publishing time of this story, KFOX was still waiting to hear from state finance officials about if there would be layoffs or cutbacks to other state programs.