The Latest: New Mexico lawmakers call for wage review

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The Latest on the wage investigation of Adelante (all times local):

1:40 p.m.

Six Democratic lawmakers are voicing their concerns about pay disparities among workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Mexico.

The lawmakers sent a letter to state Attorney General Hector Balderas, asking that he review the regulatory framework that governs pay for such workers in light of new allegations that some are being grossly underpaid.

Representatives Deborah Armstrong, Karen Bash, Joanne Ferrary, Angelica Rubio, Liz Thomson and Christine Trujillo signed the letter Friday. They say they want to ensure the state is adequately protecting a vulnerable population of workers.

Rubio and Ferrary sponsored legislation in 2017 that would have required at least minimum wage for workers with disabilities. That effort spurred the creation of a task force to examine the issue.

Adelante Development Center says it welcomes the review by the attorney general.

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11:22 a.m.

The New Mexico attorney general’s office has launched an investigation into a nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities find work.

Attorney General Hector Balderas said Monday his office is looking into allegations that Adelante Development Center was grossly under paying employees.

Balderas’ announcement follows a lawsuit filed Friday against Adelante. In the complaint, Disability Rights New Mexico alleges violations of state and municipal minimum wage laws.

Adelante spokeswoman Jill Beets said the company hasn’t had an opportunity to review the allegations but that it has been honest and transparent about its work with all disability groups.

Headquartered in Albuquerque and governed by a board of directors, Adelante has been in business for 40 years. It’s funded through Medicaid dollars, state and federal grants, donations and revenue generated by its social enterprises.