A pay raise for congressional members is to be discussed by Congress for the current fiscal year, as members negotiate a spending package ahead of the March 22 deadline.

Lawmakers are supposed to get automatic cost-of-living adjustments every year, but they've consistently blocked their own pay bumps every year since their last raise in 2009.

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures, the average personal income level in New Mexico is $32,667. Rank-and-file members of the House and Senate are paid a $174,000 annual salary.

NMBC is a strong supporter of qualifications and job performance being what determines a person's salary, not government mandates or pre-defined 'cost of living' raises. But we want to hear from you.

So the question is, do you feel New Mexico elected officials in Congress deserve a raise? Please use subject line:  Should NM Congressional members get a raise?  then vote 'Yes' or 'No' and send comments to David@nmbizcoalition.org . We'll include the results of this unofficial poll (without identifying individuals who responded) next week!