RI House Of Reps Green-Lights Minimum Wage Bump

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island General Assembly green-lighted an increase to the state's minimum wage increase, starting this fall. On Thursday evening, the House of Representatives approved the bill, which is identical to legislation passed in the Senate last week.

The bill raises the state's minimum wage by $1, bringing it to $11.50 per hour. The House version of the bill was sponsored by Rep. David Bennett.

"Putting more money in the pockets of those with the lowest wages helps their families and the economy overall, because people at that end of the wage spectrum pump that money right back into the local economy, buying necessities," Bennett said. "It also means less demand for public assistance. A stronger minimum wage will mean a stronger economy for Rhode Island."

Rhode Island's minimum wage has been $10.50 since last January, lower than several New England neighbors. In Massachusetts, the minimum wage is $12.75, while Connecticut's is $11.

"I believe very strongly that all working people deserve to be able to afford a decent life," Bennett continued. "Minimum wage hasn't kept pace with inflation since it began, and Rhode Island’s remains behind neighboring states'. Each time we raise it, it means a bit of relief and a bit more dignity for those workers who struggle the most to afford life in Rhode Island."

Both Bennett and Senator Erin Lynch-Prata, the sponsor of the Senate version, have been the primary sponsors of legislation to raise Rhode Island's minimum wage since 2012, when it was $7.40.