![[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The Rhode Island State House is located at 82 Smith St. Providence. Rep. Solomon's bills increase catalytic converter theft penalties & create an interstate compact.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/RI-State-House-190.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
STATE HOUSE — The Home of Representatives and Senate right now authorised payments launched by Rep. David A. Bennett and Sen. John Burke that might improve Rhode Island’s minimal wage from $15 to $17 over a two-year interval.
The invoice (2025-H 5029A, 2025-S 0125A) would improve the minimal wage to $16 on Jan. 1, 2026, and lift it to $17 on Jan. 1, 2027. Every invoice now strikes to the alternative respective chamber for approval.
“Over the previous few years we now have elevated our minimal wage to assist offset the rising price of dwelling, serving to our working households help themselves and retaining us aggressive with our neighboring states. However it’s vital for us to maintain that progress going, as a result of the price of dwelling continues to rise and our minimal wage is just not scheduled to extend after this 12 months,” mentioned Consultant Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston). “This laws will maintain our minimal wage rising in a predictable, steady manner that enables Rhode Island’s companies to comfortably plan for the approaching will increase, whereas retaining our dedication to livable wages for our constituents.”
Minimal wage in Rhode Island
The minimal wage in Rhode Island was final raised to $15 on Jan. 1, 2025. Massachusetts additionally has a present minimal wage of $15. Connecticut’s minimal wage, which is listed to extend with inflation, is presently $16.35.
“Hundreds of staff throughout Rhode Island earn lower than a livable wage,” mentioned Senator Burke (D-Dist. 9, West Warwick), who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming. “Elevating the minimal wage usually, because the Basic Meeting has been doing, ensures that these staff can meet their fundamental meals, housing and well being care wants. It additionally tends to stimulate the economic system by growing their buying energy.”
“Common and inexpensive will increase within the minimal wage are an vital part to the Rhode Island economic system. They improve financial safety for working class Rhode Islanders who depend upon wages for housing, well being care, and assembly kitchen desk necessities whereas additionally offering financial predictability for companies throughout the Ocean State,” mentioned Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO.
Consultant Bennett, who’s chairman of the Home Surroundings and Pure Sources Committee, has been the first sponsor of each legislation enacted to lift Rhode Island’s minimal wage since 2012, when minimal wage was $7.40.
