RI House introduces legislation to increase Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $20 over five years
The bill is necessary because "...our minimum wage is not scheduled to increase after this year,” said Representative Bennett.
From a General Assembly press release:
Representative David Bennett has introduced legislation to increase Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $20 over five years.
The bill (2025-H 5029) would raise the minimum wage to $16 on Jan. 1, 2026; to $17 on Jan. 1, 2027; to $18 on Jan. 1, 2028; to $19 on Jan. 1, 2029; and finally to $20 on Jan. 1, 2030.
“Over the past few years, we have increased our minimum wage to help offset the rising cost of living, help our working families support themselves, and keep us competitive with our neighboring states. But it’s important for us to keep that progress going because the cost of living continues to rise, and our minimum wage is not scheduled to increase after this year,” said Representative Bennett (Democrat, District 20, Warwick, Cranston). “This legislation will keep our minimum wage rising in a predictable, stable way that allows Rhode Island’s businesses to comfortably plan for the coming increases while keeping our commitment to livable wages for our constituents.”
The minimum wage in Rhode Island was last raised to $15 on Jan. 1, 2025. Massachusetts also has a current minimum wage of $15. Connecticut’s minimum wage, indexed to increase with inflation, is currently $16.35.
“Regular and affordable increases in the minimum wage are an important component to the Rhode Island economy,” said Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “They increase economic security for working-class Rhode Islanders who depend on wages for housing, healthcare, and meeting kitchen table requirements while also providing economic predictability for businesses across the Ocean State.”
Representative Bennett has been the primary sponsor of every law enacted to raise Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $7.40 in 2012. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
I think the problem with a maximum wage is that no one gets rich on wages. They get rich on inside stock market tips, buybacks, perks. . . . at one point, the expense allowance of the president of the College Board was larger than my salary. Who needs wages when someone else is paying for your expenses?
It is most assuredly time to raise minimum wage, and we oiught to enacta a maximum waged while we are at it as reducing inequaltiy is the only way to move the RI economy forward in an age of climate disasters.