Gov. Raimondo Signs Bill To Raise RI Minimum Wage

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's minimum wage will increase this fall. On Tuesday, Governor Gina Raimondo signed the bill into law, which will take effect on Oct. 1.

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Lynch Prata and Representative David Bennett, raises the minimum wage from $10.50 to $11.50 per hour.

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," Rep. Bennett said. "It also means less demand for public assistance. A stronger minimum wage will mean a stronger economy for Rhode Island."

There has not been an increase to the state's minimum wage since January 2019.

"I believe very strongly that all working people deserve to be able to afford a decent life. Minimum wage hasn’t kept pace with inflation since it began, and Rhode Island’s remains behind neighboring states’," Bennett continued. "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."

Despite the increase, Rhode Island still lags behind Massachusetts, where the minimum is $12.75. Connecticut, meanwhile, sits at $11 per hour.

"As the costs of daily life continue to increase, we must not forget those who are on the bottom of the economic ladder," Lynch Prata said. "There is still much more work to be done to address this issue, but this minimum wage increase is a good first step to ensuring that Rhode Islanders have a roof over their heads and food on the table for themselves and their families."

Both lawmakers have been behind every increase to the state's minimum wage since 2012, when it was $7.40

On Tuesday, Raimondo voiced her support for the legislation.

"Nobody should work full-time and live in poverty," she said. "Over the past few years, we’ve turned our economy around by investing in our workers. From new job training programs to investments in education, we’re working to ensure that every Rhode Islander has a good, family-supporting job. I’m proud that we’ve increased the minimum wage four times since I took office, and I look forward to working with the General Assembly to continue building on that progress."

The Senate approved its version on Feb. 6, while the House voted in favor of theirs on Feb. 14. Final votes were held last week.