Rhode Island Senate Approves Minimum Wage Bump

PROVIDENCE, RI — A bill that would raise the state's minimum wage passed the Rhode Island Senate on Wednesday night. The legislation proposes a $1-per-hour increase, bringing the hourly rate to $11.50.

"As the costs of daily life continue to increase, we must not forget those who are on the bottom of the economic ladder," said Senator Erin Lynch Prata, the bill's sponsor. "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."

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. If it is signed into law, the increase would go into effect on Oct. 1.

The Senate approved identical legislation during last year's session, as well.

Over the past several years, the minimum wage has steadily increased in Rhode Island. After holding steady at $7.40, the rate was raised to $7.75 in 2013, followed by several stepped raises. In January 2019, the rate increased to $10.50, where it has remained ever since.

If the proposed rate is approved, it would bring Rhode Island closer to next-door neighbor Massachusetts, which raised its minimum wage to $12.75 on Jan. 1. New Hampshire remains the lowest in the area at the federal minimum of $7.25.