Rhode Island Poised to Raise Its Minimum Wage Again

Rhode Island is poised to raise its minimum wage again.

Both legislative chambers approved raising the minimum hourly rate from $9 to $9.60 on Jan. 1.

A spokeswoman for Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo said Friday the governor appreciates the General Assembly moving the initiative forward and she looks forward to signing it next week.

Lawmakers initially considered raising the rate to $10.10. Raimondo supported that increase.

Organizations representing small businesses, the hospitality and food industries and others said they couldn't afford it.

Leaders of both chambers agreed to amend the proposals.

Warwick Democrats Sen. Erin Lynch and Rep. David Bennett sponsored the bills. They also led past efforts to increase the minimum wage.

It jumped $1 in 2015, 25 cents in 2014 and 35 cents in 2013. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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