Leaders in the General Assembly have agreed to raise the minimum wage to $9.60.

Lawmakers were considering raising the $9 hourly minimum by $1.10 to $10.10 per hour beginning Jan. 1. Gov. Gina Raimondo supports that increase.

But organizations representing small businesses, the hospitality and food industries, home health care and hospice agencies, and others say they can't afford it.

Leaders of both chambers are amending the proposals to $9.60 per hour, effective Jan. 1.

The bills will be considered in committee on Wednesday in the Senate and Thursday in the House.

If passed, this would be the fourth year in a row Rhode Island raises the minimum wage.

Connecticut is raising its rate to $9.60 in 2016 and $10.10 in 2017.

The proposal in Rhode Island doesn't address 2017.