Raimondo signs minimum-wage hike into law

PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo last week signed into law a hike in Rhode Island’s minimum hourly wage from $9 to $9.60, effective Jan. 1.

“I’m proud to sign this bill, which marks an important step forward in our efforts to make work pay for the hardworking men and women of Rhode Island,” Raimondo said in supplied remarks. “Yet we know the minimum wage is not enough to lift a family out of poverty. Everyone who works hard should have a chance to earn a decent living and provide for their family.”

The law marks the fourth consecutive year of minimum-wage increases in Rhode Island. Before the bill raising it from $7.40 to $7.75 on Jan. 1, 2013, it had not been increased since 2007. This year it rose from $8 to $9, according to the General Assembly.

When proposing the hike, legislative leaders pointed to the minimum wages of surrounding states as one reason Rhode Island needs another raise next year. The rate in Connecticut will also be $9.60 in 2016 and $10.10 in 2017. The rate in Massachusetts will rise to $10 in 2016 and $11 in 2017.

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