In 2018, Rhode Island’s minimum wage was $10.10. It’s increased eight times since then, to $16 an hour.
In January, it will rise again to $17 an hour.
Businesses have complained that the state has moved too fast to boost wages. Some have responded by boosting prices, cutting staffing and increasingly shifting to part-time positions without company benefits to replace more costly, full-time staffing.
The General Assembly this year will again consider increases to the minimum wage, including proposals to boost it as high as $24 an hour next year.
Advocates cite rising housing costs and inflation that make it difficult for people to support themselves or a family earning the minimum wage.
