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Rhode Island Considering Multiple Minimum Wage Bills


Earlier this month, the Rhode Island House Labor Committee began to consider multiple minimum wage bills which would seek to raise the minimum wage rate in the state (with one bill proposing a $15/hour minimum wage rate by 2022).  For those unaware, the current hourly minimum wage rate in the state is $9.60/hour.  In order to streamline the bills and point out the differences, let me break down each proposed bill:

  • H5057 - seeks to increase the minimum wage rate to $10.50/hour on July 1, 2017.
  • H5595 - seeks to gradually increase the minimum wage rate to $15/hour by 2022.
  • H5315 - seeks to raise the minimum wage rate for tipped workers by $.50/hour until the tipped minimum wage rate is equal to not less than 2/3 of the regular minimum wage rate.
  • H5594 - seeks to establish a new minimum wage rate of $9.65/hour for employees under 20 years old.

It is interesting to note that all the bills, except for H5594, have been introduced by Democrats.  With that being said, H5594, which has been proposed by two Republicans is one of the more interesting minimum wage bills I have seen in some time (given that it would set a "floor" for workers under 20 years old).  Whether any of these bills will make their way to the full State Legislature for a debate and eventual vote is unclear at this time.  However it would not surprise me to see one of these bills gain enough momentum to move forward.  Stay tuned.


For additional information:  http://www.rifuture.org/weird-min-wage-arguments/

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