Politics & Government

RI Minimum Wage Hike OKd — What Do You Think?

The General Assembly recently passed an increase in the minimum wage, effective Jan. 1, 2014.

Among the last several votes taken by the Rhode Island House of Representatives was approval of an increase in the state minimum wage to $8 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2014.
It's the second consecutive annual increase, after the hike to $7.75 that took effect on New Year's Day in 2013.
Cranston Sen. Erin P. Lynch [D-Dist. 31] said in a statement that the increase will "help those at the bottom of the pay scale make a little more as they struggle to make ends meet," adding that the schedule for the hike "will ensure that businesses have ample time between now and then to prepare to implement the new rate.”
The Senate passed its version of the bill on May 22 by a 31-6 margin; on Thursday afternoon, the House voted 64-7 for its version and 65-6 to approve the Senate's identical version.
Johnston Sens. Stephen Archambault [D-Dist. 22] and Frank Lombardo [D-Dist. 25] voted in favor of the increase.
Reps. John Carnevale [D-Dist. 13], Stephen Ucci [D-Dist. 42], and Deborah Fellela [D-Dist. 43] voted for the increase set by the House bill, while Rep. Gregory Costantino [D-Dist. 44] voted against. Costantino withheld his vote on the Senate bill.
With the increase, Rhode Island will match Massachusetts at $8 per hour, while Vermont stands at $8.60 and Connecticut at $8.25.
The legislation now goes to Gov. Lincoln Chafee.

Tell us:
Is the increase in the minimum wage a good idea? Do you think it will help lower-income workers? Or do you think it's a burden for business owners?

Have your say in the comments section below.


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