Minimum Wage
Issue Overview: Legislation was enacted that would increase the state's minimum wage to $7.75 effective Jan. 1, 2008, and to $8 effective Jan. 1, 2009. Presently our state has the one of the highest minimum wages in the nation. This bill also includes an annual COLA.
NFIB Position: Legislation has been introduced in 2008 to again increase the state's minimum wage and would do nothing but exact yet another cost on Rhode Island businesses, especially small business. At the same time it would increase the workers' compensation and unemployment insurance paid by business as both program premiums are based on "payroll" and solely paid by the employer. Also, an annual cost of living adjustment may again be considered.
Issue Status: A popular issue with most legislators but opposed by NFIB/Rhode Island as is any "living wage" legislation.
