Entry-level jobs will disappear when small employers can’t afford higher labor costs
Providence, Feb. 7, 2019 — In response to Governor Gina Raimondo’s budget proposal before the Senate Committee on Finance to raise the state minimum wage to $11.10 per hour, the following statements may be attributed to NFIB’s Rhode Island State Director, Christopher Carlozzi:
“The last minimum wage increase has only been in place for a month, it has been increased every year over the last three years, and now another hike is already on the table,” said Christopher Carlozzi, NFIB’s Rhode Island State Director. “If passed, this will mean a 23 percent increase in the minimum wage since 2016, a significant increase that many Rhode Island small businesses simply cannot afford.
“Many recent studies show minimum wage increases result in the elimination of jobs held by entry-level and unskilled workers, or reduced hours for those employees. It can also result in higher prices and the likelihood of automation for certain industries. Unfortunately, that hurts small business, their employees and consumers.”
Contact:
Christopher R. Carlozzi
NFIB’s Rhode Island State Director
[email protected]