The House and Senate Labor Committees heard testimony on several bills to raise the state minimum wage from the current $15 per hour. Some increase the base wage to $20, while others hike the minimum to a whopping $22 per hour. Other bills are more targeted, raising the tipped wage for hospitality workers. NFIB testified in opposition to these pieces of legislation.

Minimum wage hikes have the largest impact on small businesses that find it most difficult to absorb higher labor expenses. This usually leads to higher prices for consumers, fewer hours for workers, and would exacerbate labor shortages if employers are forced to further reduce their workforce.

Rhode Island is also the only state left in the nation with premium Sunday/holiday pay after Massachusetts phased out this antiquated “Blue Law” in 2023. A bill is being filed, the NFIB supports, beginning to phase out this outdated and costly law.

Right now labor advocates claim Rhode Islanders support their efforts to raise the minimum wage and preserve outlier premium pay… we will need businesses owners to turn up the volume on their opposition this session…so please take a moment to send a message to your legislators.

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