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8/4/2025
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Legislation raising minimum wage signed into law
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 STATE HOUSE — A law introduced by Rep. David A. Bennett and Sen. John Burke that increases Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $17 over a two-year period was signed by Governor Dan McKee today.
The act (2025-H 5029A, 2025-S 0125A) increases the minimum wage to $16 on Jan. 1, 2026, and to $17 on Jan. 1, 2027. An estimated 50,000 Rhode Islanders are currently earning minimum wage.
“Over the past few years we have increased our minimum wage to help offset the rising cost of living, helping our working families support themselves and keeping us competitive with our neighboring states. But it’s important for us to keep that progress going, because the cost of living continues to rise and our minimum wage is not scheduled to increase after this year,” said Representative Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston). “This legislation will keep our minimum wage rising in a predictable, stable way that allows Rhode Island’s businesses to comfortably plan for the coming increases, while keeping our commitment to livable wages for our constituents.”
“Thousands of workers across Rhode Island earn less than a livable wage,” said Senator Burke (D-Dist. 9, West Warwick), who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming. “Raising the minimum wage regularly, as the General Assembly has been doing, ensures that these workers can meet their basic food, housing and health care needs. It also tends to stimulate the economy by increasing their purchasing power.”
The minimum wage in Rhode Island was last raised to $15 on Jan. 1, 2025. Massachusetts also has a current minimum wage of $15. Connecticut’s minimum wage, which is indexed to increase with inflation, is currently $16.35.
“Hard work should be met with fair pay. By raising minimum wage over the next two years, we are sending a clear message that our commitment to hard-working Rhode Islanders has never been stronger,” said Governor McKee. “I want to thank the bill sponsors, advocates and lawmakers who made it a priority to fight for the working class.”
“Increasing the minimum wage ensures tens of thousands of working Rhode Islanders will earn enough money from their labor to not only get by, but enjoy all that our state has to offer,” said Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “Increasing the minimum wage also benefits the entire Rhode Island economy because workers spend their wages in the daily economy, increasing demand, which leads to job growth. A strong economy starts with a well-compensated workforce.”
Representative Bennett, who is chairman of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, has been the primary sponsor of every law enacted to raise Rhode Island’s minimum wage since 2012, when minimum wage was $7.40.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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