House could vote Thursday on $1 hike in minimum wage

By TYGER ALLEN
Posted 2/11/20

By TYGER ALLEN Local Community Action directors are hailing a bill that could come before the House of Representatives for a vote as soon as Thursday. The bill would increase minimum wage in the state by $1. It will be heard by the House Labor Committee

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House could vote Thursday on $1 hike in minimum wage

Posted

Local Community Action directors are hailing a bill that could come before the House of Representatives for a vote as soon as Thursday. The bill would increase minimum wage in the state by $1. It will be heard by the House Labor Committee this Tuesday. Larry Berman, Communications Director of the Rhode Island House of Representatives said Monday it could come before the full House on Thursday.

By a 30-6 vote the Rhode Island Senate approved the bill Wednesday. Last year, a similar bill died in the House where it never came up for a vote.

The bill was introduced by Senator Erin Lynch Prata of District 31. Prata Lynch said in a press release, "As the costs of daily life continue to increase, we must not forget those who are on the bottom of the economic ladder. There is still much more work to be done to address this issue, but this minimum wage increase is a good first step to ensuring that Rhode Islanders have a roof over their heads and food on the table for themselves and their families.”

Joanne McGunagle, executive director of Comprehensive Community Action, said that her organization has been fighting for this for a long time. 

“More money solves a lot of problems,” McGunagle said. “It’s a wonderful thing.”

Paul Salera, CEO/president of Westbay Community Action, said that 60 to 70 percent of his clients are working on minimum wage. He added that even just a $1 increase could amount to about $2,000 more in annual income – which he said could alleviate some of the stressors for those living week-to-week.

“For us, I think it’s great,” Salera said. “Our clients will benefit.” 

A concern is that an increase in the minimum wage could impact assistance funds. Salera said a higher annual wage could disqualify some people from benefits, but hopes that the state would understand and increase the threshold on state-funded aid. 

McGunagle acknowledged that there is an issue with Federal Government restrictions on benefits for people in the state.

“That is the real problem here and a small increase to minimum wage would not compare to what they are currently proposing. When looking at the interaction of job and benefits, the benefits need to be adjusted as well.”

The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce was not available for comment, but Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Liz Catucci said on behalf of the Northern Chamber that the push comes in part from activity in nearby states.

“Other states are higher than Rhode Island so the proponents of a minimum wage increase try to advocate for matching surrounding states,” Catucci said.

The Chamber also recognized that there would be changes to business owners with minimum wage workers, saying, “This will increase the labor costs, including workers compensation insurance premiums, unemployment insurance and FICA.”

If enacted, the legislation would take effect Oct. 1.

Comments

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  • TheSkipper

    Quick! use your Burger King coupons before they get canceled! or BK goes out of business! but no problem, when the checks and wages go up a dollar? The business and tips will come down to match......

    Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Report this

  • davebarry109

    No one is meant to live on minimum wage. I worked a full time and part time job most of my life. You can also.

    Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Report this

  • patientman

    I don't know if an increase or not. Just do the due diligence first. Just because Mass can afford a higher minimum wage doesn't mean RI can. This logic means our trades workers get paid "Prevailing Wages" on some construction projects. These projects are then subsidized by the taxpayers because returns on RI projects aren't as high as Boston. One of the many reasons Rhode Islands economy always lags Mass.

    Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Report this

  • thepilgrim

    Minimum Wage: Another law that opposes the US Constitution. Minimum wage destroys business. Why not just let the market bear? The government controlling wage. That’s communist policy and that’s why Rhode Island sucks for businesses. N

    Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Report this

  • warwick10

    Minimum wage was created to protect the workers... positions need to be filled Monday-Friday, while teens are in school. An issue also is that if a business is not paying a living wage, the taxpayers are making up the difference. Companies like Walmart are known to employ people at minimum wage and they rely on the government for assistance. Walmart can afford to pay their employees more.

    Remember this when you argue against a living wage.

    Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Report this

  • JohnStark

    Employer extends an offer to a potential employee. Employer outlines role, work requirements, and compensation. Employee accepts, rejects, or negotiates other terms. The two parties agree, or not. Barring some type of fraud or other misrepresentation I fail to see why government at any level has any role in this process, at all.

    Wednesday, February 12, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    John Stark ... here, here.

    John Stark for Mayor, State Rep. State Senate, Governor, US Rep, US Senate, or PRESIDENT (after Trump that is).... to get rid of all RI ELECTED DOPES....lol

    Wednesday, February 12, 2020 Report this

  • warwick10

    Wish it were that easy, Mr. Stark. Most people are working low-wage jobs because many positions don't offer the kind of wages and benefits required to get ahead. There's not enough jobs paying decent wages, so sometimes workers have no choice but to accept and work a low wage job.

    The government wouldn't be involved if employers did the right thing... laws were created to protect the workers in the labor force.

    Thursday, February 13, 2020 Report this