Sen. Quezada Introduces Legislation That Would Gradually Increase Minimum Wage to $15 by 2024
STATE HOUSE — Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence) has introduced legislation that would increase Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $11.50 to $15 over a four-year period.
The bill (2021-S 0001) would increase the minimum wage to $12.25 on Oct. 1, 2021; raise it to $13 on Oct. 1, 2022; raise it to $14 on Oct. 1, 2023; and finally to $15 on Oct. 1, 2024.
“This legislation will go a long way toward breaking the cycle of poverty that has ensnared so many of Rhode Island’s families,” said Senator Quezada. “A living wage will not only help people who work full time from living in poverty, it will also ease the demand on public assistance and bolster the state’s economy by ensuring that families have the income required to meet their basic needs.”
The legislation, which is cosponsored by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence), Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick), Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket), has been referred to the Senate Committee on Labor.
Speaker Mike Johnson says he's hopeful the House can pass President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" sometime tonight. Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Johnson said lawmakers are making progress and having good conversations and he thinks they can "proceed tonight," and "get this done." The House remains stalled, with lawmakers yet to take the initial procedural vote to set the terms for debate. 
