Governor McKee Signs Legislation Raising Rhode Island Minimum Wage (via Governor McKee's office)

Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Tuesday, Aug. 5, the 217th day of 2025. There are 148 days left in the year.

🚨 You need to know

Gov. Dan McKee on Monday signed legislation that will increase Rhode Island’s minimum wage from $15 to $17 over the next two years, benefiting an estimated 50,000 workers across the state.

The new law will raise the minimum wage to $16 on Jan. 1, 2026, and to $17 on Jan. 1, 2027. The legislation, carried as House Bill 2025-H 5029A and Senate Bill 2025-S 0125A, continues the state’s efforts to address rising living costs while keeping Rhode Island competitive with neighboring states.

“Hard work should be met with fair pay,” McKee said in a statement. “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.”

Rep. David A. Bennett, D-Warwick, Cranston, emphasized the legislation’s predictable approach to wage increases. “This legislation keeps 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,” he said.

The wage increase builds on previous efforts by the McKee administration. In 2021, the governor signed legislation raising the minimum wage from $11.50 to $15 over four years. Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, said the increase will stimulate the economy by boosting workers’ purchasing power and creating demand that leads to job growth.

Here’s what else you need to know

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Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...