RI General Assembly OKs 25-cent minimum wage hike

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island's minimum wage would go up 25 cents to $8 per hour next year under legislation approved by the General Assembly.

The proposal received final passage Thursday in the state House of Representatives and now heads to Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY'-fee).

The state's minimum wage is now $7.75, compared with the federal minimum of $7.25, while the minimum wage is $8 in Massachusetts and $8.25 in Connecticut.

Supporters of the raise said many Rhode Islanders are forced to work multiple minimum-wage jobs to afford rent, food and transportation.

Lawmakers approved a 35-cent increase last year, the first time the minimum wage had been raised since 2007.

Chafee has not said whether he will sign the bill.