Minimum wage increases in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

December 30, 2015 5:25 pm

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

Americans in 13 different states working minimum wage jobs will have a little extra money in their paychecks starting January 1st. This includes people who live in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Many feel this is a step in the right direction.

"I think it’s a good idea, minimum wage is very difficult to survive on," says Amy Carpentier, who supports the new increase.

"It would definitely make a lot of people feel better. You know, cure a lot of stressful situations and everything," says Laura Miller, who also supports it.

In Rhode Island, 55,000 people will be affected by the 60 cent rise in minimum wage, making the new pay $9.60 per hour. In Massachusetts, more than 280,000 people will be affected. Their new pay is up $1.00 to $10.00 per hour. Some are not as thrilled about the increase and feel there may be disadvantages.

"I think employers are going to cut hours because they have to pay more money, so there going to work less hours. So it is still going to be a struggle," says Eric Waterman.

Lisa Ranglin of the Rhode Island Black Business Association says she doesn’t think that will be the case, saying the increase will not only benefit workers but businesses as well.

"It’s that domino effect right? It’s the overall impact. So, when families are doing well they’re going to spend back and there going to do business in their community and that money is going to have that overall domino effect in the states economy. So, I do see it as a win-win across the board," says Ranglin.

Ranglin says this boost is a good start.

"There is definitely room for improvement. Point of view from a person who has talked to not just community leaders, but residents of the community, as well as business owners, so I do think it is moving in the right direction," she adds.