PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Nine Rhode Island state lawmakers are rejecting a $15 salary increase as they continue efforts to raise the state’s minimum wage.
Democratic state Rep. Aaron Regunberg, of Providence, announced Tuesday he was rejecting the pay hike. Four state representatives and four state senators have since followed suit.
Under the salary increase, state lawmakers will receive $15,429 this fiscal year, a $15 increase from the previous year.
The hourly minimum wage was already raised in January, from $9 to $9.60. Regunberg is seeking an additional increase.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo had proposed increasing the minimum wage to $10.10. That request was not included in the budget the General Assembly approved last month.
Regunberg says he recognizes that his rejection is “entirely symbolic” because the salary increase is so small.
