Two bills are currently being considered in Rhode Island that aim to increase the hourly wage for tipped workers. Since 2017, these workers have been making $3.89 an hour, well below the state’s minimum wage of $15. The House bill proposes a gradual increase to reach $15 by 2031, while the Senate bill suggests a one-time boost to $6.75 starting next year.
Restaurant owners, such as Bob Bacon of Gregg’s Restaurants, are concerned about the impact these increases would have on their businesses. They argue that with the current system, servers are making well above minimum wage when tipped. However, some patrons believe that paying higher prices is worth it for better service.
On the other hand, some servers worry that higher hourly wages could lead to the elimination of tipping altogether, impacting their ability to support themselves and their families. Both bills will need committee passage to proceed further in the General Assembly.Overall, this issue is a complex one that involves balancing the needs of workers with the concerns of business owners and patrons.
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