PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A bill that raises Rhode Island's minimum wage by 25 cents, to $8 an hour, cleared the state Senate on Monday night and is headed for the governor's signature.
The Senate vote was 31 to 4, with three senators not voting.
On Thursday, the House voted 63 to 6 to pass a bill that raises the state's minimum wage to $8 an hour.
Supporters said the increase would bring Rhode Island more in line with its neighbors: the Massachusetts minimum wage is $8 an hour, while Connecticut's is $8.25.
They also said it would help the wage to keep up with the times.
"It's certainly not a living wage, and maybe it's not intended to be, but it should keep up with inflation," said Majority Leader Nicholas Mattiello, D-Cranston.
Minority Leader Brian Newberry, R-North Smithfield, argued that raising the wage will only prompt employers to hire fewer workers or cut jobs, thus hurting the people the bill is intended to help.
The House bill to Governor Chafee for his signature.