PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A state lawmaker has put forward legislation that would increase Rhode Island's minimum wage to $20 an hour by 2030. "Over the past few years we have increased our minimum wage to help offset the rising cost of living, helping our working families support themselves and keeping us competitive with our neighboring states," Rep. David Bennett, D-Warwick, said about the bill. "But it’s important for us to keep that progress going, because the cost of living continues to rise and our minimum wage is not scheduled to increase after this year." Currently, the minimum wage is $15 an hour after increasing on Jan. 1. Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill in 2021 that would increase it to $15 over a four-year period. Bennett was a sponsor for that legislation. RELATED: RI governor signs bill increasing minimum wage over the next 4 years In the new bill, the wage would go up to $16 an hour in 2026, $17 in 2027, $18 in 2028, $19 in 2029 and then $20 in 2030. Rhode Island is currently at the same dollar-figure for its minimum wage when compared to Massachusetts. Connecticut's minimum wage is currently higher, sitting at $16.35 an hour. The bill has been referred to the House Labor Committee. NEXT: Key takeaways from McKee's State of the State address Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW