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Gina Raimondo on Jobs
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Raise minimum wage; expand earned income tax credit
Since I've been governor, we've raised the minimum wage three times. Our hardest working Rhode Islanders deserve a raise. Let's do it again this year.
At the same time, let's expand the earned income tax credit so hardworking Rhode Islanders can keep more of their money in their pockets. No one who works full time should live in poverty.
Source: 2020 Rhode Island State of the State address
, Jan 14, 2020
Training for changing job market
The reality is that 70 percent of jobs in Rhode Island require more training and education than just a high school diploma, but they don't all require a four-year degree. It's on us to make sure that every Rhode Islander has the job training and
education they need to get a good job. Real Jobs Rhode Island now gives [those] in the middle of their career the new skills they need in a changing economy. Real Jobs alone has trained and placed more than 2,000 Rhode Islanders into good, solid jobs.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Rhode Island legislature
, Jan 15, 2019
Touts unemployment rate of 4.3%, lowest rate since 2001
Raimondo is also facing a primary challenge from Matt Brown, a former secretary of state of Rhode Island. Brown dismisses Raimondo's talk of a modern industrial revolution as pure hype. "I just don't think it's accurate and I don't think most Rhode
Islanders think it's accurate," Brown said.The economic facts that matter to most Rhode Islanders, according to Brown, are that the costs of health care, housing, education and child care have gone up, and continue to go up, while wages have
"flatlined." "That basic fact means life has gotten harder for people and continues to get harder," Brown said.
Yet, a July 19 press release from Governor Raimondo's office trumpets 2,500 jobs created in June, "another all-time high jobs record," and
an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent, the lowest unemployment rate since 2001. "This jobs report is another clear sign that our approach to economic development, commitment to job training and support for tourism is working," Raimondo says in a statement.
Source: Forbes magazine on 2018 Rhode Island gubernatorial race
, Aug 7, 2018
Give everyone chance for dignified work at a decent wage
We still have a lot of work to do to ensure that every Rhode Islander has a chance for dignified work at a decent wage. When I was a kid, most people earned a high school diploma and went right to work. There was a pretty simple deal back then:
Finish high school. Work hard. And get a decent job to support your family. You could buy a house, take a modest vacation--maybe to one of our beaches in South County or on Block Island.There was dignity in work.
There was pride in what you built and what you made. For too many though, that deal is now out of reach. So let's invest in our middle class. Let's put that deal back on the table here in Rhode Island.
In 2015 we raised the minimum wage.
Last year, I stood with many of you to try raise it again. And we fell short. The budget I'll submit will once again raise the minimum wage. This time to $10.50 an hour. No one working full time should live in poverty.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Rhode Island Legislature
, Jan 17, 2017
Raise minimum wage to $9.60 per hour
Excerpts from legislation:H 5074: A bill to increase the minimum wage [adding new rate for 2016]: - Every employer shall pay to each of his or her employees:
- Commencing July 1, 1999, at least the minimum wage of $5.65 per hour.
- Commencing September 1, 2000, the minimum wage is $6.15 per hour.
- Commencing January 1, 2004, the minimum wage is $6.75 per hour.
- Commencing March 1, 2006, the minimum wage is $7.10 per hour.
- Commencing January 1, 2007, the minimum wage
is $7.40 per hour.
- Commencing January 1, 2013, the minimum wage is $7.75 per hour.
- Commencing January 1, 2014, the minimum wage is $8.00 per hour.
- Commencing January 1, 2015,
the minimum wage is $9.00 per hour.
- Commencing January 1, 2016, the minimum wage is $9.60 per hour.
Legislative outcome: Passed House, 59-13, June 2; passed Senate 35-3, June 11; signed by Governor, June 17
Source: Rhode Island legislative voting records: H 5074
, Jun 17, 2015
Pair CCRI with local businesses for job training
Today's jobs require 21st-century skills and a new level of technical competency. Employers are looking for critical thinking abilities; knowledge of science, engineering and technology; and computer proficiency.
If we are going to position our state to succeed, our workforce development efforts need to reflect this reality. As governor, Gina will:-
Pair CCRI [community colleges] with local businesses to develop curriculum and training programs in skills that they need.
- Expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities for CCRI students.
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Create opportunities for our high school students who choose not to attend college by expanding career and technical training throughout the state.
Source: 2014 R.I. Gubernatorial campaign website, GinaRaimondo.com
, Nov 4, 2014
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