Governor Lincoln Chafee. WPRO File Photo.
WPRO Newsroom
Governor Lincoln Chafee waited until the last minute to quietly sign the fiscal year 2014 budget Wednesday.
After an unexpected trailer bill was introduced in the 11th hour of the General Assembly session that would allow Sakonnet River Bridge tolls to be implemented this summer, the Governor put pen to paper and made the budget law.
Although the Governor hesitated to sign the budget before the new Sakonnet toll trailer bill was introduced, he still voiced concern about the new language of the law.
“The $.10 toll for the Sakonnet River Bridge was not what I had proposed,” said Chafee in a statement.
“I remain optimistic that a reasonable solution will be reached,” he continued. “The reality is that the money must come from somewhere. I do not want to see another bridge completely replaced – at great cost to taxpayers – because of a lack of maintenance.”
Chafee also voiced his displeasure in the cuts that were made to municipalities,
“I have been working to reverse the damage done by the past administration to municipalities and the Rhode Island property taxpayer,” he said. “I was discouraged that the General Assembly decreased the amount but assistance will still go to ailing municipalities.”
When it came to the $2.5 million included in the budget to repay the 38 Studios bonds, Chafee said he was “encouraged” by the General Assembly’s support.
“If the payment was not made, it would have brought severe consequences – both immediate and long-term – for Rhode Island’s finances,” he said.
Chafee said the budget “is by no means a perfect budget,” but was “an exercise in compromise, collaboration, and cooperation.”
“While I have expressed my disappointment in some aspects, I also see a number of measures that will continue moving us forward,” he said.
