PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Gov. Gina Raimondo says she’s still negotiating with Rhode Island state lawmakers on next year’s budget, including legislators’ proposal to cut car taxes that would cost $26 million in its first year.
The Democrat told reporters Monday that “everything’s on the table” and “it’s all in the soup” as she works with the Democratic-controlled legislature to patch a roughly $130 million shortfall.
Raimondo says there will have to be difficult decisions.
Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello has made a six-year phaseout of car taxes his top priority.
The Providence Journal reports that the General Assembly is moving slowly compared to previous years, with just weeks left before legislators are expected to approve a budget and adjourn. Only four new “public laws” have been enacted since lawmakers convened in January.
