PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A nearly $10 billion state budget is headed to Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo’s desk.
The Senate approved the $9.97 billion spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 30-8, late Thursday. The Senate didn’t change the budget the House approved last week.
The legislature aims to adjourn Friday.
“The Senate Finance Committee conducted 44 budget hearings along with many discussions with our Senate colleagues to understand the priorities and concerns of Rhode Island’s citizens. I’m pleased that we were able to support and expand education at every level from early childhood to college, and that we are continuing to foster economic development, especially for small businesses. This is a responsible budget that invests our resources based on our state’s needs and goals,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman William J. Conley Jr.
Said House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown), “As with any legislative session, the state budget is perhaps the most important bill that comes before the General Assembly because it affects every single resident of Rhode Island. The House Finance Committee has spent countless hours vetting and hearing testimony on the governor’s budget proposal. We have faced numerous hard decisions when formulating this budget, and I am proud of the work that has been accomplished. I believe that this budget will serve the people of Rhode Island fairly while also keeping our economy stable and strong for the future to come.”
The budget would increase state spending by $393 million, expand the state’s pre-kindergarten program and add six medical marijuana dispensaries.
It would eliminate the tax on feminine hygiene products and continue to phase-out the car tax. It adds a tax on digital downloads and streaming services, including Netflix.
Raimondo has to either sign or veto the entire appropriations bill. Rhode Island’s governor doesn’t have line-item veto power.
Raimondo has praised the investments in education, but is concerned about cuts to economic development programs.
