general assembly

Young Democrats of RI slam House Finance Budget

Scott MacKay — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:31:57 +0000

The Young Democrats of Rhode Island are slapping the older Democrats in their party who run the Statehouse. In a statement, the Young Democrats take issue with the proposed state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 that won House Finance Committee approval.

While the group ``commended’’ the Assembly for adding money for the state’s school funding formula and restoring funding for developmentally disabled citizens, the Young Democrats skewered other budget priorities.

Moody's Downgrades the State's 38 Studios Bonds

Ian Donnis — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:56:57 +0000

Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the state’s bonds for its failed deal with 38 Studios. Moody’s has put those and other state bonds under review for possible additional downgrades.

In explaining the move, Moody’s points to uncertainty in the General Assembly about whether to allocate money for paying back the 38 Studios’ bonds. The investors’ service downgraded the 38 Studios bonds from a low credit risk to a moderate risk.

Moody's Downgrades 38 Studios' Bonds; Chafee "Confident" on Payment

Ian Donnis — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:56:56 +0000

Moody's Investors Service isn't taking lightly debate about whether to pay back bonds issued to fund the state's investment in 38 Studios. The agency has downgraded the 38 Studios' bonds and warned Rhode Island of other possible action:

Compromise Will Preserve Voter ID in Rhode Island -- Without Photo ID

Ian Donnis — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:01:56 +0000

Voters will still have to show identification to vote in Rhode Island -- but not a photo ID -- under a compromise ticketed for passage in the House of Representatives.

Political Roundtable: Newberry on the Budget, 38 Studios, and Economic Development

Ian Donnis — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 +0000

House Minority Leader Brian Newberry (R-North Smithfield) joins the Roundtable this week to discuss his expectations on the budget; whether the state should pay back moral obligation bonds related to 38 Studios; what the General Assembly will accomplish this year to boost the economy; and more.

Is Debate Over Paying Back Bonds for 38 Studios Holding Up the Budget?

Ian Donnis — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:29:55 +0000

House Minority Leader Brian Newberry believes debate over whether Rhode Island should pay back moral obligation bonds for 38 Studios explains why the House version of state budget has yet to emerge.

Edwards Says Sakonnet Tolls Will Hurt More Than They'll Help

Ian Donnis — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Residents and merchants in the East Bay are sharply opposing tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge. Local lawmakers have joined them in asserting the tolls will hurt the economy in communities near the bridge.

The Bottom Line: RI's Economic Development Plans Still Uncertain

Dave Fallon and Mark Murphy — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for a weekly business segment we're calling "The Bottom Line." Each Friday they look at business news and themes that affect local business and the public.

TGIF: 14 Things to Know About RI Politics + Media

Ian Donnis — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:15:19 +0000

The start of June has done nothing, naturally, to stop the breakneck flow of news in the Land of The Gift That Keeps on Giving. So welcome back to my weekly column. You can reach me at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) com, and (please) follow me on Twitter. Let's head in.

RIPEC Urges the General Assembly to be More Amenable to Business in RI

Ian Donnis — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:44:09 +0000

A business-backed advocacy group says Rhode Island needs to make fundamental changes to strengthen its economy. The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council is urging support for legislation this week to reshape the state’s approach.

The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, RIPEC, said lower than expected state revenue is a sign of continued weakness in Rhode Island’s economy. In contrast to Massachusetts, the Ocean State has yet to regain the peak number of jobs that existed before the recession.