News

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.

This week Dave and Mark talk with Bill McCourt, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association. They probe into a comprehensive survey of Rhode Island manufacturers on what manufacturers are seeking, the state of modern manufacturing, and what will be done with the findings.

Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column, truncated this time before the ceremonial start of summer. Let's get to it.

1. The 2013 legislative season will be remembered as the Year Rhode Island Legalized Same-Sex Marriage. How much more of substance gets done as the weeks tick down is an open question, particularly with lower than expected revenue estimates casting a pall over the budget. 

2. Steve Laffey, the voters of Colorado barely knew ye.

Perhaps you remember hearing or reading about a plan to divert so-called "frequent fliers" - meaning frequently intoxicated emergency room users - from ERs to some kind of sobering center?

A comprehensive health care reform bill is headed for a full vote in the Rhode Island Senate. The bill aims, in part, to increase the transparency of health care costs.

On today's podcast, the Rhode Island Board of Education votes to allow armed campus police, and the problem coyotes pose to Aquidneck Island.

Plus, this week's Political Roundtable with Rhode Island Republican Party Chairman Mark Smiley.

After the Rhode Island court scandals of the 1990s, the state changed the way judges are chosen. RIPR political analyst explains why lawyers with Statehouse connections keep getting appointed to the bench despite the reforms.

Common Cause of Rhode Island, the good government group, the Rhode Island Bar Association and a past president of the NAACP skewered Gov. Lincoln Chafee recently when he elevated former Senate President Joe Montalbano to a coveted judgeship on the state superior court bench.

State officials gathered this morning to remember Rhode Islanders who made the ultimate sacrifice.  The Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony in the “Garden of heroes,” outside of the State building was joined by Governor Lincoln Chafee, and other officials to honor those who have fought for our country.  Governor Chafee says what Memorial Day is all about.

“It’s a day of memory for those who died in great service for our nation, and mixed in with the fun of the barbeque, and the family events.  I’m sure that everybody does pause at some time, to remember as they well should.” 

Rhode Island has lifted a ban on armed police forces at state colleges, after a Board of Education vote last night. The board’s new policy allows each state institution to make the decision about whether campus police officers will carry guns.

The State Board of Education discussed a contract extension for Education Commissioner Deborah Gist last night but took no action. The conversation took place behind closed doors, which is standard practice for personnel matters.

At least 200 people attended the public portion of the board meeting, some to testify in opposition to Gist and others to speak on a controversial measure to arm state college police. The board passed the measure on campus police, allowing each state university to make its own decision about arming campus police forces.

State colleges and universities in Rhode Island can now arm campus police after a vote Thursday night at the State Board of Education.  Critics said more guns on campus will not make students safer, but supporters, including University of Rhode Island President David Dooley, said campus police should carry guns to do their jobs more effectively.

Dooley said he believes arming police is logical decision for URI.