A top legislative Republican praised Governor Gina Raimondo for expressing an optimistic message in her budget address last night. But Foster Representative Michael Chippendale said the state GOP also has a number of concerns about Raimondo’s spending plan.

“While it was stated that there were no broad-based tax increases, we do see some that we do not find particularly attractive, particularly the HealthSource Rhode Island example,” said Chippendale.

Raimondo’s budget proposes paying for the continued operation of the state’s version of Obamacare, in part by taxing health insurance premiums for all healthcare consumers in the state.

Raimondo’s budget also hikes the state cigarette tax 25 cents to $3.75 a pack. Additionally, the governor’s spending plan includes a new statewide property tax for non-owner occupied second homes that are worth at least $1 million.

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