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The Rhode Island House and Senate passed matching bills creating an independent corporate authority to acquire, develop, and maintain the Crook Point Bridge. The state-owned drawbridge has been stuck upright for 50 years and was slated for demolition by RIDOT. The legislation now heads to the governor for consideration.
The Providence City Council voted to pass a controversial rent stabilization ordinance capping annual rent increases at 4%, with exemptions for property owners to address certain costs. Mayor Brett Smiley has announced plans to veto the measure, setting up a potential override battle. The ordinance creates a five-member Residential Rent Regulation Board to oversee disputes and exemptions for capital improvements and tax increases.
Gov. Dan McKee announced plans to repeal the two-cent gas tax increase passed by the General Assembly last year, which he refused to sign. The proposal is part of his "Affordability for All" agenda and would save Rhode Islanders an estimated $9 million annually. McKee held a press conference in Wakefield highlighting the measure's impact on small businesses and working families amid rising gas prices.
Gov. Dan McKee and primary challenger Helena Foulkes have committed to three debates before early voting begins in August for Rhode Island's Democratic gubernatorial primary. The debates, proposed by Foulkes, will focus on housing crisis, health care costs, and affordability. The General Assembly is expected to move the primary election day to September 9.
Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi announced he will decide within three weeks whether to pursue a Rhode Island Supreme Court appointment. The announcement comes amid speculation about his political future and potential judicial openings. Shekarchi's decision would have significant implications for both the General Assembly leadership and the state judiciary.
Medicaid insurer Thrive has threatened legal action against Rhode Island over a $135 million payment dispute and is calling for State House intervention to resolve the matter. The escalating conflict involves contract payments and rate-setting disagreements between the insurer and state officials. The dispute could impact Medicaid services for Rhode Island residents if unresolved.
Cranston Mayor is seeking salary increases for mayoral aides while the city faces a proposed tax increase. The request has drawn scrutiny from residents and city council members concerned about fiscal priorities during a period of budget constraints. Details on specific salary proposals and tax increase amounts were limited in available coverage.
Congress passed legislation increasing the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000, benefiting high-income earners in tax-heavy states like Rhode Island. The measure, part of the "Big, Beautiful Bill," applies to filers making up to $500,000 annually and winds down at $600,000. The change is expected to impact Rhode Island residents who itemize deductions for property and income taxes.
Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi will decide within the next three weeks whether to pursue a seat on the state Supreme Court. The decision comes as a vacancy on the court creates a potential opening. Shekarchi's potential departure would significantly impact state legislative leadership and the composition of the state's highest court.
Mayor Brett Smiley presented a $635.7 million budget for fiscal year 2027, promising no property tax or fee increases despite a 4.2% spending increase. The budget allocates 96.6% to fixed costs including salaries and school appropriations. Smiley emphasized addressing the city's housing affordability crisis while avoiding tax hikes on residents.
Gov. Dan McKee is advocating for repeal of a two-cent gas tax increase passed by the General Assembly last year, which he declined to sign. The proposal would save Rhode Island residents an estimated $9 million annually and is part of McKee's "Affordability for All" budget agenda as gas prices rise.
