Vol. CXXXII · No. CCLXVIIIFRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026Ocean State Edition

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Governance

268 articles · page 13 of 23
GovernanceFree press

Gov. McKee proposes $228M surplus spending plan targeting healthcare, childcare, energy costs

Governor Dan McKee unveiled an eight-point plan to spend Rhode Island's $228 million budget surplus, focusing half on reducing healthcare, childcare, and energy costs. The proposal includes eliminating the state's 4% electricity tax, accelerating the phaseout of income tax on Social Security benefits, and doubling an annual tax credit for income-eligible families. McKee also proposes increasing mandated state health and social services spending by $5 million. The plan builds on his $1 billion long-term energy savings initiative.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 15, 2026
GovernanceFree press

RI lawmakers receive extra $233M in revenue for FY2027 budget deliberations

The biannual Revenue and Caseload Estimating Conference on May 11 found an additional $233 million in revenue for Rhode Island's fiscal 2027 budget—$155 million for the current year and more for next. Lawmakers now must decide how to allocate the windfall amid competing pressures. Federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs complicate an otherwise positive revenue picture. The unexpected surplus stems from robust personal income growth reflected in higher-than-expected withholding revenues.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
oceanstatemedia.orgMAY 15, 2026
GovernanceJudiciaryPaywall

RI Senate considers asking Supreme Court for opinion on clergy abuse bill constitutionality

Rather than vote on legislation allowing previously expired civil claims against institutions that enabled clergy sexual abuse, the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee will consider asking the state Supreme Court for a constitutional opinion. The House voted 68-5 on April 7 to pass a bill opening a revival window for such claims. Attorney General Peter Neronha recommended passage in his March report on Diocese of Providence clergy sexual abuse. The Senate balked at similar legislation last year.

bostonglobe.comMAY 15, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

Foulkes Proposes $100M Bond for Career-Tech Education Facilities

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes announced a $100 million bond proposal to fund construction and modernization of career and technical education facilities statewide. Part of her 'Believe in Rhode Island' economic plan, the initiative aims to train workers for high-demand industries and expand alternatives to four-year college degrees. Foulkes framed it as one of the largest CTE investments in state history.

pbn.comMAY 14, 2026
GovernancePaywall

McKee proposes spending $233M tax windfall on child credits, electricity tax elimination

Governor Dan McKee proposed using Rhode Island's $233 million tax revenue surplus to expand his 'affordability agenda,' including doubling the proposed child tax credit to $650 per child, eliminating the state tax on electricity bills, and accelerating the elimination of taxes on Social Security income. The proposal would cost $97 million next year. The surplus comes after state fiscal analysts revised revenue estimates upward in May 2026.

providencejournal.comMAY 14, 2026
GovernanceJudiciaryFree press

Rhode Island Senate passes bill reducing misdemeanor sentences by one day

The Rhode Island Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Acosta to reduce the maximum misdemeanor sentence from 365 to 364 days, aimed at protecting immigrants from federal detention or removal. The bill passed 33-5, with all four Senate Republicans and Sen. Leonidas Raptakis voting against. The judicial branch raised concerns about the bill's immediate effect date. This marks the sixth consecutive year the Senate has passed similar legislation.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 14, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Rhode Island debate intensifies over proposed millionaires tax amid revenue surplus

Rhode Island lawmakers are debating a proposed 'millionaires tax' despite the state's unexpected $233 million revenue surplus. The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council released a May 12 report arguing higher income tax rates cause wealthy residents to leave for lower-tax states, citing Massachusetts as a cautionary example. The Economic Progress Institute advocates for the tax to fund critical programs and address future revenue shortfalls. Both Democratic gubernatorial candidates support the tax increase.

providencejournal.comMAY 14, 2026
GovernanceFree press

McKee identifies $50M in additional costs offsetting revenue windfall

Governor Dan McKee warned in a May 13 memo that over $50 million in unanticipated costs will reduce the recently identified $233 million revenue surplus. Major cost drivers include $230 million in additional K-12 education funding due to updated March enrollment figures showing more students in poverty, and unknown continuing deficits at the Department of Children, Youth and Families and Department of Behavioral Healthcare. McKee proposed increasing education funding to $31.3 million and using $18 million to replenish the supplemental rainy-day fund.

yahoo.comMAY 14, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Rhode Island House passes bill exempting vehicles without front plate brackets

The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed bill H7989 exempting vehicles manufactured without a front license plate bracket from displaying a front plate, though drivers must keep the second plate inside the vehicle. The May 5 vote saw all nine House Republicans oppose the measure, questioning its logic and potential impact on law enforcement. The bill addresses the growing number of high-end electric vehicles made without front plate mounting options.

providencejournal.comMAY 14, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

R.I. Attorney General Sues Quidnessett Country Club to Remove Unauthorized Seawall

Attorney General Peter Neronha filed a lawsuit in Superior Court seeking removal of a 600-foot unauthorized seawall built by the Quidnessett Country Club in 2023 and restoration of the coastline. Since 2023, the Coastal Resources Management Council has unsuccessfully tried to force the club to remove the wall. The club argues it has been trying for decades to protect its 14th hole from erosion and has challenged the removal order in court. Environmental groups say the slow enforcement sets a bad precedent.

bostonglobe.comMAY 13, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

Rhode Island Only State with Lifetime Supreme Court Tenure, No Mandatory Retirement Age

Rhode Island is the only state with lifetime appointments and no mandatory retirement age for its Supreme Court justices, according to a 2024 Brennan Center analysis. All 47 other states have fixed terms for state supreme court justices. Senator Dawn Euer supports imposing a mandatory retirement age, citing concerns about accountability and the example of federal courts overturning precedents with "zero accountability." The issue has returned to focus with former Speaker Shekarchi's application for a Supreme Court seat.

bostonglobe.comMAY 13, 2026
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