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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.
The Rhode Island AFL-CIO is calling on the McKee administration to reimburse public service workers who had to refile taxes due to a series of payroll glitches from the state's new $95 million accounting system. Problems included botched W-2s, misidentified employers, and incorrectly reported Health Savings Account contributions affecting state employees.
The Rhode Island House and Senate approved matching bills creating an independent corporate authority to acquire, develop, and maintain the Crook Point Bridge. The legislation aims to prevent the state Department of Transportation from demolishing the 50-year-old drawbridge stuck in upright position between Providence and East Providence, following Providence Mayor Brett Smiley's request to preserve the landmark.
Rhode Island Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest announced his retirement effective July 3, following three years leading the agency with a $6.4 billion annual budget representing nearly 50% of state spending. Charest was praised for expanding access to care but his tenure was marked by federal reimbursement suspensions for Medicaid administration due to state payroll software problems.
