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

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Governance

268 articles · page 9 of 23
GovernanceFree press

McKee Budget Amendment Cuts $500K Hospital Transition Program Despite Nursing Home Cost Savings

Gov. McKee removed $500K in funding for RIPIN's Hospital Care Transition program from his budget in a May 15 amendment, citing loss of federal Medicaid matching funds under Trump administration scrutiny. The nonprofit says the program serves 500 older adults annually and helps 75% avoid long-term nursing home stays that cost the state approximately $70K per patient. House lawmakers are considering restoring the funding with general revenue.

wpri.comJUN 1, 2026
GovernanceFree press

McKee Unveils Six All-Male Nominees for Revamped Coastal Resources Management Council

Gov. McKee submitted six nominees to the Senate for the reformed Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council on May 14, nearly three months after the March 1 deadline. The nominees include current CRMC Chair Ray Coia, three lawyers, two former lawmakers, and an entrepreneur—all men. The 2025 reform law reduced the council from 10 to seven members and requires relevant professional qualifications.

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rhodeislandcurrent.com
JUN 1, 2026
GovernanceCommunity

McKee Nominates Michelle Reddish to Chair Cannabis Control Commission

Gov. Dan McKee nominated Michelle A. Reddish to chair the state's Cannabis Control Commission, replacing Kim Ahern who stepped down in October. Reddish previously served as the first administrator of the RI Cannabis Office starting in 2024. The nomination has been submitted to the state Senate for advice and consent.

patch.comJUN 1, 2026
CommerceGovernancePaywall

RIPEC report: RI's $644M housing investments yield 'no meaningful impact'

A Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council report found that over $644 million in state housing investments since 2021 produced 'no meaningful impact' on affordability for most residents. RIPEC President Michael DiBiase said the state relies on an overly complex strategy with policy incentives failing to maximize housing production.

bostonglobe.comMAY 31, 2026
GovernancePaywall

House Passes Bill Legalizing Water Cremation and Human Composting

The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted 46-17 on May 29 to legalize water cremation (aquamation) and human composting as end-of-life options. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Michelle McGaw (D-Portsmouth), passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate. The bill now awaits Senate consideration, with supporters citing environmental benefits and expanded family choice.

bostonglobe.comMAY 31, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

McKee scraps Burrillville hospital plan, seeks $243M Cranston facility as costs spiral

Governor Dan McKee's administration is abandoning plans to build a new state long-term acute care hospital at the Zambarano Campus in Burrillville after costs ballooned to $322 million—triple the 2023 estimate. A new study recommends constructing a $243 million facility in Cranston instead, citing lower infrastructure costs. The shift reflects escalating construction expenses and urgent need to replace aging state healthcare infrastructure.

wpri.comMAY 30, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

House Finance Committee approves $15.2B budget, $300M above McKee's proposal

Rhode Island's House Finance Committee approved a $15.2 billion budget for fiscal 2027, roughly $300 million larger than Governor McKee's January proposal and $900 million above the current year. The budget includes a phased-in 3% tax on income over $1 million and a new office of inspector general. The plan now advances to the full House for a vote.

wpri.comMAY 30, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Rhode Island House passes record $15.2B budget with phased-in millionaire's tax

The House Finance Committee approved a $15.2 billion budget for fiscal 2027, exceeding Gov. McKee's $14.9 billion proposal. The revised plan spreads a 3% income tax hike on earnings over $1 million across three years rather than one, aiming to balance revenue needs against potential economic shocks. The budget also establishes a new state inspector general office with $1.3 million in funding and 12 full-time positions to monitor state agencies for waste and fraud.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 30, 2026
GovernancePaywall

House budget phases millionaire's tax increase over three years to soften impact

House Democratic leaders unveiled a $15.2 billion budget that preserves Gov. McKee's millionaire's tax but phases the 3% surcharge in over three years. Speaker Blazejewski said the gradual approach avoids shocks and ensures revenue arrives as federal support potentially declines. The budget also creates an inspector general office and expands a child tax credit while scaling back a proposed Social Security tax elimination.

providencejournal.comMAY 30, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Rhode Island K-12 Council votes to return Providence schools to local control

The R.I. Council on Elementary and Secondary Education voted 7-1 to give Providence back control of its schools, ending state intervention that began in 2019. The decision follows Education Commissioner Infante-Green's recommendation to return local control by July 1, a year earlier than previously suggested. The move came after a week of mixed signals and tense exchanges between city and state leaders.

wpri.comMAY 30, 2026
GovernancePaywall

State abandons Burrillville hospital plan, shifts to Cranston site amid soaring costs

Gov. McKee's administration is scrapping plans to build a new state hospital on the Zambarano Campus in Burrillville after costs spiraled to $322 million, more than triple the 2023 estimate. A new study found that building in Cranston would cost $243 million, significantly cheaper than the Burrillville site due to infrastructure challenges. The state urgently needs a new long-term care facility to meet patient demand and avoid losing federal funding.

providencejournal.comMAY 30, 2026
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