Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo unveiled Thursday a $9.9 billion budget proposal that directs more money to education, legalizes marijuana for adults and avoids broad-based tax increases. The spending plan also wipes out an almost $200 million deficit, while imposing some new fees. The executive summary of the budget describes the spending plan as an […]
Gina Raimondo
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Raimondo Proposes Expansion Of Free Tuition Program; Legislative Support Uncertain
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo used her State of the State address Tuesday to propose a series of investments that she said are needed to strengthen the state, including an expansion of a widely debated free tuition program. But the extent to which the General Assembly will go along with the governor’s wish-list remains uncertain.
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RI’s Point Person On Marijuana Outlines Legalization Proposal
A member of Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo’s administration described her proposal to legalize marijuana as an attempt to adapt to increased legalization throughout the Northeast while limiting the negative effects of that change. Norman Birenbaum, a principal policy and economic analyst for the state, used a media availability on Monday to offer more details […]
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TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For January 11
The legislative session in Rhode Island is off to a fast start, thanks to a vigorous debate on House rules. There’s a lot more happening, so thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we […]
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TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For January 4
What better way to kick off a new political year than by getting the party started on New Year’s Day? That was the case in the Biggest Little thanks to a quirk of how the first Tuesday of 2019 fell on the holiday (the General Assembly won’t start again on January 1 until 2030). So […]
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As New England Governors Are Sworn In, One Gets A Big Pay Raise
Charlie Baker, Massachusetts’ governor will see a big pay increase this year, making him the highest-paid governor in New England. A couple years ago, Baker opposed a raise being pushed by state legislators. “I’m not gonna take the pay raise,” Baker said in February of 2017. “The lieutenant governor’s not gonna take the pay raise. […]
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Scott MacKay Commentary: Gov. Raimondo’s Inaugural:
Raimondo kicks off second term with upbeat address
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Raimondo Fills 3 Public Safety Leadership Positions
Rhode Island Governor Raimondo announced she will appoint James Manni as superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. She also said she’ll nominate Patricia Coyne-Fague as director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, and appoint Marc Pappas to lead the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.
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TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For December 21
Welcome to my last TGIF column of 2018. I’ll be off most of next week – so no column next Friday — but I’ll be back at work New Year’s Day to bring you the Rhode Island inaugural and the opening of the 2019 General Assembly session. Thanks for following my reporting and best wishes […]
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Q&A: Raimondo On Budget, Schools, Providence Pension, Marijuana & More
A year-end interview with Gina Raimondo.