Proposed R.I. budget would legalize marijuana, extend car tax phaseout
The proposal also calls for restructuring the state-run Eleanor Slater Hospital
By Edward Fitzpatrick Globe Staff,Updated March 11, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
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Governor Daniel J. McKee delivers inaugural address on the steps of the State House.Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff
PROVIDENCE â In his first budget proposal, Governor Dan J. McKee on Thursday outlined an $11.17-billion spending plan that would legalize marijuana, take the next step in the car-tax phaseout, and restructure the stateâs Eleanor Slater Hospital.
McKee submitted his proposed budget four days after his inauguration ceremony. The former lieutenant governor stepped in to become Rhode Islandâs 76th governor after Gina M. Raimondo was confirmed as President Joe Bidenâs secretary of Commerce.
Rhode Islanders approve $400 million in bond questions Published Wed Mar 03 2021 22:54:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Rhode Islanders approved $400 million in bond measures in Tuesday’s special election to fund projects ranging from affordable housing to facilities upgrades for higher education. by Julia Moro
The bond questions asked Rhode Islanders to borrow millions of dollars for various projects.
Michael DiBiase, CEO of Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council says the state will benefit in the long-term by investing in infrastructure, childcare, the environment and more.
“It’s common and responsible for states to borrow money for capital infrastructure; these are long-term investments,” said DiBiase. “You could always talk about, would it be more conservative to not borrow, but I don’t think that’s a wise approach because then you wouldn’t have the benefits of these assets over time.”