PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Democratic lawmakers will soon meet in private to discuss Rhode Island's failing economy and its budget crisis.

House Speaker William Murphy has scheduled a closed-door caucus Thursday afternoon at the Statehouse. In a letter, the West Warwick Democrat said he hoped the caucus will be a first step for lawmakers debating a financial plan of action.

After taking a monthslong break, lawmakers returned to the
Statehouse last week for a special session but took little action
on the economy.

Unemployment in Rhode Island reached 13 percent last month and economists expect it will continue to climb.

The plummeting economy has reduced tax revenue and produced big shortfalls in the state budget.

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