RI House passes budget 59-13

The Rhode Island House of Representatives has passed a revised version of Governor Gina Raimondo’s $8.9 billion budget.

The 59-13 coming down right around midnight after hours of debate.

Speaker Nick Mattiello calling this a pro-jobs, pro- economy budget.

"It does a lot for the middle class folks. There’s no fee increases no tax increases," said Mattiello. "I’m particularly proud of the budget."

There were some surprises Wednesday night including $20 million added in an amendment for ProvPort. It passed 57–15. Republican’s not pleased to say the least.

"It reeks of something that’s shady, something that is not right," said Rep. Dan Reilly. "I was surprised that it came out tonight in an amendment I thought that was quite unusual."

A topic of much debate, the school funding formula.

"I really really object to what we are doing to charter schools because we are either going to pay for it now or in the future," said Rep. Morgan.

That piece of legislation ultimately passed with a majority vote now allowing school districts to choose between a 7 percent cut in payments to charter schools or a cut based on itemized costs.

Other notable parts of the budget include a break on pension costs and a reduction in beach fees.

The budget now goes to the Senate for approval. Legislators are hoping to wrap up this session on Friday.