House Finance Committee approves state budget

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- The House Finance Committee has approved a $12.75 billion budget for Rhode Island’s 2021 fiscal year.

The long awaited budget had seen an unprecedented delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The bill contains no new spending programs, but is meant to keep crucial state services in operation, while stemming off some cuts, according to a statement from House speaker Larry Berman.

“This ‘skinny budget’ will keep our crucial services and supports running, it will provide much-needed relief to our cities and towns, and most importantly, it will help our struggling families and small businesses during the pandemic,” said House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin Abney.

The bill will prevent a projected $275 million deficit, and restore funding to cities and towns, without raising state taxes or fees, according to the statement.

Lawmakers acknowledged that federal coronavirus funding from the CARES Act made up a major portion of the difference. Rhode Island was allotted $1.25 billion in federal funds.

“This budget is about making sure we take full advantage of the federal funding available to help take care of Rhode Islanders and get us through this pandemic,” said House Speaker-elect Joseph Shekarchi. “With this budget in place, we will be able to turn our focus to the future, to economic recovery as the vaccine rolls out, and to helping provide resources as well as hope to the people of Rhode Island in 2021.”

The budget was approved 11-2, with the two nay votes from the committee’s Republican members.

The bill is scheduled to be taken up by the House this upcoming Wednesday, which will meet in session at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020