Lawmakers speak out against RIPTA budget cuts

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — As the deficit-challenged Rhode Island Public Transit Authority continues holding public meetings about what to cut, lawmakers throughout Rhode Island are urging the state to help close RIPTA’s deficit and ensure that no cuts are necessary.

Among those speaking out is state representative David Morales.

A statement from Morales reads in part:

In June, Governor McKee said publicly, that there exists $15 million in surplus funds in the state budget. I urge the governor to use some of this surplus to fund RIPTA’s shortfall and avoid these cuts. If he will not, I support all options, including returning early to the General Assembly in the fall, to fully fund RIPTA.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien and the city’s general assembly delegation also responded in a joint statement, saying:

It is unfair for the working-class to shoulder the burden of budget shortfalls. These cuts fly in the face of RIPTA’s mission and will cause great harm to both the city of Pawtucket and the state of Rhode Island.