GOP Chairman blasts Mattiello’s revised PawSox legislation

May 30, 2018 5:52 pm

By Alana Cerrone

acerrone@abc6.com

@Alana_Cerrone

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) – Just last month, a spokesperson said Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello’s position on the Paw Sox plan hadn’t changed. He wanted to see a "better deal" with less risk to taxpayers.

Now, he says his revised legislation is just that because it removes state backing.

Governor Gina Raimondo says she’s happy that there seems to be some movement.

As for the speaker’s plan, she’s optimistic, even though the exact details haven’t been revealed.

But Rhode Island GOP Chairman Brandon Bell isn’t sold. In a release sent Wednesday, he says the new deal is too similar to Mayor Don Grebien’s ‘Plan B,’ in which the city would finance the stadium.

Mayor Grebien would ask the state to direct income and sales tax and other state revenue

from the ball park to the city.

Ultimately, Bell warns, taxpayers will still be on the hook.

Speaker Mattiello responded, saying, “This is not Mayor Grebien’s Plan B. The House proposal will allow the stadium to be built with no risk to the Rhode Island or the Pawtucket taxpayers. These are special revenue bonds only payable through revenues. There is no other recourse against anyone.”