House finance committee approves $8.67 billion state budget
By News Staff
Reporting by Samantha Lavien
slavien@abc6.com
A long night at the State House as the Finance Committee tackles the biggest item on it’s plate this session—the state budget.
The House Finance Committee approved the proposed 8.67 billion dollar budget, which is 37.7 million more than the Governor’s initial proposal.
Speaker Mattiello said, “This is a pro-economy, pro-jobs budget, which will serve as a catalyst for existing businesses and help attract new businesses to the state of RI.”
Noticeably absent from this version of the budget is the proclaimed Taylor Swift tax, anything about the proposed Providence Pawsox stadium, and the trucking tolls that the Governor had proposed.
Rep. Raymond Gallison, Chairman of the House Finance Committee said, “The number one priority is to move the economy forward and creating jobs. That’s what this budget will do.”
The Governor’s proposal to raise the cigarette tax by a quarter did make it through in this version.
In regards to Medicaid, the finance committee largely backed the Governor’s initial proposal.
Some notable changes include reducing the minimum corporate sales tax from $500 to $450, and eliminating energy sales tax for businesses immediately.
“While other states are increasing taxes and fees, RI has been reducing taxes. I think the message is out there that
The budget will now go to the house floor which is expected to be heard next Tuesday.
As for the toll proposal, Speaker Mattiello reiterated his support for the concept but says more work still needs to be done, saying it will likely be taken up at a later date.
© WLNE-TV 2015
