House Finance Committee approves McKee’s state budget bill

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The House Finance Committee voted to approve Governor Dan McKee’s 2025 budget yesterday.

The budget, which totals $13.9 billion dollars, brings additional funding McKee’s critical focus points; such as childcare, education, and housing.

The budget is $60 million lower than 2024’s budget, as several pandemic era programs are coming to an end this year.

With the proposed budget, school will receive a little under $71 million in additional state funding, as they adjust budgets to reflect a lack of pandemic era support systems.

A 120 million dollar housing bound will also go to voters in November, asking for a commitment to create more affordable housing across Rhode Island.

The bond is $20 million dollars higher than McKee’s original proposal.

The budget also includes more than $83 million for the state to match federal fund for the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge.

His budget does double the amount of assistance for businesses in East Providence hurt by the closure to $2.6 million.

The Housing Committee recommended uses for unspent COVID funding, including $10 million towards nursing homes.

One Housing Finance Committee member voted to send McKee’s budget to the House, where it will face a vote later this week.