Lawmakers oppose tax hikes; bridge traffic way down

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island lawmakers face some tough decisions as the state emerges from the coronavirus crisis and tries to plug a budget gap of at least $400 million, but higher taxes appear to be off the table.

The Providence Journal reports that lawmakers who wanted to raise taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents before the pandemic are still behind the proposal, as are those who previously pushed for the legalization and sale of recreational marijuana.

Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello says his advisers are looking for creative ways to use the $1.7 billion the state has received from Washington for COVID-19-related expenses.