Rhode Island House to consider $8.67 billion budget plan
By The Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ The Rhode Island House is considering an $8.67 billion state budget proposal designed to help existing Rhode Island businesses and attract new industry.
The budget plan eliminates the sales tax on energy for commercial users, lowers the annual minimum corporate tax and gives Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo all of the tools she requested to encourage job creation, but with some controls.
It also includes the bulk of Raimondo’s plan to restructure the Medicaid system to lower costs. Some cuts to hospitals and nursing homes were reduced.
The plan will be taken up Tuesday. The vote could happen Wednesday if it’s a lengthy debate.
Lawmakers filed 20 amendments, though not all will necessarily be offered.
Some are seeking to eliminate, or at least delay, a proposed new tax on vacation rentals.
(C) The Associated Press 2015
