Senate Finance Committee passes RI budget

By John Krinjak

Email: jkrinjak@abc6.com

Twitter: @johnkrinjakABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed the state budget late Tuesday afternoon, after meeting for only about an hour.

Senators did not make a single change to the version that passed the full House Friday night.

The budget includes new revenue from sports betting, and phases out the car tax. It also borrows $250 million to fix crumbling schools, and restores funding for human services.

Many committee members say they’re glad to see renewed investment in education and those with disabilities.

Senate Finance Chair William Conley credits a greater collaboration this year between the house and senate for what’s been relatively smooth budget process so far.

The full Senate could vote on this budget as soon as Wednesday.

Assuming it passes there, it will head to the governor who is expected to sign it.

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