Latest news with #RhodeIslandGeneralAssembly
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
R.I. General Assembly backs hourly minimum wage hike to $16 in 2026, then $17 in 2027
Both chambers of the Rhode Island General Assembly approved increasing the state's minimum wage by a dollar a year through 2027, voting mostly along party lines. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) The parade of annual increases in Rhode Island's hourly minimum wage is poised to march on for two more years under companion bills approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly Tuesday. The legislation sponsored by Democratic Rep. David Bennett, of Warwick, and Sen. John Burke, of West Warwick, increase the existing, $15 hourly minimum wage to $16 starting Jan. 1, 2026, rising to $17 on Jan. 1, 2027. Both chambers approved the wage hike in separate votes divided mostly along party lines — 55-10 in the House, and 33-4 in the Senate. All four Senate Republicans voted against the bill while nine of 10 House Republicans opposed it; the final House Republican, Rep. Robert Quattrocchi, of Scituate, was absent. Democratic Rep. Jacquelyn Baginski of Cranston also voted against the wage increase. Each chamber must rubber stamp the other's bill under a process known as concurrence before the proposal can be signed into law. Gov. Dan McKee's office did not immediately return inquiries for comment Thursday. Originally, an annual $1-per-year increase in base pay would have continued through the end of the decade, culminating in $20-an-hour in 2030. But backlash from business groups and economic uncertainty led to what Rep. Arthur Corvese, a North Providence Democrat and chair of the House Committee on Labor, termed a 'more measured approach' — only prescribing annual wage hikes for the next two years rather than five. 'I would urge my colleagues to vote for this very common sense, measured response regarding increasing the minimum wage,' Corvese said. His plea did not persuade Republican lawmakers, who echoed business owners concerns' that higher wages would cut into small business bottom lines, and, potentially, force layoffs. 'The real minimum wage is $0,' said House Minority Whip David Place, a Burrillville Republican. 'That's what they make when they get fired because business can't afford to keep them.' Consumers could suffer, too, warned Rep. Paul Santucci, a Smithfield Republican. Santucci took an informal survey of owners of four local restaurants, a farm, a nursing home and a repair shop. All told him they would likely have to raise their prices if base wages increase, Santucci said Thursday. 'For small business owners, policies that continually increase labor costs will force them to make difficult decisions,' the Rhode Island Business Coalition wrote in a March 5 letter to lawmakers. 'They may be forced to cut jobs and/or reduce their employees' hours, if they are not forced to close entirely. Rising labor costs may also increase the speed at which employers decide to invest in technology to replace lower-wage workers. This means fewer jobs for Rhode Island workers, and ultimately undermines the progress our economy needs to make.' The coalition in its letter also pointed out that Rhode Island already has the seventh highest hourly minimum wage in the country — accompanied by Massachusetts — having hiked the base pay for hourly workers in eight of the last nine years. Sen. Leonidas Raptakis framed Rhode Island's high ranking as a benefit, rather than a detriment, noting that the Ocean State's hourly base pay ranked 14th in 2013, before lawmakers began a series of regular minimum wage hikes. 'If we do this today, we're going to be number 6, then maybe in 2017, we'll be number 5,' said Raptakis, a Coventry Democrat and former small business owner. Raptakis unsuccessfully proposed two amendments on the Senate floor Thursday: one to raise the minimum wage to $17 immediately, with subsequent increases based upon the consumer price index, and a second to create a legislative study panel on the topic. Both amendments failed. Earlier in the session, progressive Democratic Rep. Enrique Sanchez also suggested an alternative, proposing a $22 hourly minimum starting Jan. 1, which failed to gain enough traction to advance out of committee. Addressing colleagues Thursday, Sanchez backed the less-severe $1 boost to hourly wages as 'good progress.' 'This is common sense legislation,' Sanchez said. 'The reality is that inflation is still high, and we need to make sure our Rhode Islanders are getting paid sufficient wages in order to maintain their lifestyles and support their families at home.' Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian, an East Providence Democrat, also noted that business owners routinely implore lawmakers to make policies that are predictable and standardized. 'This does exactly that,' Kazarian said. Union groups, medical professionals and advocates for child and family wellbeing previously expressed support for raising the state's minimum wage, which they said would boost purchasing power, reduce poverty and lead to better health outcomes. Lawmakers last updated the state's minimum wage rate in 2021, approving a set of annual increases that increased hourly rates by $3.50 over a four-year period. Separate proposals to increase the tipped minimum wage for servers and other hospitality workers — either a one-year bump to $6.75 an hour or gradually to reach $15 hourly by 2031 — remained held for review in committee in each chamber as of Thursday afternoon. Rhode Island has not updated its $3.89 hourly minimum wage for workers who receive tips since 2017. 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Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers approve outdoor dining change to help Matunuck Oyster Bar after devastating fire
The damaged Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown is shown on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the date of a devastating fire believed to have been accidental. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Appreciation for South County's acclaimed Matunuck Oyster Bar transcends political party, evidenced by the Rhode Island General Assembly's universal support to change state outdoor dining regulations on the restaurant's behalf. Companion bills sponsored by South Kingstown Democrats, Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski were each approved by their respective chambers in separate, unanimous votes Thursday. Each chamber must still give the rubber stamp to the other's bill — a process known as concurrence — before the legislation heads to Gov. Dan McKee's desk. McKee has already indicated his support. The eleventh hour proposal, introduced in the Rhode Island State House one week earlier, offers a temporary solution after a fire permanently closed Matunuck Oyster Bar on May 20. Perry Raso, restaurant owner and oyster farmer, has cooked up a plan to host diners in a neighboring marina parking lot this summer, which requires a few tweaks to existing state regulations governing al fresco eateries. 'While we know summer at Matunuck Oyster Bar won't look the same this year, this creative solution is a great first step toward welcoming diners back to our tables and keeping our staff working and earning wages during this busy season,' Raso said in a statement Thursday prior to the votes. Raso said he can keep about 50 members of his 300-person staff on the payroll this summer under the mobile kitchen plan. 'This bill is not only about outdoor dining, it's about protecting jobs, supporting small business and keeping our economy going,' said Rep. Kathleen Fogarty, a South Kingstown Democrat whose district includes the restaurant and Raso's home. Outdoor dining is no longer a novelty, having become a staple for the state's hospitality industry in the wake of the pandemic. In February 2024, lawmakers approved a new state law regulating outdoor dining, allowing cities and towns to limit outdoor dining on public property and set capacity caps, while protecting restaurant owners from overly restrictive local limits on operating hours and parking. The bill passed by both chambers Thursday amends the 2024 law, permitting 18 months of outdoor dining — or until the building is 'fit for occupancy' — for restaurants closed due to casualties like floods and fires. Municipal governments would also need to OK the workaround measure for affected restaurants in their communities based on existing local ordinances. Restaurants could serve alcohol outside, too, if they already have a local liquor license. The added flexibility for outdoor dining in emergencies expires June 30, 2027, though Senator Leonidas Raptakis, a Coventry Democrat, urged fellow senators to consider making the change permanent. 'I think this is a very good tool that helps all businesses in Rhode Island,' Raptakis, who used to own Venus Pizza in Coventry. 'I don't want to see this happen to any business.' Across the rotunda, Minority Whip David Place,a Burrillville Republican, lobbied unsuccessfully to make the proposal permanent. 'I don't want this to just be here for one business, I want it to be here for every business,' Place said. McEntee, however, said the sunset provision aligned with prior, pandemic-era outdoor dining laws, which all began as temporary measures and, if proven effective, became permanent. Place ultimately voted for the legislation as presented, including the 2027 expiration. The South Kingstown Town Council passed a resolution at its June 9 meeting supporting the state policy change, as requested by Elizabeth Noonan, an attorney representing Raso. The South Kingstown Town Council must also approve details of Raso's outdoor dining plans, which had not been submitted to the town as of Thursday afternoon, Town Council President Rory McEntee. He is the son of Rep. McEntee. 'We look forward to sharing our plans for al fresco dining in the marina parking lot across the street from the Matunuck Oyster Bar if and when this legislation is enacted, and we remain committed to take any step we can to preserve as many summer shifts for as many of our employees as possible,' Raso said Thursday. Details on a permanent rebuild and reopening of the famed, 16-year seafood restaurant were not immediately available. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal, Matt Touchette, a spokesperson, said Thursday. A preliminary investigation suggested it was accidental, and not caused by commercial cooking equipment. Rep. Megan Cotter, an Exeter Democrat, recused herself from the vote. Cotter sold the restaurant fish through her job as director of business development and category management for Foley Fish, she said via text Thursday night. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
R.I. overspent on film tax credits in 2022. Lawmakers must correct $3.2M difference this year.
Initial estimates predict the third season of 'The Gilded Age,' taped in Newport in late 2024, spent nearly $27 million on filming in Rhode Island. Season 3, which debuts June 22 on HBO, would qualify for $8 million in state tax credits. Matt Walker and Taaissa Farmiga appear in the first episode of Season 3, above. (Photo by Karolina Wojtasik/HBO) From 'The Gilded Age' to 'Hocus Pocus 2,' Rhode Island has played a starring role in a growing number of TV shows, movies, commercials and theater productions. So many, in fact, that the state unintentionally approved more tax credits to production companies for local spending than available state funding for the incentive program. The unexpected $3.2 million shortfall, which dates back to credits from productions completed in 2022, was recently revealed in a May 28 memo from Gov. Dan McKee to state lawmakers. McKee suggested dipping into state coffers in the upcoming fiscal 2026 budget to cover the retroactive overrun. Not a welcome proposal as the Rhode Island General Assembly grapples with a projected $185 million deficit heading into the new fiscal year alongside potentially devastating federal funding cuts to major programs like Medicaid. But lawmakers may not have much choice — the 2005 law that created the motion picture tax credit program offers a three-year window for eligible productions to redeem approved credits, which are based on state taxes paid on workers' wages and local goods and services. This is the final year for companies to redeem credits they were awarded in 2022 — the year of the inadvertent overspend. 'The production companies followed the rules,' Brian Daniels, director of the Rhode Island Office of Management and Budget, told lawmakers during a presentation to the Senate Committee on Finance Tuesday night. 'They didn't do anything wrong. There's not a lot of discretion here.' The film incentive program is a perennial hot potato on Smith Hill; proponents insist that offering tax credits for up to 30% of local production costs boosts Rhode Island's economy, creating jobs and incentivizing people to visit (and spend more money) to see the places where their favorite shows and films were created. Naysayers question whether the unquantifiable 'indirect spend' from the program is actually enough to offset the initial upfront investment, also noting that more than half of jobs go to non-Rhode Island residents, as documented in multiple reports by the Rhode Island Office of Revenue Analysis. The revenue office in a July 2024 report reiterated its prior conclusions that the state loses money on the program, with 9 cents in net general revenues for every dollar spent on tax credits from 2019-2021, and $3.19 in total economic output. The findings suggest the program is less beneficial than a 2021 study commissioned by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, which touted a 'multiplier effect' in which $1 invested in tax credits for locally filmed productions yielded $5.44 in economic activity for the state. Yet even Feinberg, the program's most stalwart defender, admits there are some problems with timing and accuracy of initial production cost projections. Feinberg helps market the Ocean State to production companies, relying on the tax credit program as a key incentive. He also gives first vetting to tax credit applications, sending an initial determination based on eligibility and projected local spending to the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. Lawmakers determine a maximum amount in each state budget plan for the program based on the preliminary estimates and introductory conversations— many of which never turn into actual productions eligible for state funding. But it is only after taping finishes and a thorough audit by state tax officials that credits are awarded — often years after the initial estimates upon which state budget calculations are made. Usually, the mismatch is not a problem. Costs, and therefore credit amounts, are almost always lower than initially estimated. Until now, when final audits show the state gave out $33.2 million in tax credits to eight productions that wrapped in 2022 — exceeding the $30 million funding cap for that year. In 2022, pent-up post-COVID demand converged with a rush to finish filming in anticipation of writers' and actors' union strikes that happened in 2023 to create what Steven Feinberg, executive director for the Rhode Island Film and Television office, called the 'perfect storm.' 'This was an anomaly,' Feinberg said, speaking to lawmakers Tuesday. 'I've been doing this for 20 years, and this has never happened.' Feinberg also noted the earlier-than-expected completion of an 'Emmy-award winning,' show, referring to the second season of HBO's 'The Gilded Age.' The hit TV series concluded filming its second season in Newport in October 2022, receiving $7.5 million in state tax credits based on more than $28.4 million in local production costs, according to program information submitted to state budget analysts at the May Revenue and Caseload Estimating Conference. A third season of 'The Gilded Age' was taped in Newport in late 2024. Final production costs have not been submitted, but initial estimates predict a nearly $27 million spend, with a corresponding $8 million in tax credits. This was an anomaly. I've been doing this for 20 years, and this has never happened. – Steven Feinberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Film and Television Office, on exceeding the state's funding cap for motion picture tax credits in 2022 Of the $40 million set aside in 2023 for tax credits, $31 million remains, Daniels said. McKee's proposed $14 billion fiscal 2026 budget would authorize up to $20 million more for the program in 2026. Still, both Daniels and Feinberg acknowledged the need to address timing and accuracy of program awards. Feinberg said his office is working with the state taxation division to keep officials in the loop on potential changes to initial project estimates, while also considering how to tweak state regulations to better align budgets and awards. Feinberg did not immediately respond to requests for more information Wednesday. Senate Finance Chairman Lou DiPalma pointed out that if the overspend was uncovered after the legislative session ended on June 30, the consequences could have been worse. 'What would you do if we're not here?' DiPalma said during the hearing. 'Do you wait till January?' He continued, 'We're fortunate it hasn't manifested itself yet, but what we can do, we should do. What did we learn? We don't want this to happen again.' DiPalma's concern over reporting discrepancies did not preclude him from a more lighthearted request of Feinberg. 'I still want to meet Danny DeVito,' DiPalma said. 'When can that happen?' House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson both remained noncommittal on the proposed funding adjustment in separate statements Wednesday. The additional money will be considered as part of budget deliberations, which are expected to be hammered out in the next few weeks ahead. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Boston Globe
30-05-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
Students in crisis cannot wait for mental health care – and they shouldn't have to
Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up In 2024, Related : Advertisement School social workers are trained to address mental health needs, substance use, housing instability, bullying, grief, and more. They create spaces where students feel safe and seen. Students across Rhode Island are speaking about how vital these adults are to their success and survival. Advertisement Marcel Anderson, a Rhode Island student bravely shares his story: ' When I was in the eighth grade, I missed over 80 days of school. I had panic attacks, was scared of school shootings, and didn't feel safe. But my school social worker showed up for me every single day. She wasn't just my counselor—she was like my second mom. She helped me navigate my feelings and showed me better ways to cope. A peer of mine told me she showed up to the first day of school in pajamas after being kicked out of her home. A school social worker found her clothes, connected her with family, and made sure she had what she needed. Stories like these happen every day in schools. My peers and I see social workers as caring adults and share things with them that can be challenging to talk to our parents about. They help us manage our anxiety, our traumas, and stay in school. Yet many districts lack access.' school social worker – well over the recommended ratio. Rhode Island needs an additional 198 mental health professionals to offer students proper support to address their mental health needs. That's why we are urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to pass House Bill 6045 / Senate Bill 250, legislation that would invest $2 million to increase the number of school social workers statewide. The bill would help schools move closer to the recommended ratio and ensure more students get the help they need, when they need it. Advertisement Rhode Island students aren't asking for anything extraordinary. They're asking for someone in their corner. Someone to listen. Someone to help believe that things can get better. It's time for Rhode Island to listen — and act. Sarnya KP is a licensed social worker and a current member of the Women's Policy Institute at the Women's Fund of Rhode Island. Marcel Anderson is a student at the Met High School and Student Advocate with Youth in Action.
Boston Globe
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Dominick Ruggerio's political evolution was personal
Related : But there has been a noticeable change in Ruggerio in recent years. He became more comfortable in his highly visible role as the president of the Rhode Island Senate. Maybe it was being a grandfather? Maybe he was adjusting to leading a chamber that was far more liberal than him? Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up So after Rhode Island lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a sweeping environmental bill called the Advertisement 'I've been called a lot worse,' he chuckled, showcasing a slight hint of vulnerability: he knew people still gossiped about a shoplifting incident he was involved in more than three decades ago. Ruggerio Advertisement It was not the most graceful end, in part because he chose to pursue another term as president of the Senate at a time when he knew he was unwell. As he was fighting for his life, his family saw weekly headlines about whether he was going to be in But that shouldn't overshadow or tarnish the legacy of a man who served more than 40 years in the Rhode Island General Assembly, first as a state representative, and since 1985, as a senator. Ruggerio was an influential leader within the laborers' union as he gained political power, and it was generally true that he was going to support legislation that created construction jobs at almost every step. He wanted to build a minor league baseball stadium in Providence. He supported the redevelopment of the 'Superman' building, no matter the cost. He thought the land opened up in Providence by moving Interstate 195 would be an economic catalyst for the state. So he allowed the Act on Climate to pass even as many of his friends in the business community had deep concerns. When few other politicians were willing to make it a front-and-center issue, he fought to ensure that employees at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital would have a secure retirement as the hospital's pension fund collapsed. He even showed an Sure, some of that was pragmatic politics. But it also marked the evolution of a man who enjoyed nothing more than watching his granddaughter go horseback riding and perform in dance recitals. He wanted a safer, fairer, cleaner future for all four of his grandchildren. And because of him, they'll have it. Advertisement A few years ago, his political team and the Providence firefighters organized a winter coat giveaway at Veazie Street Elementary School in the city. He spent the day helping poor kids pick out their favorite colors and styles as they tried on different jackets. At the end, he turned to his team and told them it was the best thing he'd done in his political career. I mostly stopped covering Ruggerio for a little while because my partner, Nora, went to work for him as his policy director for two years. She didn't know Ruggerio before she took the job – for a little while there he called her 'Norma' – but she viewed him as a compassionate leader who cared more about policy than many people thought. Most importantly, she found him to be a gentleman. In late 2023, I started covering him again because Nora had left his office, and I asked about his top priorities for the upcoming legislative session. He floated an idea that he hadn't mentioned to anyone before: building a Plenty of people scoffed at the idea. One lobbyist even asked if I put the idea in his head. Nope. As has been the case a lot in recent years, Ruggerio was ahead of his time. He knew there was a Advertisement We're still a long way from URI getting a medical school. There's a long-term study commission underway. But if it happens, URI should name the school after Ruggerio, or at least award him a posthumous doctorate. Dr. Green New Donny has a nice ring to it. Dan McGowan can be reached at
