Rhode Island Policy Reporter

RIPR looks at state and federal policy issues that affect life here in the Ocean State. Each report focuses on particular policy areas of interest. Future issues will examine controversial aspects of environmental policy, health care, property tax reform, and education spending. The intention is to look at action rather than talk. We aspire to be a news source that never attends news conferences, where little of substance is ever said.

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Available Issues:

  • Oct 04 - RIPTA and DOT, who's really in crisis?
  • Aug 04 - MTBE and well pollution, Mathematical problems with property taxes
  • May 04 - A look at food-safety issues: mad cows, genetic engineering, disappearing farmland.
  • Mar 04 - FY05 RI State Budget Critique.
  • Feb 04 - A close look at the Blue Cross of RI annual statement.
  • Oct 03 - Taxing matters, a historical overview of tax burdens in Rhode Island
  • Oct 03 Appendix - Methodology notes and sources for October issue
  • Apr 03 - FY04 RI State Budget critique
Issues are issued in paper. They are archived irregularly here.

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  • 11 issues/year more or less
  • $35/11 issues, $20/6 issues
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    Rhode Island Policy Reporter
    Box 23011
    Providence, RI 02903

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editor at whatcheer dot net

Archive

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Mon, 22 Nov 2004

Exciting contrast

In Saturday's paper, there was the thrilling juxtaposition of Governor Carcieri calling for lower income taxes (as threatened) in the (business section (registration required), and his chief budget officer predicting a $163 million deficit for the next fiscal year (here). She said things are basically ok for FY05, but FY06 looks like a nightmare.

Our prediction: the state will use the threat of a deficit to continue deficit spending at DOT, to deny any increase in welfare payments (still waiting), and to refuse any increase in state aid to the cities and towns. The cities and towns in turn will enact substantial tax increases. This spring should be a good season for tax riots.

11:23 - 22 Nov 2004 [/m0411] link