07/03/2009

Governor vetoes Assembly’s dog-racing mandate
He says legislation forcing Twin River to hold dog racing “is a risk that the state cannot afford to take” because it could disrupt bankruptcy proceedings.

07/05/2009

Last-minute dispute threatens effort to revamp R.I. open records law

07/03/2009

Providence to study getting revenue from tax-exempt institutions
In an attempt to raise revenue, Providence will consider asking hospitals and universities to make payments in lieu of taxes.

Tiverton soil cleanup to start in fall
The Department of Environmental Management says the cleanup of contaminated soil should be completed by the end of the year.

07/02/2009

Supporters of state name change poised to woo voters’ support
Though the General Assembly has yet to approve placing the question before the state’s voters, the campaign for dropping “Plantations” from the state name has begun.

Lt. Gov. Roberts bows out of race for governor
But the field of would-be successors to Governor Carcieri still remains crowded even after the lieutenant governor’s announcement.

Senate commission to study marijuana decriminalization
The Senate commission will issue a report on decriminalization by Jan. 31, 2010.

Supporters of state name change poised to woo voters’ support
Though the General Assembly has yet to approve placing the question before the state’s voters, the campaign for dropping “Plantations” from the state name has begun.

Lt. Gov. Roberts bows out of race for governor
But the field of would-be successors to Governor Carcieri still remains crowded even after the lieutenant governor’s announcement.

Sex-offender bills stall in R.I. Assembly
Among the measures that have not passed is one that would make it a felony for convicted sex offenders to knowingly enter playgrounds, daycare centers and schools.

07/01/2009

Carcieri OKs $7.8-billion R.I. budget
But the governor says the plan relies on one-time fixes and lawmakers put off difficult choices on spending.

R.I. Senate recesses with bills in limbo
Among the bills yet to be acted on are a ban on indoor prostitution and a call for a referendum on the state name.

How they voted
How they voted

Twin River’s woes spur visit to R.I. by Harrah’s
The visit comes as the Senate approves a bill authorizing 24-7 gambling at the Lincoln slot parlor and requiring it to run a full season of greyhound racing.

06/30/2009

R.I. Senate to hold session today, agenda uncertain
PROVIDENCE — With the House of Representatives at a hiatus and House Speaker William J. Murphy about to head to Switzerland for a conference, the Senate will return to the State House Tuesday to deal with high-profile bills including a bid to ban indoor prostitution and a proposed statewide referendum on changing the name of this state.

Amazon cuts its R.I. ties over sales tax
PROVIDENCE –– The Internet giant Amazon.com has severed formal ties with all Rhode Island businesses, a move intended to shield the online retailer from the General Assembly’s push to tax some online sales as soon as Wednesday.

06/29/2009

Health care still free for R.I. lawmakers
State lawmakers spared their own free health-care packages — costing up to $17,986 apiece — from last week’s round of budget cuts across state government and the municipal aid landscape.

06/28/2009

R.I. House adjourns with bills unresolved
Lawmakers speculate that the hasty end was the result of a communication breakdown between the House and Senate, which left on Friday.

R.I. House adjourns with bills unresolved
Lawmakers speculate that the hasty end was the result of a communication breakdown between the House and Senate, which left on Friday.

R.I. law-enforcement officials say Senate bill outlawing indoor prostitution is flawed
Lawmakers want to close a loophole that makes indoor prostitution legal in Rhode Island, but police officials question the effectiveness of the proposed law.

06/27/2009

Voters given the chance to drop ‘Providence Plantations’ from R.I.’s name
Lawmakers give residents a chance to strike “Providence Plantations” from the state’s official identity.

Dogfight over greyhounds: House votes to require racing at Twin River
The House votes to require greyhound racing over the objections of Governor Carcieri that lawmakers should not interfere with Twin River’s bankruptcy proceeding.

Voters given the chance to drop ‘Providence Plantations’ from R.I.’s name
Lawmakers give residents a chance to strike “Providence Plantations” from the state’s official identity.

Dogfight over greyhounds: House votes to require racing at Twin River
The House votes to require greyhound racing over the objections of Governor Carcieri that lawmakers should not interfere with Twin River’s bankruptcy proceeding.

Voters given the chance to drop ‘Providence Plantations’ from R.I.’s name
Lawmakers give residents a chance to strike “Providence Plantations” from the state’s official identity.

R.I. Senate confirms Rodgers as Superior Court judge
Rodgers, 41, of Warwick, a lawyer in private practice, replaces Judge Vincent A. Ragosta on the Superior Court bench.

Dog racing: How the R.I. Senate voted
The Senate vote

Dog racing: How the R.I. House voted
The House vote

With federal help, $7.8-billion budget goes to Carcieri
PROVIDENCE — The Senate approved a $7.8-billion state budget Friday night, sending the tax-and-spending bill for the budget year that begins Wednesday to the governor’s desk and ending a 24-hour standoff.

R.I. House passes bill to create new Department of Veterans Affairs
PROVIDENCE — House lawmakers on Friday approved legislation to create a new Department of Veterans Affairs within the Office of Health and Human Services, starting in July 2010. Under the legislation, the agency would take on the work of a smaller veterans’ affairs division, which would be replaced. The new department would have the added authorization to establish and maintain a care program for homeless vets. The current advisory council for the Rhode Island Veterans Home would be replaced by an advisory council for veterans’ affairs. “There are nearly 100,000 veterans in Rhode Island, many of them with dependents,” said Rep. Kenneth Carter, D-North Kingstown, chairman of the House

R.I. law-enforcement officials say Senate bill outlawing indoor prostitution is flawed
PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island State Police and the attorney general say a bill approved by the Senate Thursday night that seeks to outlaw indoor prostitution would weaken, rather than strengthen, the current law.

Law clears way for offshore wind farms in Rhode Island
WARWICK — Governor Carcieri on Friday signed into law legislation that could pave the way for offshore wind farms in Rhode Island.

06/26/2009

Plan to change RI state name advances
PROVIDENCE -- After one of the most earnest debates of the session thus far, the House late Thursday approved scheduling a referendum on whether to change Rhode Island's formal name from State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to simply Rhode Island.

Budget may get final Assembly approval today
A Senate vote on the House-approved bill was being delayed by sparring among legislative leaders.

Senate committee backs Rodgers for judgeship
The judgeship nomination of Kristen E. Rodgers, the daughter of retiring Superior Court Presiding Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr., is expected to be voted on by the full Senate on Friday.

Battle continues over dog-racing dates at Twin River
Senate leaders appeared unwilling to vote on the state budget unless the House acted on the dog-racing bill.

06/25/2009

House passes $7.76-billion budget
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Minutes before 2 a.m., after a debate that spanned nearly 11 hours, the House of Representatives approved a $7.76-billion state spending plan that wiped out millions of dollars to cities and towns, narrowed pension benefits for thousands of state workers and teachers, and boosted Rhode Island's gasoline tax by 2 cents per gallon.

Budget proposal appears on track
With a few minor modifications, the House appears poised to approve the plan endorsed by its Finance Committee.

In the dark of the night
PROVIDENCE

06/24/2009

High drama as House ponders repeal of flat tax
Proponents of ending the flat tax say that the state cannot afford the payment alternative that benefits only the wealthy.

Open-records bill, with major change, approved by House
The legislation, making public records more accessible, heads for the Senate, with a revision regarding initial police narrative reports.

Only a well-to-do few file flat-tax returns in R.I.
More are expected to take advantage in the next few years as the rate drops to 5.5 percent from its original setting of 8 percent.

Bills would force insurers to cover quit-smoking drugs
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and United Healthcare support the expanded coverage, saying it would save money in the long run.

06/23/2009

U.S. to R.I.: Finance charter schools
The U.S. secretary of education says the Assembly’s decision to cut funding for two new charter schools would put the state at “a huge competitive disadvantage” in its quest for additional federal school assistance.

EDC chief lobbies for restoration of funding
Under the proposed state budget being debated in the House, the corporation would have its budget cut in half.

06/22/2009

Watson, Costantino trade salvos over budget process
The annual frenzy continued last week in Room 35 of the State House.

Watson, Costantino trade salvos over budget process
The annual frenzy continued last week in Room 35 of the State House.

06/21/2009

Death of mentally-ill inmate raises question of care
James Davis-Reed, who died of “positional asphyxia” while under video surveillance, was “too fragile to be in prison,” says one state official.

R.I. General Assembly session is winding down
Lawmakers expect the legislative session to end July 1, leaving about a week to deal with — or ignore — nearly 2,000 proposals.

Inmate deaths
Inmate deaths

Death of mentally-ill inmate raises question of care
He banged his head against the wall until his teeth were loose, says one investigator. He clawed at his chest to get the devil out.

06/19/2009

Sex workers testify at Senate hearing on prostitution bill
They voice their opposition to a bill that would outlaw indoor prostitution.

Reaction muted to state budget plan
There were complaints, but the overall assessment was: It could have been worse.

Pharmacy Board disciplines Sen. Blais
The pharmacy owner is placed on probation for violations at his business.

06/18/2009

As one Rodgers departs Superior Court bench, another is nominated to court
Superior Court Presiding Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. announces his retirement as Governor Carcieri nominates the judge’s daughter, Kristen, to the bench.

Rhode Island's Budget: A most delicate balance
The House Finance Committee’s plan trims pensions, boosts gas tax and relies on federal economic stimulus funds.

The state budget
The state budget

FY 2010: $7.76 billion
Dubbed the most challenging budget in state history, the House Finance Committee approves the plan in a 16-to-1 vote.

Probation violation bill progresses
The bill would make it easier for some prisoners to win release if they are accused of a probation violation.

06/17/2009

RI Assembly overrides veto on marijuana compassion centers
Lawmakers override Governor Carcieri’s veto of a measure allowing the creation of state-licensed “compassion centers” to grow and sell marijuana to authorized patients.

Twin River pleas go unanswered
PROVIDENCE — After months of unproductive talks with emissaries of the state, the owners of the Twin River greyhound track and slot parlor have tried and apparently failed in their effort to enlist Governor Carcieri’s help in averting a bankruptcy filing.

06/16/2009

Budget proposal still a secret
Lawmakers refuse to release details on their plan to close the $590-million budget deficit until Wednesday.

Probe sought on Lucas Group payment
The lieutenant governor and the attorney general’s office want to know who authorized the payment for work on the state’s Medicaid waiver.

06/15/2009

Lawmakers bubbly over ’Gansett’s return
Most businesses hoping to come to Rhode Island don’t get to make their pitch from the speaker’s rostrum.

06/13/2009

Carcieri vetoes bill allowing marijuana dispensaries
Senate leaders say they are already planning to schedule a vote to override the governor’s veto before the legislative session ends.

06/12/2009

Senate OKs bill to keep dog racing
The legislation says if Twin River wants to maintain all-night gambling, it has to continue to offer live greyhound racing.

Senate OKs bill to keep dog racing
The legislation says if Twin River wants to maintain all-night gambling it has to continue to offer live greyhound racing.

Lawmakers outlaw pub crawls in wake of student’s death
The bill narrowly passes the House following a heated debate on civil liberties and the role of lawmakers in legislating public behavior.

06/11/2009

"Tea Party" goers deliver a message
PROVIDENCE –– The angry men and women flooded through the marble hallways of the State House Wednesday night, an estimated 500 strong, united in a simple message against government spending and new taxes.

Lawmakers urged to block prostitution bill
Advocates say making prostitution a crime will hinder efforts to root out sex trafficking by making victims less likely to come forward because they fear prosecution.

Panel backs extending judicial nominee rule
The bill, if approved by the Assembly, would allow the governor to pick nominees from lists of finalists compiled over the last five years.

Report proposes $90 million in pension savings
The report by a panel appointed by the House speaker points to a potential $90 million in savings based on changes to the pension system.

Rep. Lima proposes Yankees plates for R.I. motorists
The measure comes on the heels of legislation recently passed by the House to create Red Sox and Patriots license plates for Rhode Island drivers.

06/10/2009

Senate confirms Alexander as state’s chief of health and human services
He will oversee the state’s health and human services office that serves more than 300,000 Rhode Islanders.

RIPEC points to savings by freeing communities from mandates
A report by the business-backed group suggests that communities get the authority to eliminate or consolidate services.

Bill to tax Bryant University held by Senate committee
The Finance Committee chairman says he wants to better understand how Smithfield determined its requested tax amount of 20 percent.

06/09/2009

Nominee’s claims disputed
A consulting firm claims it was responsible for obtaining the state’s Medicaid waiver, not the man nominated to be the secretary of health and human services.

Chap. 11 looms for slot parlor
The owners of Twin River say they may file for bankruptcy by the end of the month.

06/08/2009

As fiscal year nears its end, push comes to shove on spending
With fiscal year 2010 fast approaching, questions over proposed tax and spending cuts remain unanswered.

As fiscal year nears its end, push comes to shove on spending
With fiscal year 2010 fast approaching, questions over proposed tax and spending cuts remains unanswered.

Bad economy may blunt effort to ease death taxes
PROVIDENCE — If a Massachusetts resident dies leaving behind real estate, savings and other assets worth, say, $750,000, there is no tax due.

R.I. at center of CBN story on gay-marriage debate
The Ocean State has stumbled into the national spotlight once again, this time for its status as the only New England state that prohibits gay marriage.

R.I. at center of CBN story on gay-marriage debate
The Ocean State has stumbled into the national spotlight once again, this time for its status as the only New England state that prohibits gay marriage.

06/07/2009

Pensions for some government employees in R.I. top $100,000
Cost-of-living increases have boosted the annual payments.

Weakened by cancer, Rep. Slater still champions the needy
PROVIDENCE –– On a warm May day as business droned on in the House chamber and distracted lawmakers chatted in the aisles, Providence Rep. Tom Slater got slowly to his feet and the room fell silent.

Weakened by cancer, Rep. Slater still champions the needy
PROVIDENCE –– On a warm May day as business droned on in the House chamber and distracted lawmakers chatted in the aisles, Providence Rep. Tom Slater got slowly to his feet and the room fell silent.

Pensions for some government employees in R.I. top $100,000
Cost-of-living increases have boosted the annual payments.

Gay activist skewers legislators for inaction on equality issues
Activist Ken Fish calls House leaders “cowardly,” accusing them of blocking same-sex marriage legislation.

Weakened by cancer, Rep. Slater still champions the needy
PROVIDENCE –– On a warm May day as business droned on in the House chamber and distracted lawmakers chatted in the aisles, Providence Rep. Tom Slater got slowly to his feet and the room fell silent.

Pensions for some government employees in R.I. top $100,000

06/06/2009

Public employees enter pension debate at State House hearing
Public employees at a State House hearing offer alternatives to some of the pension reform plans that have surfaced.

Public employees enter pension debate at State House hearing
Public employees at a State House hearing offer alternatives to some of the pension reform plans that have surfaced.

06/05/2009

New bill requires Lincoln racing
A Senate committee approves legislation that would force Twin River to continue dog races.

New bill requires Lincoln racing
A Senate committee approves legislation that would force Twin River to continue dog races.

R.I. House approves Sox, Patriots license plates
The measure, which now goes to the Senate, would create the premium-priced plates for Red Sox and Patriots fans, with the extra money going to charity.

06/04/2009

R.I. General Assembly Digest
PROVIDENCE -- A plan to expand insurance appears stalled, the marijuana dispensaries bill moves ahead, and Senate votes to cap pay of hospital CEOs.

Twin River greyhound owners reject buyout bid
PROVIDENCE — The owners of the greyhounds that race at Twin River have rejected a bid by the owners of the Lincoln track and slot parlor to buy out their $9-million-a-year contract.

06/03/2009

R.I. Senate votes to extend funeral rights to domestic partners
The Senate approves a bill that would allow domestic partners to make funeral arrangements for their loved ones.

Senate panel endorses scrapping mandatory drug sentences
The bill, endorsed by the Judiciary Committee, would eliminate mandatory 10-year prison terms in some drug cases.

Catholic diocese vows to fight welfare cuts
More than 7,800 residents — including 5,000 children — will lose cash assistance and training if cuts to the Rhode Island Works program are not reversed.

House committee sets hearing on ‘potential pension changes’
PROVIDENCE — House Democratic leaders have scheduled a hearing for Friday on undisclosed “potential pension changes.”

06/01/2009

A change in reasons for governor’s office deficit
Whoops.

05/31/2009

Smithfield seeks state permission to tax universities
The town wants state permission to tax 20 percent of the assessed value of private colleges and universities within its boundaries.

Smithfield seeks state permission to tax universities
The town wants state permission to tax 20 percent of the assessed value of private colleges and universities within its boundaries.

05/29/2009

House approves voter ID bill
The measure would require voters, starting in 2012, to provide a photo ID at their polling place.

Oversight legislation eludes General Assembly
As a sweeping change in Medicaid rules looms, the General Assembly has yet to approve promised oversight legislation.

05/28/2009

Poll: 60 percent of Rhode Islanders support same-sex marriage
Nearly two of every three people surveyed in the Brown University poll favored the concept, and the results spotlight a generational divide.

Governor pledges that overnight gambling will continue
The governor’s office has assured Twin River that 24-hour gambling on weekends can continue beyond the current June 30 deadline.

Senate committee approves bill capping pay of hospital executives
The legislation would limit pay to no more than 110 percent of the regional average for CEOs at similar facilities.

DHS chief nominee gets go-ahead
The Senate confirmation vote for Gary Alexander was abruptly called off last week after news of a contract for the nominee’s friend.

R.I. Senate ties wage hike to consumer price index
But the measure, which could raise the state’s minimum wage each year, faces a rough road ahead in the House.

05/27/2009

Bill boosting fines for industrial pollution makes progress
House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox decides to advance a bill raising the maximum fines for corporate polluters to $25,000 a day.

Legislators consider taxing Joe Sixpack where it hurts the most
Some lawmakers favor nearly doubling the state’s current excise tax on brews.

05/25/2009

Political Scene: Stimulus funds to cover budget deficit in governor’s office
Governor Carcieri has run up a potential $589,218 deficit in his own budget.

05/24/2009

MoneyLine: Rhode Island considers an ‘Amazon’ law to tax online purchases
Suppose you buy a book from a store in Rhode Island.

05/22/2009

Governor Carcieri pushes for tax change
In a rare appearance before the House Finance Committee, the governor says his proposal would help create jobs.

Leaders defend paying ex-Speaker Harwood’s bill
The man who filed the ethics complaint against former House Speaker John B. Harwood calls it an “ill-thought-out decision.”

Senate panel OKs open-records bill
PROVIDENCE — For the second day in a row, a legislative committee gave the OK to a bill that supporters say would increase access to public records by upping fines for police departments and other public agencies that fail to meet deadlines for releasing public information.

05/21/2009

House passes plan to create marijuana dispensaries
The Senate in April approved an identical version of the bill. Now each chamber must pass the other’s version for the bill for final approval.

Senate abruptly puts Alexander’s nomination on hold
The Senate president wants to “clarify” information the Carcieri administration presented on the governor’s pick for health and human services secretary.

House panel OKs open records bill, but passage unlikely
But even supporters of the measure give it little hope.

House panel votes to pay ex-speaker’s legal fees
The closed-door vote approves a $25,540 payment to the lawyer of former Speaker John B. Harwood.

Assembly leaders OK 2.5 percent pay raise for staffers
The $400,369 cost of the raises is already built into the Assembly’s proposed budget of $36.5 million next year.

05/20/2009

Opponents outspoken on Carcieri tax plan
Supporters of the cuts advocated by Governor Carcieri say they will revitalize the state; opponents call them “reckless.”

Disciplinary hearing on pharmacy owned by Blais set for June
A routine inspection of the Pawtuxet Valley Prescription Center, owned by Coventry Sen. Leo Blais, turned up a number of alleged violations.

State paid for work on Medicaid waiver plan
A New Hampshire company was given a $30,000 contract in connection with the overhaul plan.

Pension reform still awaiting actuarial report
PROVIDENCE — More than two months have gone by since a pension study commission appointed by House Speaker William J. Murphy took a series of votes aimed at creating a new — and for taxpayers, significantly less expensive — retirement package for 23,700 state employees and public school teachers.

Communities urge legislators to ditch Caruolo Act
Government officials say the law favors school administrators who are not financially accountable.

05/19/2009

Knockdown boxing rule could be down for the count
General Assembly will consider eliminating a rule that halts a bout after three knockdowns.

Hearings set on Carcieri’s budget plan
Advocates and opponents stake out their positions ahead of Tuesday’s Senate Finance Committee hearing and Thursday’s House Finance Committee hearing.

05/18/2009

R.I. State House security far from airtight
Despite a comprehensive camera system, security in the building is far from airtight, one lawmaker says.

Cicilline, Cianci trade more shots over Ceprano case
Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, making a rare appearance on the local media circuit, called the lawsuit filed by ousted Tax Collector Robert P. Ceprano last week a conspiracy by supporters of his most outspoken critic, mayor-turned convict-turned radio and TV personality Vincent A. Cianci Jr.

05/17/2009

State’s budget troubles reaching Main Streets
Rhode Island’s worsening money crunch is affecting local services such as library hours, senior citizens’ transportation and even street lights.

State’s budget troubles reaching Main Streets
Rhode Island’s worsening money crunch is affecting local services such as library hours, senior citizens transportation and even street lights.

05/15/2009

Cuts would drop health care for pregnant women
Governor Carcieri files a plan that would cut funding for 28 pregnant women who cannot afford insurance.

Senate OKs stiffer bill on drunk driving
The Senate voted yesterday to toughen the state’s drunken-driving laws, allowing judges to send offenders to prison for up to three years in some cases.

05/14/2009

Hearing revives R.I.’s gay-marriage debate
PROVIDENCE — On the heels of victories in five other New England states and movement in the New York legislature, same-sex marriage supporters in Rhode Island flocked to the State House on Wednesday, alongside ardent critics, to make their case for gay marriage in this state.

House OKs ban on indoor prostitution
The measure, which still requires Senate approval, would remove the distinction between indoor and outdoor solicitation.

05/13/2009

House passes E-Verify bill by narrow margin
PROVIDENCE — By a margin of victory so thin it surprised those closest to it, the Rhode Island House of Representatives Tuesday night passed the “E-Verify” bill requiring private employers to electronically verify the citizenship of new hires.

Smoking ban at slot parlors could cost millions
Prohibiting smoking at Twin River and Newport Grand could cost the state $36 million in lost revenue, the state Budget Office projects.

05/12/2009

Sharp fall in revenues leads to jump in budget deficit
Additional cuts may be required to balance the budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30 and for fiscal year 2010.

Deadline near for all-night gambling provision at Twin River
Twin River says it needs to know by June 1 if the state will extend the slot parlor’s overnight gambling provision beyond June 30.

Court ruling sought over ethics issue
The Supreme Court will be asked to decide lawmakers’ constitutional immunity rights through a speech-in-debate clause.

05/11/2009

Despite tough times, Assembly leaders still doling out raises
Despite the state’s deepening budget hole, General Assembly leaders have been doling out raises to select employees, including the son of a current legislator and the brother of a former legislator.

05/10/2009

Supreme Court takes up ‘speech-in-debate’ this week
The Ethics Commission’s appeal of a ruling that curbed its ability to prosecute legislators for their legislative actions goes before the court this week.

DARE honors moms whose sons are in prison or have died there
The Mother’s Day brunch was organized by the group’s initiative on criminal justice, “Behind the Walls.”

DARE honors moms whose sons are in prison or have died there
The Mother’s Day brunch was organized by the group’s initiative on criminal justice, “Behind the Walls.”

05/09/2009

Why Rhode Island stands alone in New England on same-sex marriage
PROVIDENCE — The passage of same-sex marriage legislation this week in Maine and New Hampshire leaves Rhode Island the only New England state that has not legalized such unions.

05/08/2009

Why Rhode Island stands alone on same-sex marriage
PROVIDENCE — The passage of same-sex marriage legislation this week in Maine and New Hampshire leaves Rhode Island the only New England state that has not legalized such unions.

05/10/2009

Supreme Court takes up ‘speech-in-debate’ this week
The Ethics Commission’s appeal of a ruling that curbed its ability to prosecute legislators for their legislative actions goes before the court this week.

05/08/2009

Economic decline in R.I. expected to continue
An economist tells a gathering at the State House he expects the state’s economy to continue to worsen.

DBR cool to talks with greyhound owners
The Department of Business Regulation says the owners association has no standing in the decision to halt racing at Twin River.

Senate bans text-messaging while driving
The legislation heads to the House, where it is expected to have a better chance of passage than in previous years.

E. Greenwich council backs bills eliminating ad requirement
East Greenwich officials support legislation to eliminate the law that forces school committees to publish their meeting agendas in a newspaper.

05/07/2009

R.I. Senate mourns death of ‘a good kid,’ Stephen J. Montalbano
A man whose body washed ashore in Jamestown on Wednesday has been identified as Stephen J. Montalbano, the 23-year-old son of former Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano.

05/06/2009

Rhode Island revenue collections down an estimated $100 million
Officials find the state has collected about $100 million less than they had predicted last fall.