EDITORIAL

As session closes, time to look to RI’s future

Posted

In one of the surest signs of summer’s arrival, state lawmakers have adjourned for the year – but not before a flurry of activity that sent several pieces of legislation to the governor’s desk.

Among the most high profile bills passed before the closing gavel at 4 a.m. Saturday were a revenue-sharing plan for proposed table games at the Newport Grand – contingent on voter approval – and a moratorium on the use of the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) or other standardized test as a graduation requirement before 2017.

Plans to raise the minimum wage to $9 an hour, from its current $8, at the start of next year; eliminate straight-party voting, or the “master lever,” in voting booths; boost the pensions of Central Falls retirees impacted by the community’s bankruptcy proceedings; and form a commission to study reuse of the “Superman” building were also backed by lawmakers.

Falling short were efforts to halt the payment of bonds related to former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling’s failed 38 Studios video game company and to reinstate Ethics Commission authority over lawmakers.

The General Assembly had already passed, and Gov. Lincoln Chafee had already signed, an $8.7 billion budget plan for the fiscal year starting July 1 before the weekend’s closing rush. That legislation included two top priorities of Speaker Nicholas Mattiello – lowering the corporate tax rate to 7 percent, and raising the estate tax threshold to $1.5 million – while increasing the gas tax and motor vehicle fees to offset bridge tolls. The budget also includes a 38 Studios bond payment, with lawmakers having shown little appetite for non-payment in light of warnings from credit ratings agencies.

There’s a great deal to absorb from the conclusion of the General Assembly’s session, and much to reflect on. For many, the most lasting takeaway from the session will be the unprecedented series of events in March that saw Gordon Fox step down as speaker following law enforcement raids on his home and office. In the weeks since, as the 38 Studios issue has become the subject of renewed debate and revelations, the cynicism many feel toward state government has likely deepened.

Mattiello, who was elected to the top leadership post in the House – and, arguably, in the state – following Fox’s departure, has made it his mission to combat such sentiment. He has implored Rhode Islanders to take pride in their state and spoke of the need to ensure young people can build lives and careers here. In policy terms, he has made fostering a favorable climate for business the top priority and has struck an inclusive, bipartisan tone in pursuing that objective.

Moving toward November’s election, the bills passed in recent days will receive significant attention. So, too, will Mattiello’s stewardship of the House. Disagreement is central to our democratic ideal. But where we must find common ground is in acknowledgement of the immense challenges we face and of the spirit of common purpose that will be needed to meet them.

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