12/04/2008

Combating tough economic times
PROVIDENCE –– State officials hope to pump tens of millions of dollars into Rhode Island’s drowning economy in the coming months as part of a “mini stimulus package” that key lawmakers say would cost Ocean State taxpayers almost nothing.

Supporters, critics have their say on E-Verify system
The first of two hearings on the governor’s executive order to mandate use of the federal employment verification system was held yesterday.

12/03/2008

Rhode Island to hold public hearing on E-Verify policy today
But the ACLU calls today’s hearing “a sham,” since the state already changed its contract policy without an opportunity for public comment beforehand.

Raptakis to file bills to curb drunken driving
State Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis, D-Coventry, said he’s not surprised that Rhode Island ranks as one of the worst states in terms of curbing drunken driving, a designation given last week by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Carcieri: Obama committed to economic recovery for states
WARWICK — Governor Carcieri returned from his first face-to-face meeting with Barack Obama yesterday with this message: The president-elect is committed to helping the states make an economic recovery.

A shortage of answers on the budget deficit
Lawmakers attempt to pressure department chiefs to stop overspending and live within their agencies’ budgets.

12/02/2008

State in the market for new computer center
A spokeswoman for Governor Carcieri says the state might be able to save money by consolidating its current operations in a single facility.

12/01/2008

Legislator Costantino has second thoughts, takes pass on Atlanta conference
House Finance Committee Chairman Steven Costantino is not going to Atlanta after all.

11/26/2008

Inauguration tickets hard to come by
Volunteers, fundraisers and party leaders are all vying for seats from the state’s congressional delegation.

Richmond to pay Driver for taking down sign
The state and the Town of Richmond will pay Rodney Driver for taking down one of his 2006 campaign signs.

11/25/2008

Fiscal adviser urges quick action on deficit
Michael O’Keefe tells the House Finance Committee he would like to see them adopt a budget-balancing measure by February.

EDC cuts cost-of-living hikes for retirees
The elimination of the annual adjustment will only affect those who retire after March 1, 2009.

11/24/2008

Legislature’s jet-setters have busy schedules
The $357-million deficit has not put a crimp in legislative travel.

11/22/2008

State social workers union ousts president
Lucie Burdick says her support of a four-year contract brokered by union leaders and the governor’s office cost her her reelection.

11/21/2008

Leadership mum on meetings with governor on deficit
Neither Governor Carcieri nor leaders of the General Assembly will discuss how they plan to cope with the most severe state-budget crisis in the nation.

11/20/2008

Blais, battling for a GOP leadership post, to face disciplinary hearing
Sen. Leo Blais, R-Coventry, faces a disciplinary hearing on numerous alleged violations that could cost him his pharmacy license.

State aid to communities to come under microscope
House leaders say the deficit is forcing a review of aid to cities and towns, and perhaps a strengthening of the requirements for the money.

Blais, battling for a GOP leadership post, to face disciplinary hearing
Sen. Leo Blais, R-Covernty, faces a disciplinary hearing on numerous alleged violations that could cost him his pharmacy license.

11/19/2008

Democrats let Lieberman keep his chairmanship
WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats voted overwhelmingly yesterday to let independent Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman remain in their caucus, despite ill will over his campaigning for the Republican presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Paiva Weed picks DaPonte to head Senate Finance Committee
In her first act since fellow Democrats endorsed her for Senate president, Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed yesterday announced that she has chosen Sen. Daniel DaPonte to be the new Senate Finance Committee chairman and will convene an “informational caucus” early next month on the state’s massive financial problems.

Coverage cost up for Assembly’s staff
Depending on income, they will have to pay as much as 25 percent of the cost of their insurance premiums.

11/18/2008

New R.I. Senate leadership team taking shape
In her first act since fellow Democrats endorsed her for Senate president, Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Paiva Weed today announced that she has chosen Sen. Daniel DaPonte to be the new Senate Finance chairman and will be calling an "informational caucus'' early next month on the state's massive financial problems.

The worst of both worlds drive state deficit
Projected savings that failed to materialize coupled with declining revenue leaves the state facing a $357.4-million budget hole.

Councilman boycotts swearing-in ceremony
Peter F. Calci Jr. takes his oath in the morning to protest not being selected council president.

11/17/2008

Squabbling among Senate’s even tinier GOP minority
The tiny handful of Republicans who remain in the state Senate don’t appear to be getting along very well.

11/15/2008

Clarendon Group to be parceled out to buyers
Local companies will buy two divisions of the dismantled Providence public relations and lobbying firm.

11/14/2008

State gave $16 million in payouts
The Carcieri administration still refuses to detail how it arrived at any of the payments.

11/13/2008

Many ideas, little action on state deficit
But House Speaker William J. Murphy says there’s a good chance the House will be back in session before the end of the year.

Many ideas, little action on state deficit
But House Speaker William J. Murphy says there’s a good chance the House will be back in session before the end of the year.

11/12/2008

Pakistan’s leader says unilateral strikes unacceptable
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani makes his remarks in a meeting in Islamabad with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Olympia J. Snowe.

11/11/2008

Deficit to require ‘dramatic’ actions
The General Assembly may be called back to deal with what the state Revenue Estimating Conference expects to be a $372 million deficit for this fiscal year.

Paiva Weed rises to top of Senate
At a Senate caucus, Democrats endorse the Newport lawmaker to become the first woman president of the state Senate.

Rep. Shays still ‘shell-shocked’ over election defeat
The longtime Republican congressman says he would not be averse to serving in the Obama administration.

11/10/2008

State GOP moves to regroup; new executive director may stay on
It was a rough week for the state Republican party, which lost eight seats in the General Assembly and is left with just 10 seats in the 113-seat legislature.

11/09/2008

Former Gov. Ed DiPrete’s days filled with caring for his wife, Pat
Although it had been 10 years, he was much like the Ed DiPrete I remembered, except perhaps for his eyes. They seem to show hesitation now, as if he is unsure how he’ll be received.

Obama workers in Rhode Island were numerous and energized
PROVIDENCE — It was anger and hope that drove Lyn Haiken to this place, Rhode Island’s carpeted epicenter of a campaign that changed history.

11/07/2008

Paiva Weed may lead Senate
With the reelection loss of Senate President Joseph Montalbano, new leadership falls into place at the General Assembly.

State employees union puts director on paid leave
The action is designed to “move Council 94 in a new direction,” says the president of the largest state employees union.

11/06/2008

R.I. Republicans ‘on life support’
Unofficially, Republicans hold just six seats in the House and four in the Senate.

Democrats expected to keep House leadership intact
House members meet tonight to endorse Speaker William J. Murphy and Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox.