EG Legislators React To Chafee's Budget

EG Patch asked our state legislators what they thought of Gov. Lincoln Chafee's 2013 budget, presented on Jan. 16. Here are their responses:

Rep. Anthony Giarrusso, R-Dist. 30:

I haven't seen the nuts and bolts of Governor Chaffee's budget but I was inspired with what I heard and left the House Chamber with optimism. I was thrilled to hear that there were no proposals of tax or fee increases. I like the commitment to cut corporate income taxes and property taxes to make us more business friendly. 

I like his commitment to the increase in state aid for the school funding formula. I also like the fact that he's paying more attention to our infrastructure; our roads and bridges are in desperate need of repairs and maintenance to bring us on par with the rest of the nation. Governor Chafee assured us that this was a balanced budget when we asked him how these items were to be funded. 

I will let you know more details when I actually see the budget and read the fine print. 

Sen. Dawson Tucker Hodgson, R-Dist. 35:

Very nice speech from the Governor, and enjoyed sitting with Rep. Giarusso.

I'm looking forward to reviewing the budget proposals in depth over the coming weeks. I think lowering the corporate tax rate is smart, and sends a signal to employers that we want to keep them in R.I. Allowing workers to receive on-the-job training while on unemployment is also a good move.

I am wary of the historic tax credit, and the additional funds to the 195 Commission, and I obviously still have a lot of questions about 38 Studios, both on oversight and payment of the moral obligation bond.

Sen. Leonides Raptakis, D-Dist. 33, did not respond.