Rhode Island House Approves $13.1 Billion Budget

EAST GREENWICH, RI — The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted Thursday to approve a $13.1 billion state budget for the 2022 fiscal year.

The bill, which passed on a 64-10 party-line vote, includes funding for affordable housing initiatives, a 30-percent benefit increase for low-income families, and $15 million for body cameras for police officers.

“I am immensely proud of this budget, which addresses the important needs in our state, including housing and education, while raising no broad-based taxes," said House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi.

In support of education, funds would also be distributed to school districts that have a high number of students going to charter schools, the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, Rhode Island College, and the Rhode Island Promise program that provides two years of free tuition at the Community College of Rhode Island for high school graduates.

In addition, the bill includes money for Eleanor Slater Hospital and the $28 million project to build a new Rhode Island State Police Southern Barracks in West Greenwich.

“After experiencing the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, this budget not only protects and helps Rhode Island’s struggling residents, but it will also drive Rhode Island’s pandemic recovery into a successful future," said House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin L. Abney.

According to state officials, federal funds allocated to Rhode Island account for the majority of the $1.9 billion increase over Gov. Dan. McKee's original proposal.

The Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week.