Westerly Will Get Relief From State Budget, Delegates Say

WESTERLY, RI — Westerly's delegates to the Rhode Island General Assembly addressed the Town Council Monday night and talked about the federal stimulus and what that might mean for the state and municipal budget.

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Republican State Sen. Dennis Algiere said the state expects to receive about $600 million in direct aid to cities and towns and an additional $700 million for state government under President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package known as the American Rescue Plan.

Algiere said the federal funds "should cover some or all" of the state's projected $330 million budget deficit. As for cities and town, money will be distributed using a formula, but it's not known at this time how the formula will be structured. More will be revealed when Gov. Dan McKee unveils his state budget on Thursday.

"We will fight for everything we can for the Town of Westerly," said Reps. Sam Azzinaro, D-Westerly. He added that he hopes McKee puts devotes of the stimulus money specifically for small businesses hit hard by the pandemic.

Brian Patrick Kennedy, D-Hopkinton, and Blake Filippi, R-Block Island, also joined the meeting. Lawmakers warned against using one-time funds, such as the stimulus payment, to cover structural budget deficits. Algiere recommended that town officials carefully track and document expenses related to the pandemic.

The meeting was held remotely on Zoom and posted to the town's website. The portion of the meeting where delegates spoke may be viewed separately.