The 2014 budget that I signed into law today had several
encouraging priorities and initiatives, specifically the investment in
education, infrastructure and workforce development. Although the municipal aid
package surpasses the ones from past administrations, it is still inadequate
for our cities and towns.
I am heartened that this year the legislature continued to
invest in education and our public schools. I am proud that we have boosted
K-12 funding by more than $30 million and achieved a tuition freeze at CCRI,
RIC, and URI through $6 million in additional higher education funding.
The $1.25 million for new workforce development programs --
while less than my recommendation -- is still a meaningful commitment to worker
training. It will provide invaluable professional experience to
out-of-work Rhode Islanders and help match workers to the right companies.
In Rhode Island, the Governor must submit a budget proposal
based on November revenue estimates, and the General Assembly works with
revised May’s figures. This year the General Assembly saw a revenue shortfall
from November, and many difficult choices needed to be made.
Several of my proposals were altered such as my
recommendation to lower the state’s corporate tax rate from 9% to 7% over three
years. Unfortunately, because of the revenue shortfall, this was not
enacted.
Another proposal involved municipal aid. As you know, I have
been working to reverse the damage done by the past administration to
municipalities and the Rhode Island property taxpayer. I was discouraged that
the General Assembly decreased the amount but assistance will still go to
ailing municipalities.
A new municipal road and bridge revolving fund that will
provide $7 million in loans to cities and towns adds a burden. There are costs
associated with borrowing, which some municipalities cannot afford. Also, as
mayor I never issued a bond that exceeded the “useful life” of a project.
Similarly, the $.10 toll for the Sakonnet River Bridge was
not what I had proposed. I believe the General Assembly and my administration
will join together, and, through a study, will come up with a proposal that
helps bring in a revenue stream at a level that can support the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority's assets. I remain optimistic that a reasonable
solution will be reached. The reality is that the money must come from
somewhere. I do not want to see another bridge completely replaced – at great
cost to taxpayers – because of a lack of maintenance. This happened with the
old Sakonnet River Bridge.
Finally, much debate centered around 38 Studios –
specifically, whether the state should make our moral obligation bond payments.
I have been unequivocal in my belief that we must honor the moral obligations
of the State. If the payment was not made, it would have brought severe
consequences – both immediate and long-term – for Rhode Island’s finances.
While it is difficult to put an exact dollar amount on how much our failure to
pay could cost, evidence suggests it could likely exceed $100 million, through
increased borrowing costs, a lower credit rating, and potential litigation.
Beyond near-term costs, there is the broader and longer-lasting question of
reputation.
I am therefore encouraged that the General Assembly voted to
make the first scheduled bond payment. Last week Moody’s removed the
state’s debt from review for downgrade. We have sent a clear message to
the investment community that Rhode Island honors commitments. Those far beyond
Rhode Island’s borders will take notice of this fact, and it bodes well for our
credit rating, borrowing ability, and reputation.
This is by no means a perfect budget; it was an exercise in
compromise, collaboration, and cooperation. While I have expressed my
disappointment in some aspects, I also see a number of measures that will
continue moving us forward. This is also about preserving Rhode Island’s
positive image as a state that is open for business – where certainty,
predictability, and stability guide our state government. Rhode Island
continues on the path of making our state a better place to live, work, and
raise a family.
