The Pew Charitable Trusts - State and Consumer Initiatives from Rhode Island

States Prepare to Launch New Health Law

Debates over Medicaid expansion got most of the attention, but states enacted dozens of other laws that will affect how millions of Americans receive health care next year.

Q&A: Will Consumers Find Bargains on Health Insurance Exchanges?

Some states are beginning to roll out their plans for health insurance exchanges under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Rhode Island Legalizes Gay Marriage

The Rhode Island legislature gave final approval to a gay marriage bill Thursday, and Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed the measure immediately after the vote.

Rhode Island Set to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Rhode Island’s move is another victory for pro-same-sex marriage efforts. Where do other states stand?

New Health Exchanges Unlikely to End Insurance Monopolies in Some States

The new health insurance exchanges are supposed to lead to lower prices by spurring competition between carriers. But what if insurers stay away?

Lawmakers Chew on Weighty Issues: ‘Whose shad fry is the best?’

Photo Slideshow: Lawmakers call time out to weigh delicious legislation.

Backers See Momentum As 6th State Allows Same-Sex Civil Unions

Colorado becomes the latest state to allow same-sex civil unions, as marriage supporters see victories around U.S.

Colorado Governor to Sign Civil Union Law

Colorado becomes the latest state to allow same-sex civil unions, as marriage supporters see victories around U.S.

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

Nine Northeastern states will drastically cut the region’s carbon cap under proposed changes to the region’s cap-and- trade program, they announced Thursday.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2013

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island -- Jan. 28 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Lincoln Chafee's (I) 2013 State of the State Address

Public Safety in Rhode Island

Public safety in Rhode Island.

Falling Short on Dental Sealants: Rhode Island

How well is Rhode Island protecting kids from tooth decay?

The Impact of the Fiscal Cliff: Rhode Island

Federal and state finances are closely intertwined, and the fiscal cliff’s tax and spending provisions will have consequences for states.

Activists Aim to Bolster Rhode Island’s Homeless Bill of Rights

After passing the nation’s first Homeless Bill of Rights this year, Rhode Island activists are looking to defend its provisions and expand their campaign to other parts of the country.

Still Risky: Checking Accounts In Rhode Island

Checking accounts, the most widely used financial product in America, contain hidden risks that can harm consumers. Two of the 12 largest banks nationwide offer checking accounts in Rhode Island and hold 15 percent of all deposits in the state. Here’s what consumers in Rhode Island may be paying.

Gay Marriage Backers Lose Key Race in R.I.

Gay marriage advocates in Rhode Island suffered a tough setback on Tuesday in a Democratic primary race expected to impact the legislature’s looming debate over whether to allow same-sex couples to marry in the state.

Rhode Island Faces an Investment Gone Awry

After an investment many questioned from the beginning, Curt Schilling’s 38 Studios bankruptcy has left Rhode Island with a significant debt to pay, and facing questions over the future of economic development efforts.

Widening Gap Update: Rhode Island

Although Rhode Island consistently paid its full annual pension contribution from 2005 to 2010, the system was 49 percent funded in fiscal 2010 and faced a $7 billion funding gap. Most experts agree that a fiscally sustainable system should be at least 80 percent funded. The state also had a $775 million bill for retiree health care costs, none of which was funded, well below the 8 percent national average in 2010.

Best of #StateReads: Getting Aggressive With Pension Investments

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

AAA Criticizes Higher Fees for Out-of-State E-ZPass Drivers

The national drivers’ group wants tolling agencies to treat E-ZPass users the same, regardless of where they bought their transponders.

States Scrutinize For-Profit Colleges

Rhode Island is considering whether to approve a for-profit osteopathic medical school, as Kentucky leads 22 other states in investigating the for-profit education industry.

States Ease Financing for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Several states are experimenting with an “on-bill” loan financing program that aims to spur investment in energy efficiency for homes and businesses — even for owners who lack capital.

State Commissioners Ask EPA for Stricter Vehicle and Fuel Standards

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Several state environmental commissioners say that new federal vehicle and fuel standards would be a boon to public health.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2012

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island - Jan. 31 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Lincoln Chafee's (I) 2012 budget address: Mr. Speaker, Madam President, members of the General Assembly, fellow General Officers, members of the Judiciary, distinguished guests, and my fellow Rhode Islanders. This eve

Pension Vote in Rhode Island Shows Changing Political Times

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island - How did an overwhelmingly Democratic state legislature and a union-backed governor come to approve the toughest public pension cuts in the nation?

Election Websites: Rhode Island

Being Online Is Still Not Enough provides state-by-state reviews and analysis based on detailed criteria of election websites for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Detention Center Fails to Help Impoverished Rhode Island Town

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: A struggling Rhode Island community hoped a facility for federal prisoners would be a boost to local finances. After 18 years, things have only gotten worse.

Rhode Island Plan Enacts New Approach to States’ Pension Woes

Faced with rising pension costs, Rhode Island passed a set of reforms to its public sector retirement system that go further than what any other state has done. The bill is unprecedented, both in terms of the employees it will affect and the scope and scale of changes to their benefits.

Rhode Island Overhauls Public Pensions

Faced with rising pension costs, Rhode Island passed changes to its public sector retirement system that go further than the reforms of any other state.

Far-Reaching Pension Overhaul Set to Become Law in Rhode Island

TODAY'S TAKE: Legislators in Rhode Island have passed a contentious measure to rein in the state's exploding public pension costs. Opponents have threatened a lawsuit, saying the lawmakers "are trying to solve a 40-year-old problem in one day."

Rhode Island Struggles With Pension Overhaul

Rhode Island has dug its pension system into a big hole: It's $9 billion in the red. The nation's smallest state doesn't even have half of the money it needs to pay future retirees.

Rhode Island Begins Debate Over Ballooning Pension Obligations

TODAY'S TAKE: Hundreds of demonstrators are expected in Providence today (October 26) as state lawmakers hold their first public hearing on a major overhaul of the state pension system, one that asks more of current retirees as well as future pensioners.

Angering Their Own Party, Rhode Island Democrats Approve Voter ID

One of the biggest partisan debates in politics across the country - over the need for voters to show photo identification at the polls - has been turned upside down by the nation's smallest state.

Rhode Island Embraces Voter ID

TODAY'S TAKE: Over fierce objections from Democrats, new Republican majorities in many states have passed bills requiring voters to show identification at the polls. In Rhode Island, however, a Democratic legislature pushed the measure through.

States Push to Convert Interstate Highways into Toll Roads

Interstates need money for repairs, and charging toll fees can bring in a lot of it. But the federal government is cool to the idea.

White House Objects to Indiana Planned Parenthood Law

HEALTH BEAT: Obama administration concerned about new Indiana Medicaid law… Texas cost-cutting proposal attracts federal scrutiny… Oregon raises hospital taxes, and other health care news.

Measuring Transportation Investments: Rhode Island

A May 2011 report, Measuring Transportation Investments: The Road to Results, found considerable differences among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Children's Dental Health: Rhode Island

Rhode Island meets five of the eight policy benchmarks aimed at addressing children’s dental health needs. The state dropped one letter grade after examination of its rules governing dental hygienists’ ability to place sealants on students’ teeth in school-based programs.

Rhode Island Considers New Tolls

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Governor Lincoln Chafee looks at raising tolls to reduce a backlog of road repairs … The speaker of the Arkansas House wants to raise the diesel tax and sales tax to pay for better highways… A push for uniform rules for teen drivers, and other transportation news

In Rhode Island, Chafee Follows Through on Taxes

TODAY'S TAKE: The nation's only politically independent governor, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, won election on the uncommon platform of increasing taxes. On Tuesday (March 8), Chafee followed through on that promise when he delivered his first budget to state lawmakers.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2011

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - March 8 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Lincoln Chafee's (I) 2011 budget address: Mr. Speaker, Madam President, members of the General Assembly, fellow General Officers, members of the Judiciary, distinguished guests, and my fellow Rhode Islanders. It is a privilege to speak to you

Rhode Island Governor Takes on Talk Radio

TODAY'S TAKE: Lincoln Chafee, Rhode Island's new governor, is going a step further than most politicians in denouncing the nation's political rhetoric after last weekend's shootings in Arizona. He is banning state employees from appearing on talk radio during work hours and urging advertisers to cut funding for divisive programming.

Snyder's Detroit Outreach Could Include New Office

TRANSITION WATCH: Michigan's Republican governor looks to strengthen a troubled Democratic city, revolving door rules could trip up a Rhode Island appointment, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Deval Patrick Asks His Cabinet for Resignation Letters

TRANSITION WATCH: The request of Massachusetts' governor that cabinet members reapply for their jobs, West Virginia's shy new chief executive, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Cuomo Declines to Back Longtime House Speaker

TRANSITION WATCH: New York's governor-elect sends mixed signals on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Alabama legislators promise to focus on ethics and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Despite Debt Fears, Voters OK Most State Bond Measures

Where borrowing was on the ballot Tuesday, voters usually said yes. Meanwhile, Colorado affirmed its ability to issue debt.

Independents Making Noise on Gubernatorial Scene

With so many independents and third-party candidates for governor making a strong showing this year, now is a good time to ask: How do independents do as governor?

A Few Candidates Buck Conventional Wisdom on Taxes

Taxes are a hot subject in this year's gubernatorial campaigns, with many calling for tax cuts. But candidates willing to talk about higher taxes are a rare breed. Still, there are a few of them.

Education's Less-Than-Certain Windfall

There's $10 billion for schools in the state aid bill Congress passed last month. But some school systems have reason to wonder whether they are going to see the money.

Governor Candidates Bow Out

TODAY'S TAKE: Gubernatorial hopefuls in Arizona and Rhode Island have ended their campaigns, delivering fresh momentum to the front-runners in their respective party primaries. In Colorado, the presumptive Republican nominee for governor is facing calls to drop out amid damaging allegations of plagiarism.