Stateline Headlines

R.I. Education Chairwoman says Chafee still supports Education Commissioner Gist

R.I. Senate passes "Back to Work R.I."

RI paid $15.9 million in fees on $1 billion hedge-fund portfolio

R.I. Senate passes school safety bills, including measures to keep safety plans, discussions secret

Former Cranston Mayor Laffey to run for governor in Colorado

Providence Chamber of Commerce supports education Commissioner Gist

State trying to close projected $30 million budget deficit

R.I. Economic Development Corporation approves transfer of land, equipment owed to Toray Plastics

500 teachers turn out to protest Gist's leadership

Paiva Weed denies rumors she'll leave R.I. Senate presidency to become judge

PolitiFact R.I. rules Cicilline claim on Social Security Mostly False

R.I. Treasurer Raimondo, weighing bid for governor, adds 2 to fundraising team

R.I. prepares to sell 38 Studios video games to help recover $130-million debt

Former state auditor general Almonte to run for treasurer in 2014

R.I. unemployment rate falls to 8.8 percent in April

Head of FBI Boston, in RI for ceremony, declines comment on reports of Tsarnaev note

Is Rhode Island only state where campus police are unarmed? No, says PolitiFact R.I.

R.I. liquor regulator: Bars may sell whole bottles of distilled spirits

Labor Dept.: Time for Station nightclub owners to pay fine for lack of workers' comp coverage

Senate panel approves bill to make future college tuition waivers public

Lawyer for widow of Marathon bombing suspect aims to help her navigate the system

Casino owners seeks referendum for western Mass. facility

Governor Chafee withdraws pay raise proposal for R.I. agency heads

Chafee still plans administrator raises despite $50M fall in revenue projections

Guillaume de Ramel announces run for secretary of state

RI House panel to consider proposed manufacturing jobs incentive program

Lawmakers on clock to decide on Chafee's plan to give administrators raises

RI House approves making seat belt law permanent

Bill exempting school employee evaluations from the public records act passes RI Senate

Chafee signs executive order to increase minority hiring

RI secretary of state claims state neglects law to help fledgling businesses

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.

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?

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?

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 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.

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.

Maine, R.I. Diverge on Income Taxes

TODAY'S TAKE: New Englanders have been talking taxes this week, and coming to different conclusions. In Rhode Island, Governor Don Carcieri on Wednesday (June 9) signed into law an overhaul that reduces income taxes for most residents, but changes deductions and tax breaks to keep revenues stable. Contrast that with Maine, where a legislatively approved plan that also would have reduced income taxes fell flat at the polls on Tuesday (June 8).

State Choking Laws Signal New Attention to Domestic Violence

Advocates against domestic violence have long warned that the act of choking - a common method of domestic assault - can be among the most reliable predictors that a deadly attack will occur in the future. Hoping to crack down on batterers and prevent murders, New Hampshire and Delaware recently joined other states by increasing penalties for choking. The laws are part of a broader effort in the states to reduce domestic violence.

Will Rhode Island Go Independent?

Most people think of Rhode Island as the bluest of the blue states, but it may decide to bypass both major parties when it votes for governor in 2010.

Rhode Island's Medicaid Gamble

A small state has launched a big experiment to cap Medicaid spending by keeping seniors at home and out of more costly nursing facilities. And the effort is getting high marks - so far.

Work Shared, Jobs Spared

A program called work sharing is helping thousands of companies avoid layoffs by cutting workers' hours and making up some of the lost wages with state unemployment benefits. At no additional cost to states, work sharing helps businesses retain skilled employees, allows workers to stay on the job and keep their benefits and boosts the local economy. So far, only 17 states offer the job-saving program, but at least seven more states legislatures are considering bills to provide the widely praised unemployment insurance option. Congress may give states another reason to try the program -- federal incentive funds.

Marijuana Bills Tempt Cash-Starved States

A history of marijuana laws This has been a bumper year for marijuana legislation, according to state policy observers. Crushing state budget deficits gave advocates in California, Washington, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York and elsewhere an opening to pitch marijuana as a new source of tax revenue. At the same time, the Obama administration gave users and distributors some breathing room by signaling in October that it would scale back on prosecuting them as long as they comply with state law.

Summary of the Rhode Island State of the State Address

Gov. Donald Carcieri said Jan. 26 he would use his final year in office to revive Rhode Island's economy through tax credits instead of tax increases and by continuing to cut government spending.

Former Senator Runs on Tax Reform in R.I.

TODAY'S TAKE: Lincoln Chafee, a former Republican U.S. senator from Rhode Island, is running for governor - a job his father held- as an independent. He's also running on a plan to raise taxes.

Locals Take Losses in State Budget Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: The trickle-down effect of state budget problems is on display this week in New York and Rhode Island, where governors announced plans to cut aid to localities.

Recession Ushers in More Tobacco Taxes

In a double-whammy for smokers, the federal government and seven states raised taxes on cigarettes this year. But the new taxes plus President Obama's vow to sign a bill imposing sweeping regulation of the tobacco industry threaten to shrink cigarette sales - and revenues for state coffers.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2009

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Feb. 10 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Don Carcieri's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Madam President, members of the General Assembly, my fellow General Officers, members of the Judiciary, First Lady, Sue Carcieri, my family, distinguished guests, and my fellow Rhod

WORTH NOTING: R.I. Sweeps Out Cleaning Staff

The Rhode Island attorney general's office is duped by a janitor. A South Carolina lawmaker gets defensive over an incriminating photo. And Ohio cracks down on very tiny, but unwanted overnight guests. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Partisan Mix in R.I., Conn. Poses Challenges

The blue states of Connecticut and Rhode Island have had a long tradition of electing Republican governors. But in both states, the combination has led at times to difficult - even chaotic - policymaking.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Jan. 22 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Don Carcieri's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, my fellow General Officers, members of the Judiciary, First Lady, Sue Carcieri, distinguished guests, and my fellow Rhode Islanders. I

States test pandemic plans with free flu shots

As flu season nears, some states are offering free immunization programs that double as tests of their emergency response plans for a flu pandemic or bioterrorism attack. Arkansas last month conducted the largest vaccination drive in the country, delivering more than 100,000 shots across the state in a three-day emergency response drill.

Govs Start to Back 2008 Candidates

Eleven governors have made endorsements in the 2008 presidential race so far, and the leading beneficiaries of early skirmishing for support from state leaders are Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton and Republican hopeful John McCain.

States Wax Fluorescent

What's the latest bright idea to save energy? Lawmakers in at least seven states want to ban ordinary light bulbs in favor of longer-lasting, energy-efficient compact fluorescents.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2007

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 30 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Donald L. Carcieri's (R) 2007 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, my fellow General Officers, members of the Judiciary, First Lady, Sue Carcieri, distinguished guests, and my fellow Rhode Islander

States Press Congress for S-CHIP Fix

At least six states - Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island - are projected to run out of federal money for the State Children's Health Insurance Program by May, and they're looking to Congress to fix the problem quickly. But they're also asking for a long-term solution so states won't have to ask Congress to retool S-CHIP's funding formulas every year.

Nine States Hold Primaries Today

Voters in nine states participate in primaries today, with some of the most closely watched races for state office taking place in Arizona, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where gubernatorial and attorney general races will be decided.

Lieutenant Governor: Not Quite a Fifth Wheel

Lieutenant governors occupy a position in state government that is little understood or appreciated by most voters. But history shows the job has often served as a political steppingstone - and that lesson is being borne out in this year's midterm election.

Report: 9 states May Lose Under Bush Plan

Nine states would receive less money from Washington, D.C., if Congress adopts President Bush's 2007 budget proposal, while most others would see modest increases, suggests a new analysis by Federal Funds Information for States, a subscription service for state officials.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2006

Thank you Speaker Murphy. President Montalbano; My fellow general officers; Members of the judiciary; My cabinet directors; Distinguished guests; Members of the diplomatic corps; And fellow Rhode Islanders; A special thank you to members of my family here tonight, my daughters Sarah and Jill; a

State AGs Fight Teen Smoking—Onscreen

More than 30 attorneys general are mounting a campaign to add anti-smoking ads to the beginning of films in which actors light up onscreen. The bid to fight teen smoking was prompted by a study that showed a marked increase in smoking among children who watch movie characters puffing away.

Budget Deadline Looms Large in 10 States

The clock is ticking in 10 states that still have not adopted budgets for the fiscal year that begins July 1, with an eleventh-hour showdown threatening a partial government shutdown in Minnesota. Some - but not all - of those states are expected to wrap up their budget process this week.

States Compete for Innovation Awards

State programs in Iowa, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington are among 18 finalists competing for an award for the most innovative initiatives in American government. States are being singled out for budget solutions, red-tape reduction, conservation efforts and a school without tests, grades or classes.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2005

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island - Jan. 18 - Following is the text of Gov. Donald Carcieri's 2005 state of the state address: Thank you Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, my fellow general officers, members of the judiciary, my cabinet directors, distinguished guests and friends. And a special th

Eight States Raised Taxes in 2004

Only eight states had to resort to hiking taxes in 2004 to balance their books, a sign that states fiscal squeeze may finally be over, researchers said in a new report released Monday.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2004

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island - Feb. 2 - Following is the text of Gov. Don Carcieri's 2004 state of the state address: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly, my fellow General Officers, members of the Judiciary, distinguished guests...my wife, Sue (our Rhode Island First Lady)...my mothe

Northeastern States Seek Terrorist-Intelligence Sharing

Homeland security officials in 10 northeastern states want to establish intelligence-sharing centers that would better disseminate terrorist-related information between federal law enforcement and local police officers. Mark Cohen, who heads the New York State Office of Public Security, said the ability to share intelligence in real time is the most critical component for homeland security in the states.

Six States Miss Budget Deadlines

California, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon and Rhode Island all missed budget deadlines as of 12:01 AM Tuesday because of partisan bickering over taxing and spending. A handful of other states, including Missouri, New Jersey and North Carolina, flirted with blown deadlines but reached budget agreements before July 1, the dawn of the new fiscal year in all but four states.

Rhode Island State of the State Address 2003

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island - Feb. 4 - Following is the full text of Rhode Island Gov. Donald L. Carcieri's State of the State Address: Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, my fellow General Officers, members of the General Assembly, members of the Judiciary, distinguished guests, my wife (Sue), my mother