Ballpark, budget woes expected to dominate General Assembly session

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island General Assembly is set to open its 2018 session on Tuesday with a focus on closing a $260 million budget gap and on a proposal for a new stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox (see related story) among its priorities. A look at what’s facing lawmakers:

BUDGET WOES

The state is grappling with overspending that caused a budget deficit of about $60 million in the fiscal year that ends in June. Even worse is a structural deficit of more than $200 million for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Mattiello and Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo both said the state has to become more efficient in delivering services, such as Medicaid. There are concerns the money problems could get worse, as potential cuts to federal funding for states loom.

CAR TAX

The phase-out of the car tax was a major sticking point between the House and Senate last year, and there are signs that could continue. The state budget was hung up in 2017 over a disagreement between the chambers over details of the phase-out. Phasing the tax out is still a top priority for Mattiello, and he has said the next budget proposal will include $50 million to continue it. Ruggerio said recently that he is

concerned about future budget deficits and that “everything is on the table” as legislators look at the budget.

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

Fixing the state’s school buildings is a top priority for Raimondo. A school infrastructure task force has recommended the state borrow $500 million to repair schools by 2022. Ruggerio said the state should borrow the money because many schools need major repairs. Mattiello said before that’s con- sidered, he would want to know exactly how the money would be spent, whether enough thought has been given to school consolidation and how municipalities would help with repairs.

OTHER ISSUES

Among the other topics that could come up this session, a special legislative commission is looking into the potential effects of legalizing recreational marijuana in Rhode Island, and Mattiello and Ruggerio agree the state should consider allowing sports betting if the Supreme Court legalizes it. Raimondo has said she is generally in favor of allowing sports betting in Rhode Island.