Plenty of action this week at the general assembly including marijuana legalization, a murder/parole eligibility bill and more. Here is what happened this week at the Statehouse.
Committee weighs marijuana legalization
The House Judiciary Committee heard from advocates for and against legislation (2015-H 5777) sponsored by Rep. Scott A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence) to make marijuana legal for adults 21 and older and establish a system in which it is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol. Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) is sponsoring identical legislation (2015-S 0510) in the Senate.
The Senate approved legislation to require individuals convicted of murder to spend more time behind bars before being eligible for parole. The bill (2015-S 0132A), sponsored by Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), would require individuals convicted of first- or second-degree murder who have not been sentenced to life terms to serve at least 50 percent of a sentence prior to being considered for parole. A companion House bill (2015-H 5158), introduced by Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick), is before the House Committee on Judiciary.
The Senate approved legislation (2015-S 0378) that calls for the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children, Youth and Families to develop and coordinate standards for a system of early childhood home visiting services to meet the needs of the state’s most vulnerable families with young children. Under the “Rhode Island Home Visiting Act,” introduced by President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D-Dist. 13, Newport,Jamestown), vulnerable families would be referred prenatally or as soon after birth as possible to voluntary home visiting programs. A companion House bill (2015-H 5642) was introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston).
General Assembly OKs bill to allow bake sales at polls
The House gave final passage to a Senate bill (2015-S 0058) that will allow bake sales to operate near polling places. Introduced by Sen. Frank S. Lombardi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston), the bill responds to a situation that arose in Cranston at last November’s election, when the board of elections barred planned PTO bake sales. The legislation, which specifically allows bake sales as long as they do not interfere with the orderly conduct of the election, now goes to the governor. A companion House bill (2015-H 5261), introduced by Rep. Stephen R. Ucci (D-Dist. 42, Johnston,Cranston), has been passed by the House and awaits final Senate action.
Senate OKs bill to create ‘economic ambassadors’ for RI
With a goal of undertaking a more comprehensive and energetic effort to promote the state as a good place to do business, the Senate approved legislation (2015-S 0040) calling for the appointment of “economic ambassadors” for Rhode Island. Sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth A. Crowley (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls), the bill allows the governor to appoint, with Senate advice and consent, unpaid economic ambassadors — respected and/or well-known Rhode Island business people — who would promote business activities and economic investments during their travels around the nation and throughout the world. A companion House bill (2015-H 5941) was introduced by Rep. Shelby Maldonado (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls).
House passes Rep. McNamara’s student job site training bill
The House of Representatives passed House, Education & Welfare Committee Chairman Joseph M. McNamara’s (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) legislation (2015-H 5895) that permits students under 18 years of age who are attending career and technical education schools to participate in career and technical internships or teacher supervised job site training programs. The bill amends the Career and Technical Education section (Chapter. 16-45.1) of the Rhode Island General Laws
Rep. Edwards calls for state managed IRA program for private workers
House Majority Whip John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) introduced legislation (2015-H 6080) that establishes a private employer IRA program that allows private employees to contribute at least 3 percent of their payroll period wages into a program that the Department of Labor and Training and the State Investment Commission would oversee and manage.
Senate holds informational briefing on pension legislation settlement
A briefing for all senators on legislation to enable the settlement of litigation related to the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act was held on Thursday, April 30. During the briefing, senators received a presentation from the governor’s office and treasurer’s office, along with attorneys representing plaintiffs and the state. The briefing was conducted by Lynette Labinger, attorney for the plaintiffs; Mark Dingley, special counsel for Governor Gina Raimondo; Jeff Padwa, deputy treasurer and legal counsel for General Treasurer Seth Magaziner; and John Tarantino, attorney for the state.
Regunberg joins students, parents and teachers in calling for school repairs
Rep. Aaron Regunberg (D-Dist. 4, Providence) joined members of the Providence Student Union along with teachers, parents and community members at a State House news conference to call for increased funding to repair the state’s deteriorating school buildings. Representative Regunberg is the sponsor of legislation (2015-H 5434) to create a $70 million trust to continually generate funding for school repairs.
Rep. Lima wants full financial disclosure before committing to stadium
Rep. Charlene Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence) has introduced legislation (2015-H 6142) calling for full disclosure of all aspects of the financial dealings of any private entity asking for taxpayer dollars in partnership with private investors including PBC Associates LLC, the group seeking taxpayer dollars to build a new stadium in Providence, before any taxpayer dollars are promised.
Related Slideshow: Leaders React to PawSox Owners’ Providence Stadium Proposal
The new owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox presented their vision for a new $85 million stadium in Providence -- including a lease agreement from the state that would require the owners be paid $4 million a year for the thirty year duration.
Now, elected officials and business leaders are weighing in on the initial proposal by the ownership group -- see below.
Former Rhode Island Director of Administration, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, and Founding Director of the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant University
"A minor league ballpark may not be an economic game changer. Thus it's cost and benefits must evaluate environmental, cultural, social and economic factors. The key point is any stadium should be consistent with the overall strategic development of Providence. This story has not been told yet."
University of Rhode Island Distinguished Professor of Business
"I would like to see the PawSox stay in Rhode Island. I do not think Rhode Islanders should pay for a new stadium for the next several decades or see Providence not collect taxes that could make it to a better city.....with better schools, lower property taxes and a lower automobile tax. To support the current proposal, there has to be tax payments to Providence, a financial deal with Pawtucket by the owners or the state to deal with the empty stadium and the owners paying for the new stadium with little in the way of state government assistance.
If there is state government financing assistance, there must be a guarantee that the team would not leave the state for the length of time of the financing. It would be interesting if the owners would consider selling "seat licenses" as a way of raising funds to build the stadium. This would be a real market test as to whether or not there is a need for a new stadium."
"The Paw Sox owners have asked the City of Providence for a waiver of property taxes. But the last thing that Providence needs is to remove yet another property from tax rolls. City Council President Luis Aponte's request that state taxpayers make up lost property taxes is understandable but out of the question, especially in light of the state's own very serious budget deficits.
Governor Raimondo has correctly pointed out that the state has very limited resources to invest in economic growth. These limited resources cannot go to develop prime public land into a very seasonal use that will have minimal impact on the economy at a substantial cost to local and state taxpayers. Our state leaders must say no to this project and return to the vitally important work of helping ALL businesses, not just one, by improving the state's tax and regulatory climate. We as a state can consider whether to participate in the luxury of a sports stadium as soon as our economy is healthy again."
"If Skeffington and his very wealthy partners want the PawSox in Providence then they should put an offer on the table that covers all of the costs to make it happen. They must provide revenue to the state for the land that they want to develop, and property tax revenue on its full value to the capitol city."
If the team is seeking taxpayer dollars, then taxpayers should get something in return, whether a share of equity or a slice of team revenues. For example, the federal government received equity for its investment in GM, while the Green Bay Packers are owned by citizen shareholders. It's not beyond possibility; let's find a way to make it happen."
Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Providence City Council
"I believe the stadium is beneficial to Providence and the state. The parking capacity must be resolved in favor of the stadiums' fans that is fair and reasonable. What events and other uses are not being presented which I find troublesome. A stadium is a great venue for families, colleagues and generally, baseball fans to enjoy. A $120 million commitment from state taxpayers is a large role asked of them wherein the return on the participation is not convincing to date."
Rhode Island State Representative, (D-Dist 4, Providence)
"For me to support a deal, that $120 million figure needs to come down dramatically, and a strong community benefits agreement needs to be reached. I also think it would be reasonable - if the state is making a significant public investment in the project - to see the state receive a portion of the profits from the stadium."
"It is still in the early innings. The chamber was briefed on the proposal on Friday and we expect that it is subject to change. Conceptually, it is very exciting. Awaiting further details."
"The PawSox are an important institution in Rhode Island and our goal is to keep them in the state," said Raimondo. "The idea of a stadium in downtown Providence that can be used for multiple purposes is exciting. That said, my top priority is getting Rhode Islanders back to work, and we have very limited resources to invest in economic growth - especially in the face of a large structural deficit. I am committed to working with Mayor Elorza, the Speaker, and the Senate President to evaluate whether this project is in the best interest of Rhode Island, and whether we can afford it."
"We hope and aim to keep this treasured team in Rhode Island. The project has the potential to enhance the vitality of a key district within our capital city. At the same time, this proposal involves a significant request for public resources. In collaboration with the City of Providence and the General Assembly, we will review this proposal in order to determine whether it makes financial sense and whether it will help catalyze the I-195 corridor."
Rhode Island Speaker of the House of Representatives
"We have not received a written legislative proposal yet, but when we do, it will be thoroughly analyzed. I will be talking to my House colleagues and I will gauge public opinion before making any assessment on the direction the state should move in."
"The proposal that has been presented by the new owners of the Paw Sox to build a professional ballpark in Providence potentially represents a significant investment in Rhode Island. The proposal will be fully analyzed by the full Senate in a thorough and transparent process.”
“The prospect of keeping the Red Sox’ Triple A team in Rhode Island represents a significant and exciting development opportunity for our city and state. We have coordinated to develop guidelines that ensure a thorough analysis of the stadium proposal. As Mayor, I am committed to continue working in close coordination with Governor Raimondo, Council President Aponte, our leaders in the General Assembly and the I-195 Commission as we move forward to make Providence and Rhode Island a better place to work, live and do business in the long term."
“The stadium has the potential to be catalytic and transformative in the way residents and visitors experience Downtown Providence. With the promise of drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators annually to the city, the stadium could help spur development of the nearby I-195 parcels, and generate additional revenue for the city and the state. We are committed to working with the Governor, the General Assembly, and the developers to ensure the project aligns with our goals and vision for the city, and that it is a good investment of our resources.”
"Perhaps the state should consider buying the franchise and reinvest in Pawtucket. It would be more cost effective and the state would have ownership at the end of the deal," said Grebien Communications Officer Rico Vota. "The Mayor has received many calls, emails and postings from fans throughout the state that do not support this current proposal. He is very careful to make sure that his decision is not solely based on the fact that he represents Pawtucket who would loose this valuable, historic ballpark. As someone who comes from the private sector, this deal only makes sense for the new business group and not the state of Rhode Island in its current structure."
