Criminals seem to have quite a lobby on Smith Hill!

Well, looking at Operation: Dollar Bill, I'd say the one demographic in this state most likely to turn to a life of crime IS the General Assembly.

They're just covering their own asses.

Looks like the criminals, and especially the illegals, made out pretty good this year by the good ol GA! How nice for them! I'm sure Rep Almeida is happy his record is gone.

VOTE THE BUMS OUT.

The rich got their way.
The Catholic Church got its way.
Carcieri got his way.
This budget season was about keeping powers, and all those with power hung onto it.

EMT - why do you have to resort to anonymously calling members of the GA "bums"? Don't you have any respect?

Rhody - who is the "rich" and how did they get their way?

Don't fear for the 'poor' Rhody. They'll just move to another, more generous state and lamprey onto THEIR taxpayers.

It's a natural process for parasites.

Rhody, thanks to an appropriate adjustment in our income tax table, the "rich" now get treated the same (no better!) than states around us. That becomes one less negative factor for their moving to or staying in Rhode Island. Why is that a bad thing?

I'm sorry, did somebody say something?

The rich kept their tax break and did not have to share in the budget pain everyone else did. Why the denial?

How will you share in the budget pain rhody?

Rhody,

Let's try again. WHO is the "rich"?

And in terms of their "tax break", please tell us how much the "rich" are paying in taxes versus the "non-rich".

Looking forward to your answers.

Mike, George...are you insisting I must endure more of the state's budget pain than you because I dare question budget decisions that you accept on faith?
But if you want an example, I'll give you one: My household will be getting hit harder for in-state college tuition this fall while the bang for our buck decreases.
I won't even get into driving a car with almost 148,000 miles on it...if that same tax break the rich got was extended to the rest of us peasants, I could think about a younger used car.

"if that same tax break the rich got was extended to the rest of us peasants, I could think about a younger used car."

If the G.A. had more money, what makes you think they would direct it there? In fact, the indications are otherwise. The chips were down this session. As has been pointed out, what was the only budget area that was increased significantly? The judiciary to build an unnecessary courthouse in northern Rhode Island.

[I reserve the right to talk about "pain bearing" at a later time.]

I certainly agree about this new courthouse - debt (and much of it is our own fault through bonds we approved on the ballot)is a big reason we're in this fix.
In the meantime, our infrastructure continues to crumble - I'd much rather see that $88 million go toward fixing or replacing the Pawtucket and Sakonnet River bridges.

rhody, you implied that you had to endure more than others.

The rich kept their tax break and did not have to share in the budget pain everyone else did.

Obviously anything that requires more from you (or me) may hurt. Are you suggesting that the state should take as much as is needed to make the "rich" feel equal pain?

While everyone bashes each other over how the state spends its' dwindling tax revenue, I have a stupid question.

What have we done to bring new business to RI and expand the tax base?

Rhody,

We are still waiting for your definition of "rich" and exactly how they got a break.

Then you can tell us why you yourself just don't become "rich" if it soooo easy to do and there are soooo many benefits to being "rich".

By the way, a fella out in Omaha Nebraska by the name of Warren Buffet who many refer to as being rich drove the same old car for years and years and years. Also, I've NEVER purchased a care with LESS than 60,000 miles on it.

So, I am not sure what your point is with respect to owning a car with 148,000 miles on it. It sounds to me like you are being wise with your money and therefore on your way to being "rich".

Lastly, last time I checked, the "rich" have to pay for in-state tuition just like you do. But they probably don't get financial aid.

The rest of us pessants should've gotten the same tax break the rich did. George and Mike, I apologize if my plea for tax equality offends your tender sensibilities.
I'm still waiting for the people who got that tax break to bring new business to Rhode Island and expand the tax base. However, I'm not holding my breath.

rhody, I take it from your sarcastic response you have no intention of defining "tax equality". How about this? Would you favor a flat tax to ensure everyone pays the same percentage of what he or she earns? That's equal, right?

Rhody,

Once again,we are STILL waiting for your definition of "rich".

While you're at it, tell us how much the "rich" pay in taxes and compare that to what the "non-rich" pay ...be specific.

And then explain the "tax break" that the "rich" recieved.

Boys, if all you do is ask the same questions over and over, you obviously have no interest in discussing this - no answer can satisfy you. I think the rest of the party has tuned out on this tiresome thread (and so will I).

Rhody,
Answer the question of how you define "rich" and how specifically they got a break, and we'll be happy to stop asking the question.

If you make nutty assertions, you should at least be willing to explain / back them up with something more than cliches and broad brush comments.

Once again, we look forward to your answers, as opposed to more dodging with Bob Walsh-like non-answers.