Rhode Island Politics

Putting the Rabbit in the Dark, Restrictive Hat

By Justin Katz | January 5, 2010 |

John Kostrzewa explains that Rhode Island’s economy is done harm by “inconsistent, zig-zag public policy decisions that have kept business owners, investors and people from locating” in the state. He’s talking about tax policy, there, but he goes on: … for yet another year, political leaders have put off the hard choices until well into…

Re: Morfessis Withdraws

By Justin Katz | December 30, 2009 |

Just in from the governor’s office: Governor Donald L. Carcieri today announced that Ioanna Morfessis has chosen not to accept the position of Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (EDC) due to a personal family matter. The Governor spoke with Ms. Morfessis late Tuesday afternoon. “While I am disappointed that Ioanna will…

Whitehouse’s Infamous Remarks: A Proposed Tee-Shirt

By Monique Chartier | December 26, 2009 |

Governor Carcieri’s reaction Tuesday on FOX Business, principally to the price that states will pay for health care reform but also to the federal largesse that would soon ensure its passage in the Senate, inspires it. … You said it very well. I mean, this looks like Let’s make a Deal. I don’t know what…

An Upside-Down Reform

By Justin Katz | December 21, 2009 |

I’ve got a piece in the current Providence Business news that takes issue with some well-intentioned strategies for reforming Rhode Island (ignore the title given to the essay; it’ll only confuse): The citizenry — the bought and paid, the apathetic, the ideologically blinkered — is ultimately the problem, and changing its civic habits must be…

How Would a 3% Cut in Pay Affect the Nationwide Salary Ranking of Rhode Island Teachers?

By Monique Chartier | December 20, 2009 |

To help cities and towns close budget gaps which might crop up in part by a proposed reduction in state aid, Governor Carcieri has suggested that municipalities around Rhode Island negotiate a 3% reduction in teacher salaries. Carcieri said he wants teachers to make the same sacrifice state workers are making. He wants every district…

If the Legislation Weren’t So Irredeemably Stupid…

By Justin Katz | December 18, 2009 |

… I’d wonder whether we had an effect on this issue. Governor Carcieri has vetoed the apprenticeship gift to large, union contractors legislation: In accordance with the provisions of Section 14, Article IX of the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island and Section 42-1-4 of the Rhode Island General laws, I transmit, with my…

Leadership and Rhetoric

By Justin Katz | December 18, 2009 |

Monique and Matt covered budgets and leadership on Wednesday night’s Matt Allen Show. Stream by clicking here, or download it.

Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed: “No one is Talking About Raising Taxes” (Other than the Governor)

By Monique Chartier | December 17, 2009 |

Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed appeared on the John DePetro Show this morning to interpret for WPRO listeners the supplemental budget that Governor Carcieri proposed in an alternate universe. Possibly John can prevail upon her to return another day and comment on the supplemental budget proposed by the Governor in this continuum. As you know, the…

A Voice in the Wilderness

By Justin Katz | December 17, 2009 |

And then there’s the wild card: “Everyone involved should resign. Either they didn’t know it would come to this, or they did and I’m not sure which is worse,” said Laffey. Sounding every bit like a candidate for Governor, Laffey said the state’s political landscape is in need of a serious makeover. At a press…

And Then the Other Side

By Justin Katz | December 17, 2009 |

From AP writer Ray Henry’s