Rhode Island lawmakers will hold lots of fundraisers in the months ahead to fuel their re-election campaigns. But what many Rhode Islanders do not know is how much of the money raised by the state’s two most powerful legislative leaders gets spent on food, beverages and meals, much of it at fancy restaurants. An exclusive investigation by The Public’s Radio shows that this spending by House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has surged since they moved into their top leadership posts.
General Assembly
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For January 31
Question of the Week: Is Rhode Island statutorily required to offer a head-slapping political story every January to make up for the demise of the Follies? Ponder that as you dig into my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here […]
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IGT And Twin River Unveil Proposed Joint Venture In RI
IGT Global Solutions and Twin River unveiled a proposal Thursday to form a joint venture to split revenue from video lottery terminals, expand Twin River’s Lincoln casino and establish a new headquarters for Twin River in Providence.
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Coalition Wants To Raise Cash Benefit For Poor Rhode Islanders
A coalition launched a campaign Wednesday to increase the benefit paid to poor Rhode Island families through the RI Works program. According to the Raising Rhode Island Coalition, the benefit has not been raised since 1991 — the longest such increase in New England. “This has put the purchasing power of families significantly below what […]
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RI House GOP Leader Raises Concern On Removal Of JCLS Records
In the aftermath of the removal of records from the office of the Joint Committee on Legislative Services, House GOP Leader Blake Filippi is calling on the head of JCLS to preserve the records. Filippi, who last week filed a lawsuit against House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, accusing him of abusing his power as chairman of […]
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Consultant Report Raises Questions On Proposed 20-Year Gambling Deal In RI
A report commissioned by the Rhode Island House of Representatives raises questions about whether the state should enter into a 20-year agreement for gambling services. Christiansen Capital Advisors of Maine said its standard recommendation has been for 10-year contracts, with optional extensions, since 2005. CCA also found that Rhode Island is paying considerably more than […]
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TGIF: Ian Donnis' Politics/Media Roundup For January 24
Question of the Week: Can a powerful but obscure legislative committee become grist for the mill of reform? With that in mind, thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) While RI […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Raimondo On The Fight For Her Budget Priorities
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo joins Political Roundtable to discuss the fight over her budget priorities, the level of state spending and related issues.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Bonus Q&A: Raimondo On Providence Schools, Convention Center Audit, Taxes, Marijuana & More
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo joins Bonus Q&A to discuss a controversial audit requested by Speaker Mattiello, the outlook for female presidential candidates, RI’s tax climate, the next steps on high-speed rail, and more.
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Mattiello Cancels Request For RI Convention Center Audit After GOP Lawsuit
Rhode Island House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello on Thursday scrapped his request for an audit of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority after House GOP Leader Blake Filippi filed a lawsuit accusing Mattiello of abusing his authority.
