Politics

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Lincoln Chafee used his State of the State address to make the case for two new tax proposals.

Chafee wants to use a 2% hike in the meal and beverage tax to steer more money to K-12 education. The governor says that an investment in the state that will relieve pressure on property taxes for struggling cities and towns.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – Former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy has been laid to rest after a funeral attended by powerful politicians and ordinary citizens. He was remembered as a man who never forgot his humble roots.

The Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul was nearly full for the funeral of former Governor Joe Garrahy, who died last week at the age of 81.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – State representative Robert Watson has been summoned to appear in district court this week to answer to a charge of marijuana possession. His arrest a week ago yesterday in South Kingstown was his second drug charge in less than a year. Rhode Island Public Radio headed to East Greenwich to find out what his constituents in East Greenwich think of his brushes with the law.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – South Kingstown police say they're conducting an internal investigation into why State Representative Robert Watson wasn't given a sobriety test when he was charged with marijuana possession early Sunday morning. The police report on the incident says he appeared, quote, "highly intoxicated."

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – Pressing issues facing the General Assembly in its new session include a budget deficit, troubled local pensions, and struggling cities and towns. Last week, we heard from Senate president Teresa Paiva-Weed and House Speaker Gordon Fox. Today, we hear from Governor Lincoln Chafee, who talked with Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter Ian Donnis about the urgency of helping struggling cities and towns.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – The top issues facing the General Assembly in its new session include a budget deficit, troubled local pensions, and casino gambling. Yesterday, we heard from the president of the Rhode Island Senate, Teresa Paiva-Weed. Today, we talk with House Speaker Gordon Fox, who recently sat down with Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter Ian Donnis.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – The top issues facing the General Assembly in its new session include a budget deficit, troubled local pensions, and casino gambling. Over the next two days, we'll hear from the leaders of the House and the Senate. We start with Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed, who recently sat down with Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter Ian Donnis.

By FLO JONIC

PROVIDENCE, RI – State treasurer Gina Raimondo said passage of the pension reform bill is proof that government can work when people focus more on problem solving than politics.

Raimondo's comments were made in New York, as she received the Manhattan Institute's "Urban Innovator" award. Previous honorees include former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and former Washington D.C. Schools chancellor Michelle Rhee.

By IAN DONNIS

Providence, RI – The State Redistricting Commission approved new boundaries last night for Rhode Island's legislative and congressional districts. The new districts include one that offers a boost to Congressman David Cicilline.

By IAN DONNIS

PROVIDENCE, RI – The two Republicans hoping to run against Congressman David Cicilline are sharply criticizing a plan for redrawing Rhode Island's congressional lines. Cicilline's Democratic colleague, Congressman Jim Langevin, also opposes the plan.