Rhode Island
House Finance Committee Approves $13.947 Billion Budget for 2025, Emphasizing Education, Healthcare, and Affordable Housing – Newport Buzz
The Rhode Island House Finance Committee voted 13-1 Friday to approve a $13.947 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year, directing substantial funding toward education, children, and healthcare, alongside a historic $120 million affordable housing bond. The budget, which is $60 million less than the current fiscal year’s, reflects the cessation of federal pandemic aid.
The budget bill (2023-H 5200A) now advances to the full House of Representatives, set for consideration on June 7 at 2:30 p.m.
“Through this budget, we are emphasizing education at every level and supporting children,” stated Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). “This budget is the result of a truly collaborative process between my colleagues here in the House, the dedicated members of the House Finance Committee, our partners in the Senate, and Governor McKee and his team to carefully create a plan that meets Rhode Island’s needs for education, students, and children first, while addressing our challenges, such as housing and health care.”
House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown) added, “This year’s budget proposal reflects the fact that while the influx of federal pandemic funding has come to an end, Rhode Island is still on sound financial footing. We have continued to best position Rhode Island for future economic possibilities. This budget supports our residents, families, and children without adding financial burdens on the people of Rhode Island.”
The proposed budget includes a $70.9 million increase in state aid for schools, which is $33.8 million more than Governor McKee originally proposed, aimed at aiding schools and students still recovering from the pandemic’s effects.
Increases for multi-language learners (MLL), the governor’s Learn365RI initiative for out-of-school learning, and efforts to boost reading and math achievement were modest but significant. MLL students will now receive 20% extra over the core education aid, up from 15%. Learn365RI will get $5 million, and an additional $5 million is allocated for reading and math achievement. The budget also fully funds an $813,000 proposal to provide free meals to 6,500 students statewide who currently receive reduced-price school meals.
Higher education also sees benefits with an additional $1 million for the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and $2 million for the University of Rhode Island (URI). The budget continues the Rhode Island Promise and Hope scholarship programs, which offer two years of free tuition at CCRI and Rhode Island College, respectively, and authorizes a two-year extension of the Hope scholarship. It also allocates $2.3 million for the dual and concurrent enrollment initiative for high school students.
Among the most notable elements is a $120 million affordable housing bond, the largest in the state’s history. This bond includes $90 million for affordable housing, $10 million for acquisition and revitalization, $10 million for homeownership programs, $5 million for site acquisition, $4 million for housing-related infrastructure, and $1 million for municipal planning.
Furthermore, the bill authorizes up to $10 million from the housing bond for public housing, following a six-month study on public developer models.
Healthcare receives significant attention with over $160 million allocated to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates next year, including $3.8 million for Early Intervention providers. Additionally, $10 million in unspent federal COVID funding will be redirected to nursing homes.
The budget proposal also includes a $30.6 million increase to support providers contracted by the Department of Children, Youth and Families and establishes a new program to purchase medical debts for struggling Rhode Islanders through the state Treasurer’s office.
Recipients of the Rhode Island Works program will receive a 20% raise in cash benefits, and eligibility for child care supports will be expanded. The budget also allocates $83.6 million for the state match for federal funds to reconstruct the shuttered westbound Washington Bridge and doubles assistance for businesses in East Providence affected by the bridge closure.
The House plan provides additional funding for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to close a budget gap following the end of federal pandemic aid, ensuring no service reductions in the coming year.
Not included in the budget were proposals to alter the state’s financial institutions tax and funding for a new state archives and museum, due to timing and complexity issues, as well as the lack of an identified site and partner organizations for the museum.
For retirees, the budget includes raising the exemption on certain pension plans and annuities income and repeals the suspension of full annual cost of living adjustments for state employees who retired before 2012. It also changes the calculation for pension benefits to be based on the highest three consecutive years of earnings instead of five.
Environmental initiatives feature in the “green bond” with $5 million for farmland protection and various other allocations for open space and habitat management.
Lastly, the budget includes a $10 million bond referendum to support arts infrastructure in Rhode Island and retains a proposal to hike the cigarette tax by 25 cents per pack, while creating a new tax structure for electronic nicotine delivery systems.
The House Finance Committee’s comprehensive budget plan reflects a careful balance of investment in key areas, ensuring Rhode Island’s continued progress and stability amidst the conclusion of federal pandemic aid.
Like Newport Buzz? We depend on the generosity of readers like you who support us, to help with our mission to keep you informed and entertained with local, independent news and content. We truly appreciate your trust and support!


Related
Rhode Island
One Big Question After RHORI Renewal
Bravo cameras will be rolling in Rhode Island once again this summer.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island has officially been renewed for season two—and honestly, it’s no surprise. The newest addition to the Housewives franchise quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to strong ratings and early award buzz.
READ MORE: RHORI Earned Two Critics’ Choice Award Nominations
Still, not everyone may be celebrating this news.
It didn’t take long for viewers to get hooked on the Ocean State edition, especially with the intense drama that unfolded just a few episodes in.
The Infidelity Allegations That Drove the Season
At the center of it all? The allegations of infidelity involving Rulla Nehme Pontarelli’s husband, Brian—a storyline that quickly became the season’s biggest talking point.
The situation even left Rulla questioning her future on the show, saying she would have to “think very long and hard about” returning for another season.
Will Rulla Return for Season 2?
Now that season two is officially happening, the big question is: will Rulla be back?
Fans certainly hope so. Rulla has been one of the most talked-about cast members on social media, and her storyline has driven much of the conversation around the show.
READ MORE: Fans React to First Look at Real Housewives of Rhode Island Cast
As of now, Rulla is expected to return alongside Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.
Bravo via Facebook
When and Where Filming Will Begin
If production follows last year’s schedule, filming will likely kick off in mid-June and run through mid-September—once again showcasing Rhode Island at its summer best.
For now, fans seem thrilled. The announcement sparked more than 100 excited comments on Facebook, with viewers eager for more drama, more glamour, and more Ocean State moments.
So don’t be surprised if you spot Bravo cameras popping up around Rhode Island again very soon.
40 Photos Of Real Housewives Of Dallas Stars Home For Sale
Built & owned by actress, celebrity chef & Real Housewife, D’Andra Simmons-this stylish & stunning award winning two story,5 bedroom modern is on a corner lot in prestigious Highland Park and its on sale for $5.2 Million.
Gallery Credit: Christine McKenny, Agent/ Allie Beth Allman & Associates
A Real Housewives Star Just Made $7.7M On Her Ridiculous Colorado Home
Kyle Richards, from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, just sold this ridiculously gorgeous home in Aspen, Colorado, for $7.7 Million. You’ve gotta see these pix…
Gallery Credit: Aspen MLS
The Gorga’s of The Real Housewives of New Jersey Put Their Jersey House Up For Sale
It has 7 bedrooms 5 bathrooms and a pool but really it will be better if we show you this celebrity home that is up for sale in the Jersey Shore.
Gallery Credit: EeE
Rhode Island
Lieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general
A new era for State Troopers in southern RI
Closing the State Police barracks facilities in Wyoming and Wickford marks the end of an era in community policing
Republican candidate for lieutenant governor John Loughlin wants the office to become the Rhode Island inspector general his party has been seeking in vain for years.
Loughlin, a former state representative, said on May 11 that, if elected, he would staff the underutilized office with people who would help him expose “fraud, waste, abuse, and government corruption.”
“Rhode Islanders are sick and tired of watching their tax dollars disappear into a black hole of inefficiency, cronyism, and outright corruption while the General Assembly talks a big game but delivers nothing − year after year after year,” Loughlin said in a news release. “For more than two decades, the legislature has failed to create a true Inspector General with real investigative power. Enough is enough. If they won’t do it, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office will − starting on day one.”
Why turn the lieutenant governor into an inspector general?
The Rhode Island Constitution gives the lieutenant governor little to no authority beyond being available in case the governor is unable to finish their term. That’s prompted some to call it a “do nothing” office and others to propose abolishing it.
“Frankly, the current workload of the office leaves ample time and resources to do far more for taxpayers than ceremonial appearances and ribbon-cuttings,” Loughlin said in his news release. “Rhode Islanders deserve a Lieutenant Governor’s Office that works every day to protect their money and hold government accountable.”
The lieutenant governor’s office has a budget of $1.4 million, which Loughlin said is enough to staff and run an effective investigative team made up of “certified auditors, investigators, and compliance professionals” to review state agency spending and contracts.
He acknowledged that the lieutenant governor does not have subpoena power, but believes that investigations can be completed utilizing public records requests and gathering publicly-available data.
Loughlin, who ended his talk radio show earlier this year when he announced his campaign for governor, said he would communicate his findings through “RI Report” publications, news briefings and podcasts.
He said he would also make the office’s resources available to city and town leaders.
Republicans have been fighting for an inspector general
Rhode Island Republicans have for years promised to lower state spending by rooting out government waste, fraud and abuse. The last GOP Rhode Island governor, Donald Carcieri, launched a “Fiscal Fitness” program that aimed to save money and find efficiencies.
Democrats criticized Carcieri’s tenure for featuring exorbitant privatization and outsourcing.
Since Carcieri, the idea of creating an independent inspector general similar to those in other states has become a holy grail for Rhode Island Republicans, but the Democratic General Assembly has had little interest in it.
“If our office saves just 1% from Rhode Island’s bloated state budget, the savings would return more than ten times the entire cost of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to taxpayers – and that’s only the beginning,” Loughlin said in the news release.
Rhode Island
RI Lottery Numbers Midday, Numbers Evening winning numbers for May 10, 2026
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 10, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Numbers numbers from May 10 drawing
Midday: 9-9-9-0
Evening: 5-5-0-9
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from May 10 drawing
01-13-14-16-32, Extra: 02
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 10 drawing
01-03-20-35-46, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
-
San Francisco, CA8 minutes agoCalifornia ‘Fans First’ bill aims to cap skyrocketing concert ticket prices
-
Dallas, TX14 minutes agoRanking Every Cowboys Position Group By Overall Talent and Depth
-
Miami, FL20 minutes agoSevere weather, flash flooding possible in South Florida on Tuesday
-
Boston, MA26 minutes agoCanvas reportedly reaches deal with hackers for stolen data – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News
-
Denver, CO32 minutes agoFormer Denver Bronco Craig Morton, who became the first quarterback to start Super Bowl for 2 franchises, dies at 83
-
Seattle, WA38 minutes agoSeattle weather: 80s on the horizon before a long cooldown
-
San Diego, CA44 minutes agoOpinion: Proposed federal rule would hammer beauty industry
-
Milwaukee, WI50 minutes agoWhat the Bucks can learn from this year’s playoffs: Eastern Conference First Round