Rep. Hopkins: 2025 H6162 - Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes / City of Providence (52725)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm hearing a lot of people talk about the fact that we need to allow Providence to balance their budget and it just floores me that they think the way to balance their budget is by reaching into the pockets of the workers of the residents. It seems to me that the city's responsibility is to balance their budget by raising revenue or spending less. We can't allow them to simply put their hands in the pocket of the residents. Whether you're labeling it a a levy or a tax increase, no matter how you look at it, it's irresponsible uh budgetary analysis. It's just wrong. And I also think this is a slope. I think if you allow Providence to come forward in their crisis, other cities and towns, and that's been mentioned today, well, my town might be next. Well, your town shouldn't be next. They need to balance their budgets. That is their job. That is their responsibility. And I don't think that we can just reach into people's pockets and say, "We failed. You pay." So for that reason, I'm going to be opposed to