Leader Michael Chippendale weighs in with WPRI 12 on the upcoming legislative session, raising opposition to proposals for a state purchase of hospitals and creating a millionaires tax.
"I have yet to find anything the state runs as efficient and affordable, so I would be opposed to a state takeover in our hospital system. The House GOP is looking to cut fees, taxes and regulations that cause pain to Rhode Islanders-- not add more."
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Rhode Island lawmakers are returning to Smith Hill today, kicking off six
months of work on the key issues facing the state. Sophia Zabo joins us now from
the statehouse with more Sophia.
Well, Mike and Shannon, there's a lot of energy here today. The halls of the
statehouse seemed to come back to life as lawmakers returned. Now, both
chambers have adjourned for the evening, but the work they have ahead of them
this legislative session. Well, it's already cut out.
It's back to work for Rhode Island lawmakers, and all eyes are on one in
particular. House Speaker Joseph Shikarchi currently considering a run
for governor. Here's what the Warwick Democrat said yesterday on 12 news at
four. As we stand here right now, will the voters of Rhode Island know by the
end of this month what your decision is? I think it's I've said all along. It's
the first quarter, and I think that's pretty consistent. Not much will change.
Shikarchi has said he will stay on a speaker even if he decides to run on
the other side of the statehouse. Senate President Val Lawson is
beginning her first full year leading her chamber. Health care is expected to
be a key focus during this year's session with Roger Williams Medical
Center and Our Lady Fatima Hospital still in limbo. Lawson says she hasn't
ruled out a state purchase. We need to make sure that both those hospitals are
open in Rhode Islanders have access to again, quality, inaccessible health
quick care, and that's affordable. The state's estimated deficit has shrunk
considerably now down to about $100 million. But some are still suggesting
a new tax on millionaires to generate revenue. That's something we have to
take into consideration with the revenue forecast. And what's the impact
of the federal level? I am yet to find anything. The state runs efficiently
and effectively, so I would be opposed to that. House Minority Leader Michael
Chippendale pledging to fight against that idea while outlining the goals of
the GOP this legislative session. We're taking a thoughtful approach at looking
at ways of reducing the pain that everyday Rhode Islanders are feeling
right now because of all of the various fees, taxes and charges that are
unfortunately making it very difficult to live in the state of Rhode Island.
Now, of course, because this is an election year, all 113 seats in the
General Assembly will be on the ballot come this fall. For now, we're reporting
in life inside the Statehouse. Sophia Zabo, 12 News.
