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4/30/2026
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Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz hosts press conference on tax-related legislation
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STATE HOUSE —Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz (R-Dist. 23, North Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester), Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Lincoln), and Senate Minority Whip Gordon E. Rogers (R-Dist. 21, Foster, Coventry, Scituate, West Greenwich) were joined by Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce President Laurie White, Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) President & CEO Michael DiBiase, and prominent estate attorney John Harpootian, Esq. to discuss tax-related legislation scheduled to be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on April 30, 2026.
“Rhode Island is at a tipping point,” began Leader de la Cruz, “we can follow a high-tax path that chases away our most successful residents, or we can choose a path that rewards work and keeps families together.” She laid out her plan for a responsible and moderate phased reduction across the board in personal income tax rates.
When addressing the elimination or phase-out of the estate tax, Whip Rogers relayed a personal story of the devasting effect the tax can have on families. Attorney Harpootian spoke to his professional experience with our tax policy’s impact on attracting entrepreneurs to the state.
“If we’re serious about affordability, we have to look at both sides of the ledger. Families and small businesses aren’t just struggling with high prices — they’re also struggling with what government takes out of their paycheck. The pace of government spending has been rapid and is unsustainable,” continued Chamber President White.
RIPEC CEO DiBiase stated, “We need to focus on doing the hard work to tackle our spending problem and build a state that is fiscally responsible and genuinely attractive to businesses and families alike.”
The Honorable Joseph R. Paolino Jr. sent these remarks, “If we want Rhode Island to grow, we can’t afford policies that push opportunity away. A wealth tax does exactly that. These policies being presented make it appear that Rhode Island is throwing in the towel instead of competing to win. Eliminating the estate tax and steadily lowering income taxes would send a strong signal that we’re serious about attracting investment and building a more competitive economy.”
“Rhode Islanders shouldn’t settle for affordability, we should demand prosperity,” concluded Leader de la Cruz.
For more information, contact:
Lee Ann Sennick, Director of Communications for the Senate Minority Office
Senate Minority Office
Providence, RI 02903
401-222-2708
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