 |
|
6/18/2021
|
Rep. Edwards announces financial initiatives to aid Tiverton are included in proposed state budget
|
 STATE HOUSE — House Floor Manager John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth), who serves on the House Finance Committee, has announced that several initiatives that will aid the town of Tiverton have been included in the state budget that the committee approved Thursday night.
The first item corrects a budget plan that would have reduced school funding by more than $500,000.
“Certain algorithms based on real estate values would have penalized the town,” said Representative Edwards. “Once we brought the discrepancy to the attention of the Speaker of the House, we were able to get this corrected in the budget so that Tiverton will not have a loss in state funding this year.”
The second item will guarantee that the towns of Tiverton and Lincoln receive at least $3 million annually for hosting the Twin River casinos, regardless of whether the gaming facility is operational for all or part of any fiscal year.
Edwards had introduced a bill (2021-H 6355) earlier this year to ensure this funding. The language of that bill was included in the proposed budget, ensuring that Tiverton receives its full $3 million this year and guaranteeing for the future that, if there are any closures, the Tiverton minimum would be prorated per day of such closure for that state fiscal year.
“Both towns incur costs whether the casinos are open or closed,” said Representative Edwards. “They deserve to have their full stipend or at least as much as can be given to them based on this new prorated schedule.”
Representative Edwards also worked with Rep. Gregory J. Costantino (D-Dist. 44, Lincoln, Smithfield, Johnston) to increase the fee that Tiverton and Lincoln receive as compensation for serving as the host communities for sports wagering. That flat fee was doubled from $100,000 to $200,000 per community.
Initially introduced as a bill (2021-H 6371) by Representative Costantino, the language of that legislation was also included in the proposed budget.
“Hopefully this additional stipend will help offset the costs incurred by both communities in implementing the sports-wagering program in the state,” said Representative Edwards.
The budget as approved by the House Finance Committee is expected to be considered by the House of Representatives next week.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
|
|