Expense Side Concerns

Date: May 14, 2014

While
the Senate Finance Committee approved a plan to create a new “statewide
transportation infrastructure fund” and eliminate the controversial toll on the
new Sakonnet bridge between Portsmouth and Tiverton, the General Assembly faced
new expenses as well. With unexpectedly large numbers of low income residents
signing up for health care coverage (35,000 more than expected and growing),
the state likely will incur $50 million more than expected in health care
costs.
Under the new projections, Rhode
Island’s total annual spending on Medicaid will increase from $1.6 billion in
the 2012-13 budget year to $2.3 billion in 2014-15, a 40% increase in just two
years. The number of people on Medicaid totaled 246,193 last month, up from
198,085 a year ago. Medicaid spending already makes up nearly 30% of Rhode
Island’s entire $8.2-billion state budget

In addition, the state of Rhode Island,
like many states, is experiencing a downturn in revenues from the state’s
income tax. And the state is concerned about taking over the cost of running a
state health care exchange HealthSource RI — $20 million plus annually – from
the federal government. Finally, lawmakers are more than a little worried about
the revenue impact of the advent of legalized gaming in Massachusetts with some
estimating the loss of revenue at $100 million or more annually.    

These financial realities are
challenging to us and to our legislative allies who are drafting a state budget
and want to include tax reductions in that spending blue print. House Finance
Chairman Gallison expressed his concern about increased budget pressures. But
Rhode Island needs to encourage economic growth and new jobs.   

Subscribe For Free News And Tips

Enter your email to get FREE small business insights. Learn more

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

Or call us today
1-800-634-2669

© 2001 - 2024 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy