McKee Proposes $14.2B Rhode Island State Budget for 2025-26

An ongoing gap between expenditures and revenue spells more red ink

Office of Management and Budget Director Brian Daniels talks about the budget as state Administration Director Jonathan Womer listens.
Office of Management and Budget Director Brian Daniels talks about the budget as state Administration Director Jonathan Womer listens.
Ian Donnis / The Public’s Radio
Share
Office of Management and Budget Director Brian Daniels talks about the budget as state Administration Director Jonathan Womer listens.
Office of Management and Budget Director Brian Daniels talks about the budget as state Administration Director Jonathan Womer listens.
Ian Donnis / The Public’s Radio
McKee Proposes $14.2B Rhode Island State Budget for 2025-26
Copy

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee’s latest $14.2 billion budget proposal adds about a quarter-billion dollars from the current spending plan, reflecting the challenge of fueling the government in a state where expenditures continue to outpace revenue.

McKee said his budget, which he unveiled Thursday, would close an approximately $250 million deficit without any broad-based tax increases.“It will not just protect Rhode Island’s progress, it will protect the taxpayers of our state,” McKee said.

The proposal banks on $10 million in revenue from the eventual restart of the RhodeWorks truck-tolling program, following a recent court decision, and predicts that amount will grow to $40 million in fiscal 2026-27.

The spending plan includes investments meant to spark economic growth, increases in education aid, and a proposed ban on new sales of semiautomatic rifles sometimes called assault weapons.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

Other legislative panels prepare to study Pawtuxet River flooding, Central Falls schools
The council voted last month to eliminate the funding Zeiterion gets from the city, which accounts for about 20% of the theater’s operating revenue. But at the mayor’s request, the council will vote Thursday, July 17 on whether to restore it. If the funds aren’t restored, it could threaten the existence of the 102-year-old venue
Victoria Banks, Phil Barton, and Emily Shackelson, three of Nashville’s most respected singer-songwriters, will perform Nov. 8
From therapy dogs and healing horses to wildlife rescues and foster journeys, host Karen Kalunian and the Animal Talk crew go behind the scenes with Rhode Island’s most inspiring animal advocates
The Senate voted to approve a $9 billion rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television
Rhode Island environmental officials have been battling the spread of the sacred lotus at Meshanticut State Park for over a decade