2024 -- H 7774

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LC005234

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $78,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND TRANSIT

AUTHORITY (RIPTA)

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Cortvriend, Tanzi, Morales, Stewart, Giraldo,
Casimiro, Donovan, Diaz, and Hull

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2024

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, The Governor's proposed 2024-2025 budget contains an Operating Grant of

$10,000,000 for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA); and

     WHEREAS, Public transportation is a lifeline for thousands of Rhode Islanders. It builds

thriving communities, creates jobs, eases traffic congestion and promotes a cleaner environment;

and

     WHEREAS, The current 2024-2025 proposed fiscal budget amount will leave an $8

million dollar deficit resulting in a loss of crucial services to Rhode Islanders whose livelihood

depends on public transportation; and

     WHEREAS, In myriad areas across the State, Rhode Island's workforce is severely

limited and understaffed. To begin to rectify this growing challenge, initiatives must be instituted

to counter the downward trend; and

     WHEREAS, An appropriation of $24 million is essential in order to support RIPTA's

hiring and training of more bus operators by increasing wages and benefits to be competitive and

in line with the rising cost of living in Rhode Island and with our neighboring states; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, $46 million, granted annually, is critical for the implementation

of the Transit Master Plan that would expand transit service statewide – a key strategy for

reaching the state's legally mandated Act on Climate goals; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2024-2025, the sum of seventy-eight million dollars

($78,000,000) to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to continue current service throughout

the State, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals; and

the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general treasurer

for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon

receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $78,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND TRANSIT

AUTHORITY (RIPTA)

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $78,000,000 to the

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.

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