2025 -- H 6020

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LC002272

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $32,594,799 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC

TRANSIT AUTHORITY

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Kislak, Stewart, Morales, Donovan, Fogarty,
Batista, Carson, Speakman, and Tanzi

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2025

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, The Governor's proposed 2026 budget contains an Operating deficit of

$32,594,799 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 2026 proposed fiscal budget amount will leave a $32,594,799

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 $32,594,799 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 to keep

services running at the current levels to get Rhode Islanders where they need to go; now,

therefore be it

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

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2025-2026, the sum of thirty-two million five hundred

ninety-four thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine dollars ($32,594,799) to the Rhode Island

Public Transit Authority to continue current service throughout the State, to hire and train more

bus operators, and to implement the State's Act on Climate goals; and the state controller is

hereby authorized and directed to draw their 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 $32,594,799 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC

TRANSIT AUTHORITY

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     This resolution would appropriate the sum of $32,594,799 to the Rhode Island Public

Transit Authority.

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LC002272

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