2026 -- H 8256

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LC006055

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $5,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC

TRANSIT AUTHORITY

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Kazarian, Voas, Giraldo, Cruz, Potter, Stewart,
Fogarty, Tanzi, and Batista

     Date Introduced: March 06, 2026

     Referred To: House Finance

     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, 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 five million dollars ($5,000,000) 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 2026-2027, the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000)

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 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 $5,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC

TRANSIT AUTHORITY

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars

($5,000,000) to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus

operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.

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