2026 -- S 2825

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LC005389

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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: Senators McKenney, Appollonio, Urso, Bissaillon, Zurier, DiPalma, and
Quezada

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Finance

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

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

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and

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

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

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to counter the downward trend; and

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     WHEREAS, An appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) is essential in order to

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support RIPTA's hiring and training of more bus operators by increasing wages and benefits to be

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

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states, and to keep services running at the current levels to get Rhode Islanders where they need

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to go; now, therefore be it

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

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otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000)

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to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to continue current service throughout the State, hire

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

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controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the

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

 

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of properly authenticated vouchers.

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LC005389

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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

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

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

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LC005389

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