Supplemental Budget On The Table To Address RI's $800M Deficit

PROVIDENCE, RI — Facing a potential $880 million budget deficit, the Rhode Island General Assembly is tentatively planning to consider a supplemental budget this month. The supplemental budget bill comes following several weeks of hearing by the House of Representatives and Senate Finance Committees discussing possible solutions to the budget shortfalls.

Both chambers are set to consider the legislation the week of June 15. The full House would consider the bill if it is approved by the Finance Committee. Unlike the budget bill, there is no requirement for a seven-day waiting period before it heads to the floor. If approved by the House, it will immediately go to the Senate for consideration, where it will follow the same process. Both chambers are working collaboratively to streamline the process.

Both chambers are expected to consider a few other bills when they reconvene for the budget legislation.

The state house remains closed to the public, but all committee hearings next week will be livestreamed.

Meanwhile, committee hearings have been scheduled in both chambers of the General Assembly next week.