Rhode Island State Ballot Questions 2016: Seven Measures

NEWPORT, RI – On Nov. 8, when Rhode Islanders go to the polls to pick a president, they will also vote on seven statewide ballot questions. Here's a quick guide.

Ballot Question 1: Tiverton Casino

The Question

Do you approve a new gambling casino, Twin River-Tiverton, LLC, with video-lottery games and casino-style gambling, like table games?

A 'yes' vote -- on both the statewide ballot and the Town ballot in Tiverton -- would clear the way to replace Newport Grand with a new casino at the intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road.

A "no" vote -- on either the Town ballot or the statewide referendum --would scuttle the plans.

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Summary

Twin River, which already operates a casino in Lincoln, says it needs table games to be profitable. Their casino will contribute tens of millions in revenue to the state, create jobs and add to Tiverton's coffers, as well, they also claim. Opponents say the revenue estimates are overblown; the gambling will hurt the Town's character and the residents' quality of life, and will take advantage of vulnerable people with a gambling addiction.

Ballot Question 2: Ethics Commission Reboot

The Question

Should the ethics commission hear complaints against state senators and state representatives?

A "yes" vote would allow the commission to investigate ethics complaints against state lawmakers and impose penalties, if warranted.

A "no" vote continues immunity for General Assembly members in matters connected to their legislative duties.

Summary

The state General Assembly leaders allowed this question on the ballot in the wake of new scandals, involving its members. Recently, the American Civil Liberties Union opposed the change and argued it could have a "chilling effect."

Ballot Question 3: Finish Construction on the Veterans Home

The Question

This is a financial question, asking voters to authorize $27 million in bonds to complete the veterans home. Construction is underway, and the job is supposed to be done in fall 2017.

A "yes" vote would approve issuing $27 million in general obligation bonds costing $16.3 million in interest for a total cost of $43,281,371.

A "no" vote would reject the bonds.

Summary

In 2012, voters approved $94 million for a new Veterans Home and renovations to the existing facility. But then the state received federal funds, which reduced Rhode Island's costs to $33.5 million. However, now $27 million more is needed, due to cost increases for labor and materials and changes in federal reimbursement guidelines. The total cost would come to $60.5 million, the state says, assuming favorable rates (an annual interest rate of five percent, with bonds amortized with level payments over 20 years.)

Ballot Question 4: Construction Work for University of Rhode Island

The Question

This is a financial question, asking voters to authorize $45.5 million in bonds for two projects. The first job calls for a new addition at Bliss Hall on the URI campus and renovations to the existing building at a cost of $25,5 million. The second job calls for spending $20 million to build an innovation campus at a location to be decided.

A "yes" vote would approve issuing $45.5 million in general obligation bonds costing $27.4 million in interest for a total cost of $72,937,126, assuming favorable market rates.

A "no" vote would reject the bonds.

Summary

The state says the improvements would create 21st-century jobs for Rhode Islanders. Bliss Hall is home to URI's College of Engineering and one of the oldest buildings on the Kingston campus. The innovation campus would connect the school with business partners to build the state economy.

Ballot Question 5: Port Improvements

The Question

This is a financial question, asking voters to authorize $70 million in bonds for infrastructure improvements at Quonset and at the Port of Providence.

A "yes" vote would approve issuing $70 million in general obligation bonds costing $42.2 million in interest for a total cost of $112,210,962, assuming favorable market rates.

A "no" vote would reject the bonds.

Summary

The first job calls for $50 million to modernize Pier 2 at Quonset, as well as making other infrastructure repairs and upgrades. The second job would buy land (up to 25 acres) to expand the Port of Providence and pay for infrastructure improvements there.

Ballot Question 6: Green Economy Bonds

The Question

This is a financial question, asking voters to authorize $35 million in bonds for a variety of projects investing in recreation and the environment.

A "yes" vote would approve issuing $35 million in general obligation bonds costing $21 million in interest for a total cost of $56,105,481, assuming favorable market rates.

A "no" vote would reject the bonds.

Summary

The list specifies:

$4 million for state parks, including renovations to the Goddard Park bathing pavilion (East Greenwich), the stone barn at Colt State Park (Bristol), and continued upgrades at Fort Adams (Newport);

$4 million for land acquisition, including conservation easements to preserve resources, such as Rocky Point (Warwick) and Blue Pond Management Area (Hopkinton) and others;

$10 million for bike paths, with the Blackstone Bikeway and South County Bikeway given high priority;

$5 million for cleaning up industrial or commercial sites;

$3 million to continue a stormwater pollution prevention program;

$5 million to encourage municipalities to develop recreation facilities and acquire recreation land;

$4 million for matching grants open to municipalities, local land trusts and non-profit organizations to acquire open space.

Ballot Question 7: Affordable Housing

The Question

This is a financial question, asking voters to authorize $40 million in bonds to build new housing or redevelop existing structures for affordable housing. Also, $10 million would be used to deal with blight and would include residential and commercial properties, as well as public and community spaces.

A "yes" vote would approve issuing $50 million in general obligation bonds costing $30.1 million in interest for a total cost of $80,150,687, assuming favorable market rates.

A "no" vote would reject the bonds.

Summary

Past projects have created more than 1,900 homes and apartments for families, seniors and veterans in 31 cities and towns.