PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns (The League)
announced the priorities of local communities for the 2023 Legislative Session and
in the FY2024 State budget. The League’s priorities reflect their focus for the
legislative session and position on areas of critical importance to municipalities and
taxpayers.
“The League of Cities and Towns encourages all levels of state government to work
with municipal leaders to solve issues and understand the true impacts of
legislation, particularly when it pertains to implementation,” said North
Providence Mayor and League President Charles Lombardi. “As we
continue to navigate the post-pandemic economy and adapt to our residents’
needs, stable levels of state aid are crucial, as every state dollar to cities and towns is
effectively a dollar in property tax relief.”
Rhode Islanders currently experience the eighth highest property tax burden in the
country.
“Rhode Island’s municipal leaders are an important piece of Rhode Island’s
economic success,” said Ernie Almonte, Executive Director of the R.I.
League of Cities and Towns. “As state leaders look to tackle the housing crisis,
invest federal relief funds, and support infrastructure improvements, the League
encourages members of the General Assembly to reach out to better understand the
municipal, on-the-ground perspective in order to propose innovative solutions,
improve efficiency and save tax dollars.”
Unprecedented federal aid has supported the ability for cities and towns to continue
to lead the way in budget restraint even in a crisis. Further Supported by sound fiscal
management and improved state funding for education, property taxes increased an
average of only 2.06% statewide over the last nine years.
The League’s priorities include:
- Budget/Fiscal:
- Maintained funding for Distressed Communities
- Fully fund the Payment In-Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program (27%) and re-
evaluate the statutory formula to reflect current conditions.
- Oppose Agency “Scoops” from quasi-governmental organizations which are
funded by municipal fees.
-
- The state must work with cities and towns to encourage housing construction
and rehabilitation, and remove barriers to housing, such as infrastructure
improvements. To accomplish this, municipalities need:
- A clear menu of innovative solutions and funding opportunities from the state
that can be implemented during the winter season.
- Increased funding for infrastructure outside of federal aid opportunities.
- Preserve and promote quality of life, based on the different communities’
needs and respect for the local voice in land use decisions.
- Funding the implementation of programs and systems to support process
improvements.
- Increased technical support and adequate funding to departments and
agencies that facilitate housing growth, including the Division of Statewide
Planning and Department of Housing.
- Workforce development to expand the pool of municipal planners as well as
building and zoning officials.
- Adequate state and education aid to support the needs of residents
- A commitment to expand and fully fund reliable transportation options for
residents, extending the urban service boundary.
- Education Aid & Funding Formula:
- Fully fund Education Aid and address Funding Formula concerns such as
high-cost special education and multilingual learners.
- Increase the state share of teacher pension contributions above the current
40% level.
- Funding for Transportation, Infrastructure, and Resiliency:
- Allocate $30 million to the Municipal Infrastructure Grant program.
- Establish a Municipal Road & Bridge Fund.
- Property Taxes:
- Fully fund tax exemptions, or offer enabling rather than mandatory
provisions.
- Reform Renewable Energy Land Taxation.
- Increase Accountability for Law Enforcement:
- Adopt recommendations to improve the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of
Rights (LEOBOR).
Email to a Friend