Rhode Island Current

U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner’s campaign reported a fundraising surge since last week's s*xting accusations. Via Maine Morning Star

The litmus test that Democrats, and independents, are faced with in Platner’s Senate bid • Rhode Island Current The latest controversies involving U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner present a test of how much Maine voters will weigh his personal life against the policies he’s advocating for.

The House speaker's decision not to subject the state legislature or judiciary to the purview of a new inspector general’s office created some reservations among Republicans and a handful of Democrats. George Nardone, a Coventry Republican, pitched expanding the auditor general’s power over the legislature, adding express subpoena and investigatory powers but was shot down by an overwhelming majority of chamber Democrats.

House approves $15.2B FY27 budget with marquee acquisition: millionaire’s tax • Rhode Island Current A record $15.2 billion fiscal 2027 budget breezed through the Rhode Island House of Representatives in near record time Friday, with the 65-10 vote finalized with an hour to spare before sunset.

The $15.2 billion bottom line for fiscal 2027 marks the highest spending in state history — roughly $300 million more than what Gov. Dan McKee proposed in January, and $900 million above the current fiscal year budget approved one year ago. And it's made possible by a current year surplus and a new hike on top earners.

House approves $15.2B FY27 budget with marquee acquisition: millionaire’s tax • Rhode Island Current A record $15.2 billion fiscal 2027 budget breezed through the Rhode Island House of Representatives in near record time Friday, with the 65-10 vote finalized with an hour to spare before sunset.