Woonsocket Radio News Room

Statement from Speaker Mattiello, Senate President Ruggerio, and Governor Raimondo on the FY21 Budget and Bond Initiatives

Speaker of the House Nicholas A. Mattiello, President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio, and Governor Gina M. Raimondo today released the following joint statement on the FY21 budget and bond initiatives:

 

“As we await direction from Washington regarding additional relief for states, Rhode Island’s FY21 budget picture remains uncertain. COVID-19 has caused significant damage to our national and local economies, and it is critical we have a full understanding of the funding available to the State. Likewise, the placement of bond issues on the ballot is directly linked to the overall budget plan. Given these considerations, we look forward to holding a special session in November to consider the FY21 budget, as well as a special election shortly thereafter to vote on this year’s bond initiatives.” 

 

Former President Trump is back in a New York City court for his criminal hush money trial. Jurors again heard testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker who has explained this week how he protected Trump from negative stories leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Trump faces felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair.       The Supreme Court is considering Donald Trump's claim he has presidential immunity in his federal election subversion case. Trump's attorney argued prosecuting a president for official acts "incompatible" with Constitution. The special counsel attorney argued the Constitution does not grant a president absolute immunity.       Pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University are facing a deadline to clear out their encampment. They must leave in less than 24 hours or university administrators say they'll be forced to take action. Students want amnesty for any students who may have been arrested or suspended as a result of the protests. The president of Columbia said she hopes discussions with students are successful and calm can be restored to the campus.       Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is having his conviction for sex crimes in New York overturned. The court found the judge in his trial made an error allowing women to testify about alleged sexual assaults committed by Weinstein that were not part of the charges against him. Weinstein was also convicted of rape in Los Angeles and that conviction still stands. The New York court has ruled a new trial must take place.       The parent company of TikTok has no plans to sell the social media platform. In a statement posted on a Chinese media platform it owns, ByteDance denied a report from website The Information that said it's looking at options for a possible sale. Earlier this week, President Biden signed a bill into law that calls for ByteDance to sell TikTok or face being banned in the U.S.       The NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit tonight. The Chicago Bears have the first pick and are widely expected to select University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams. Quarterbacks are also expected to be taken by the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots with the second and third picks.       

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