Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8050

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/8/24  
Report Pass
4/30/24  
Refer
5/17/24  
Report Pass
6/4/24  

Caption

AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $400,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RELATED DEMOLITION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND ALL COSTS RELATED THERETO, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THEN 75% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE AND PROVIDED THAT THE AUTHORIZATION SHALL BE REDUCED BY THE AMOUNT OF CERTAIN GRANTS RECEIVED FROM STATE BOND PROCEEDS, FROM THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR FROM THE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY

Impact

The passage of HB 8050 would enable Providence to undertake significant investment in its education system. By allowing the city to issue these bonds, it provides a means to enhance school facilities, which is pivotal for maintaining a high standard of education. Furthermore, the act includes stipulations for reimbursement from the state, thereby minimizing the city's financial burden and potentially making it easier for the city to manage its overall budget while improving educational infrastructure.

Summary

House Bill 8050 aims to authorize the City of Providence to issue up to $400,000,000 in general obligation bonds for financing a series of school-related projects. These projects encompass construction, demolition, renovation, landscaping, and equipping of school facilities throughout the city. The bill outlines that the issuance of bonds is contingent upon receiving state housing aid at a reimbursement rate of no less than 75% at the time of issuance, ensuring financial support from the state to facilitate the city's educational infrastructure improvements.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 8050 appears to be favorable, particularly among city officials and advocates for education. Supporters emphasize the importance of modernizing school facilities to meet educational needs and ensure that students have a conducive learning environment. However, there may still be discussions related to the implications of increased debt on future budgets, which could stir some concerns among fiscal watchdogs and local taxpayers.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for the intentions behind HB 8050, one point of contention could revolve around the repayment plans and how the debt incurred from these bonds will be managed in future city budgets. Critics may question the long-term financial sustainability of incurring such significant debt, especially in scenarios where state reimbursements may not fulfill expectations. Additionally, there is always the potential for differing opinions on the prioritization of funds allocated to school infrastructure compared to other city needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6404

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H6276

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0994

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI H5101

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI H6296

Authorizing The Town Of Coventry To Issue Not More Than $25,000,000 Bonds And Notes To Finance Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvement, Furnishing And/or Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State School Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 49.2 % For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI S0993

Authorizing The Town Of Coventry To Issue Not More Than $25,000,000 Bonds And Notes To Finance Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvement, Furnishing And/or Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State School Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 49.2 % For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI S0018

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI H5526

Authorizing The Town Of Middletown To Issue Not To Exceed $190,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Furnishing And Equipping Of A Middle School And High School And The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of School Facilities Throughout The Town And All Attendant Expenses Including, But Not Limited To, Demolition, Engineering, Architectural And Landscaping Costs

RI S0206

Authorizing The Town Of Middletown To Issue Not To Exceed $190,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Furnishing And Equipping Of A Middle School And High School And The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of School Facilities Throughout The Town And All Attendant Expenses Including, But Not Limited To, Demolition, Engineering, Architectural And Landscaping Costs

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