2025 -- S 0342
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LC001271
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
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J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $32,594,799 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC
TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Introduced By: Senators McKenney, Zurier, Britto, Bissaillon, and Appollonio
Date Introduced: February 21, 2025
Referred To: Senate Finance
WHEREAS, The Governor's proposed 2025-2026 budget contains an operating deficit of 1
$32,594,799 for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA); and 2
WHEREAS, Public transportation is a lifeline for thousands of Rhode Islanders. It builds 3
thriving communities, creates jobs, eases traffic congestion and promotes a cleaner environment; 4
and 5
WHEREAS, The current 2025-2026 proposed fiscal budget amount will leave a 6
$32,594,799 deficit resulting in a loss of crucial services to Rhode Islanders whose livelihood 7
depends on public transportation; and 8
WHEREAS, In myriad areas across the State, Rhode Island's workforce is severely 9
limited and understaffed. To begin to rectify this growing challenge, initiatives must be instituted 10
to counter the downward trend; and 11
WHEREAS, An appropriation of $32,594,799 is essential in order to support RIPTA's 12
hiring and training of more bus operators by increasing wages and benefits to be competitive and 13
in line with the rising cost of living in Rhode Island and with our neighboring states, and to keep 14
services running at the current levels to get Rhode Islanders where they need to go; now, 15
therefore be it 16
RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of money in the treasury not 17
otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2025-2026, the sum of thirty-two million, five hundred 18
ninety-four thousand, seven hundred and ninety-nine dollars ($32,594,799) to the Rhode Island 19
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Public Transit Authority to continue current service throughout the State, hire and train more bus 1
operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals; and the state controller is hereby 2
authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said 3
sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly 4
authenticated vouchers. 5
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIAT ION OF $32,594,799 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC
TRANSIT AUTHORITY
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This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $32,594,799 to the RI 1
Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement 2
the State's Act on Climate goals. 3
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LC001271
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