What’s in the RI Budget proposal for 2022

The new Budget for 2022 was presented at a noon press conference yesterday, held by state budget personnel who followed Gov. McKee’s introduction. They provided details on specific items of the budget, which total $11.17 billion.

Highlights:

4 Stimulus packages have come from the federal government. Including vaccine and testing grants which prevented RI from having to use its general revenue funds. FEMA reimbursement has also been greater than RI anticipated, as they went from 75% of costs to 100% retroactively of costs. Match rate for Medicaid from federal government increased and extended. The latest stimulus package is not in this budget, as they are just being passed now, so changes will take place.

Federal money has been allocated and spent in FY20 and FY21 – modest amount in FY22, though that is still in consideration. Rental assistance program and COVID related response activity that will be financed by federal funds are anticipated.

Corrections Reform – Expansion of ACI programs and IT tracking. Recovery friendly workplace. Supportive housing. Individualized treatment programs. Changes in probation programs including credit to reduce sentences, flexibility for technical violations, parole reform. Early parole for those with long sentences given before age of 22. Work training, work release training.

Equity and Social Justice – expand RI Works to incentivize working; expanding clothing allowance for infants and toddlers; expansion Food Bank; expansion of Doula services.

Expansion and strengthening home and community based services: Medicaid eligible programs, nursing home rate increases; home based programs. $15 M transformation fund for DD system.

Small Biz – bridge grant program until federal money can come in. Expansion of economic development program. Gov. McKee has a strong interest in supporting small businesses.

Housing: rental assistance, affordable housing, etc.

Education: Increase childcare provider rates; childcare for those in college; transformation specialst for underperforming schools, etc. RI Promise program becomes permanent.

Electricity & Natural Gas: similar to other states, for response to natural disasters.

Adult–use Marijuana program: private, regulated – not state managed. 25 new licenses every year for 3 years – some set aside for MBE recipients. 25% of proceeds for education and enforcement, 15% for communities, balance to general fund.

Slater Hospital – continue transformation focusing on long term care. Create Institute for Mental Disease. New facility on Zambarano campus. More funding. Patients will be moved to other areas during construction – they won’t have to leave facility.

Local Aid – would include maintaining car tax phase out.

Notable Revenue & Expenditures

Beach parking – Misquamicut Beach parking fees will be raised by regulation, after a public process.

No income hike for taxes.

Federal money coming into Rhode Island will do a significant amount to address the shortfall locally.

The budget now goes to the legislature.