Rhode Island

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Rhode Island?

In 2009, Rhode Island faces a $802 million budget gap representing 24.5% of the general fund. In 2010, Rhode Island is looking at another $450 million shortfall, 13.7% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Rhode Island

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $470,000,000 in relief for Rhode Island’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $134,900,000 in relief to the state of Rhode Island to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $48,300,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $44,600,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $9,200,000 for other education programs in Rhode Island’s schools.
• $52,000,000 in food stamps for 91,000 Rhode Island men, women, and children.
• $7,000,000 in emergency shelter grants for 1,100 households.
• 44,000 Rhode Island children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $5,224,128 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 670 Rhode Island children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 86,110 Rhode Island families.
• $2,600,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $5,700,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Rhode Island’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Jack Reed (D)

Sheldon Whitehouse (D)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information