Still Broke:
Thanks for your comments. I couldn’t agree with you more about our state’s gas tax and sales tax. As the owner of a liquor store, I know only too well what it’s like trying to compete with Massachusetts. That’s why I have consistently tried, during my time in the legislature, to bring about changes in these areas. I have fought for lower gas taxes, lower sales taxes. The point, however, is that making a significant change such as that sometimes has unintended consequences. I agree with you that we need to be more prudent about state spending, but I don’t think we should make draconian cuts that end up hurting people - such as the developmental disabilities funding cuts of two years ago - or balance the state’s budget on the backs of our cities and towns. Pension reforms, for instance, are not only helping the state budget but are also bringing truly good savings to our cities and towns. And I was successful in fighting the governor’s proposed increase in the meals tax, which drew compliments for many area restaurant owners who realized another tax hike would have hurt their competitiveness. What we really need to do is grow jobs in Rhode Island, and make it easy for people to learn new skills to qualify for new jobs. Sound economic development and outstanding education are the two most important things we can do to help our state now and to help our children in the future. And as I said before and you noted in your response, I am one of 113 legislators and accomplishing things means compromise, coalition building and steady hard work. Just making campaign promises, as my opponent is doing, does not get the job done.
