CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE   RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST DECEMBER 20, 2007

 

Present:

Mayor Isadore S. Ramos	Senator Paul E. Moura
Robert E. Cusack	Representative David A. Segal
Bruce DiTraglia	Representative Elizabeth M. Dennigan
Valerie A. Perry	Representative Helio Melo
Bryan P. Silva	Representative Henry C. Rose
Richard M. Brown	Representative John A. Savage
Virginia B. Nunes
Mildred Morris, Chairperson
Robert Faria, Vice Chairperson
Eileen S. Lovett
Steven E. Santos
Dr. Jacqueline Forbes

 

Mayor Ramos welcomed everyone and asked that we come together as a team.

 

Mr. Brown stated we were well aware of the constraints on state resources and that this was likely to be the second year in a row with no additional funding to local governments.  Understanding that he hoped we could all work together to help reduce the cost of providing services and/or allow local governments the flexibilities to generate additional revenues.

 

1.      Modification or clarification of SB 3050 to allow TIF.

 

2.      Include Police /Fire IOD under the provisions of the worker’s compensation law. (Amounts can remain 100%)

 

3.      Remove product names (i.e. Blue Cross/Delta Dental) from all collective bargaining agreements.

 

4.      State cable franchise fee directed to localities. 1.6% gross receipts = $483,000.

 

5.      Do not pass on state costs to localities (i.e. POST training).

 

6.      Limit school transportation to public schools only.

 

7.      Allow local governments to assess a service fee for non-profits.

 

8.      No additional legislative grants of non-profits status.

 

9.      Allow relief from mandates when money has not followed (schools).

 

10.  Legislatively establish only one (or based on size) administrate for municipal blue cross groups.

 

Dr. Forbes stated our deficit is quadrupling 2008 $3.6 million deficit.  Areas to address are Special Education Regulations, Special Education Costs, Transportation Systems and RISSA Pension Reform.

 

Councilman DiTraglia stated to make up $3.6 million reorganize and close schools.

 

Mr. Brown stated to do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result is the definition of insanity.

 

Councilman DiTraglia stated we have to up the taxes.

 

Representative John A. Savage stated Special Education eliminates class size.  I pre-filed a bill regarding transportation within their school districts.

 

Senator Paul E. Moura stated 3050 level fund education at the same time the Providence leadership let us down.

 

Mr. Faria asked for a state wide education formula.

 

Representative John A. Savage and Helio Melo we had a formula it was proposed and we need support.

 

Senator Paul E. Moura stated we need leadership. 

 

Mr. Brown stated our fair share we need relief.

 

Representative John A. Savage stated change funding formula.

 

Councilman DiTraglia stated we need get unions under one health care plan.  Tax everyone over 18 years old.

 

Mayor Ramos we need to communicate school, city and state.

 

The meeting adjourns at 10:00 a.m.

 

Attest:

 

 

_________________________________

Virginia B. Nunes

City Clerk

 

Approved:    January 2, 2008