Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE -- Discussions on the state's budget deficit will continue this afternoon. Today's topic: low-cost options for recession relief -- essentially ways to speed Rhode Islanders' access to help, including faster delivery of unemployment checks and food stamps.

Members of the House Finance Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 35 in the State House.

Last year, 20 of the state's 45 departments exceeded their budgets, and early projections this year show that they are on track to do the same.

Rhode Island faces a $357-million deficit for the year ending in June and a projected shortfall of almost $490 million in the coming year.

Yesterday, state officials questioned department heads about chronic overspending that worsened the budget hole.

"This committee is not trying to be contentious. We're trying to put pressure on you because we are in crisis," committee Chairman Steven M. Costantino said yesterday to Department of Human Services Director Gary Alexander.

Costantino and other committee members suggested some directors had knowingly booked unrealistic budget savings. Costantino referred to a state law that allows department heads who intentionally overspend their budgets to be fined up to $1,000.

 Tags  budget deficit House Finance Committee Providence RI

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