Woonsocket Radio News Room

Statement from Speaker Mattiello, Senate President Ruggerio, and Governor Raimondo on the FY21 Budget and Bond Initiatives

Speaker of the House Nicholas A. Mattiello, President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio, and Governor Gina M. Raimondo today released the following joint statement on the FY21 budget and bond initiatives:

 

“As we await direction from Washington regarding additional relief for states, Rhode Island’s FY21 budget picture remains uncertain. COVID-19 has caused significant damage to our national and local economies, and it is critical we have a full understanding of the funding available to the State. Likewise, the placement of bond issues on the ballot is directly linked to the overall budget plan. Given these considerations, we look forward to holding a special session in November to consider the FY21 budget, as well as a special election shortly thereafter to vote on this year’s bond initiatives.” 

 

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she'll be back in her country soon. Machado left Venezuela last month to accept the Nobel Peace Prize and hasn't yet returned. Now that the U.S. has forcibly removed president Nicolas Maduro in a military operation, Machado told Fox News on Monday that she'll be back to help dismantle what she called the criminal structures of the Maduro government.        President Trump says Republicans will "break records" in this year's midterm elections. He addressed the annual GOP retreat Tuesday at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center. This year will be critical for Republicans in the House as they look to keep their slim margin.        Northern California Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa died during surgery after suffering a medical emergency. Officials say emergency personnel were called to LaMalfa's home shortly before seven o'clock Monday night. He died early this morning at a hospital in Chico. A lawmaker familiar with the matter tells Politico LaMalfa suffered an aneurysm, then a heart attack during surgery.        Opening statements are underway in the first trial connected to the slow police response to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Former Uvalde school officer Adrian Gonzales is accused of failing to engage the gunman after arriving at Robb Elementary School during the massacre May 24th, 2022. Today, prosecutors say Gonzales was told the gunman was in the parking lot and had not entered any classroom, yet he failed to move from his location after he radioed in the information.        The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 49-thousand for the first time ever as stocks extended a post-Venezuela attack rally. The S&P 500 also hit a fresh all-time high as Amazon and other A-I-related shares boosted the broader market. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 484 points to 49-462. The S&P 500 rose 42 points to 69-44. The Nasdaq climbed 151 points to 23-547.        The series finale of Stranger Things is being credited for helping Netflix reach a new viewership record on New Year's Day. According to the streamer, the entire fifth season of the supernatural series delivered over 31 million views for the week of December 29th. Netflix has now put Stranger Things Five on its Most Popular English TV list as the season officially entered the Top Ten in ninth place with over 105 million total views.       

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