Woonsocket Radio News Room

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER CHIPPENDALE COMMENTS ON THE TRUCK TOLL RULING BY FEDERAL APPEALS COURT

 

State House, Providence – In response to Friday’s federal appeals court ruling that Rhode Island's suspended truck toll system is constitutional and can relaunch as long as daily toll caps that advantage in-state trucks are removed, House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale offers the following statement:

 

This was not a “good day” for Rhode Islanders and it is a very bad deal for Rhode Island businesses, as increased transportation costs are often passed through to consumers via increased product and services pricing. In January 2024, Wallethub ranked Rhode Island dead last for “Best and Worst States to Start a Business”, and in July, 2024 CNBC’s annual Best States for Business ranking placed Rhode Island 44th, receiving D grades for the economy, cost of living, access to capital and cost of doing business –we are in a race to the bottom to be the least business friendly state in the country and that is detrimental to all of Rhode Island. With rumored out-of-state moves from some of Rhode Island’s anchor corporations, this will be a difficult decision for the Governor, and legislative leaders – and the choice is clear:  punish Rhode Island truckers or do away with tolls altogether.

 

As Republicans stated since the initial RhodeWorks proposition in 2016, the plan to enact select tolls for in-state vs out-of-state tractor trailers was unconstitutional as proposed—and the amount of taxpayer dollars used over the years to install all the gantries and hire an out-of-state monitoring company - in addition to the legal fees to fight this folly is not a victory. Also, to now renege on the negotiated toll cap for local commercial trucking, which was part of the original deal for passage, is very concerning. The tolls should not be reinstated.

 

In January, 2025, the House Republican Caucus will introduce legislation to repeal the tolls entirely.  It is time for business-friendly leadership in Rhode Island and a new day for government fiscal management and responsibility.

 

Prosecutors say they're seeking a four-to five-year prison sentence for Sean "Diddy" Combs. A New York jury found Combs guilty of transporting people for prostitution, but not guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering, so he could be released on bond until sentencing. In court today, prosecutors told the judge the sentencing guidelines range from 51-to-63 months.        Procedural votes to advance President Donald Trump's massive spending bill are taking place in the House. An hour of debate on the legislation will take place following the votes, but it appears to be stalled on the house floor currently. The bill squeaked through the Senate Tuesday with Vice President Vance forced to cast the tie breaking vote.        Bryan Kohberger has pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of four University of Idaho students. In a Boise court today, Kohberger sat motionless while he accepted a plea deal that takes the death penalty off the table for the 2022 murders. He only spoke the single words, "yes" and "no," as the judge went through the plea.        The deportation process for the family of the Colorado terror attack suspect can continue. A U.S. district judge in Texas on Wednesday denied a petition for the release of Mohamed Soliman's wife and five children, who are originally from Egypt. Soliman is accused of killing one person and injuring more nearly 30 people in early June when he allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at a crowd marching in support of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas.        Severe weather in the eastern half of the U.S. could cause trouble for Fourth of July travelers. The Mid-Atlantic region has dealt with thunderstorms as heavy rains have led to flooding in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Today, storm conditions are being seen along the coast of the Carolinas down to Georgia.        The action is heating up at Wimbledon. Earlier today, American Frances Tiafoe lost in four sets in a second round match. American Taylor Fritz is in action today, two seed Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the third round in straight sets. On the women's side, American Madison Keys advanced after winning in straight sets, while Naomi Osaka was victorious in straight sets.       

Old News Archives