A look at Rhode Island's $6.9 billion budget proposal for the 2009 financial year starting July 1:
DEFICIT -- The proposed spending plan would close a budget deficit estimated at $422 million for the coming year. Budget analysts expect Rhode Island will continue to face hundreds of millions of dollars in spending shortfalls through 2013.
TAXES -- The spending plan would not significantly raise personal income, sales or corporate taxes. It would raise taxes on health insurers, who could pass those costs along to consumers.
MOTOR VEHICLES -- The plan includes a $10 increase for motor vehicle violations. Lawmakers rejected a plan by Gov. Don Carcieri to fine motorists $50 for talking on handheld cell phones while driving.
ENERGY -- Repeals a program that would offer discounted electricity, natural gas and heating oil to the poor.
WELFARE -- Residents could only receive welfare payments for a maximum of four years, instead of the current five. They could not collect more than two years of consecutive benefits in any five-year period.
HEALTH CARE -- The proposed budget depends on $67 million in savings by capping Medicaid spending, limiting the use of expensive nursing homes and requiring Medicaid recipients to seek non-emergency treatment from the cheapest health care providers. The proposal would remove about 1,000 adults from state-subsidized health insurance. Carcieri originally wanted to remove about 7,400 adults.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS -- Lawmakers rejected a last-minute proposal to end health insurance coverage for pregnant illegal immigrants.
MOVIES -- The proposal would set a $15 million cap on tax credits given to movie productions that film in Rhode Island.
