RI governor to meet with mayors on fiscal crisis
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Rhode Island's governor has called a meeting with the mayors of the state's 39 cities and towns to discuss the financial challenges posed by cuts in state aid and the rising cost of municipal pensions.
Gov. Lincoln Chafee (CHAY'-fee) said Thursday that the input of local leaders is critical to finding solutions to the problems facing cities and towns. State aid to local governments has been cut by nearly $200 million in the last three years, even as the cost of providing retirement benefits to workers has escalated.
Two cities -- East Providence and Central Falls -- are now under state fiscal oversight in part because of chronic deficits and runaway pension costs.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 5, in the Statehouse.
