6/13/02 - Lawmakers have overridden Gov. Lincoln Almond's veto of a $2.66 billion budget proposal. The governor originally vetoed the proposal because he said he doesn't believe the proposed budget trims enough spending to avoid future deficits. Almond called the budget a "fiscal nightmare, a policy disaster and a constitutional crisis" for what he believes is $200 million of overspending, along with the fuel tax hike, which increases the state's diesel tax to 30 cents per gallon.

6/7/02 - Gov. Lincoln Almond vetoed a proposed budget June 6 that would have included a 2-cent fuel tax hike. The governor said he doesn't believe the proposed budget trims enough spending to avoid future deficits.

Gov. Almond said lawmakers had given him "no option" other than vetoing the proposal. He called the budget a "fiscal nightmare, a policy disaster and a constitutional crisis" for what he believes is $200 million of overspending, along with the fuel tax hike. Almond has called for the legislature to reconvene by June 12 to reconsider the budget.

The House and Senate passed a 2-cent fuel tax hike the last week of May as part of a budget bill to avoid future projected deficits. The tax hike would have increased the state's diesel tax to 30 cents per gallon.

6/7/02 - The House have approved legislation outlawing tolls or fees on the Sakonnet Bridge to help pay for future repairs or replacement. About 40,000 vehicles cross the State Highway 24 bridge daily that connects southeast Massachusetts to Newport, RI. H6973 is awaiting assignment to the Senate calendar. For bill status, call (401) 222-3580.