Your vote in R.I.: What it all means

While much has been said about the national election, not so much has been said about state issues in Rhode Island. There were seven issues on the ballot in this election. Two were referendums and five were bond issues. All issues in Rhode Island passed.

What were they, and what was the result?

Question One asked Rhode Islanders to approve or reject state-operated casino gaming at “Twin River Tiverton.” Approval means a new casino will be built Tiverton. Eventually, Newport Grand will close.

There may have been some confusion with Question 2. In Massachusetts, the heavily advertised Question 2 had to do with charter schools. In Rhode Island, Question 2 had to do with restoring Ethics Commission oversight of the state General Assembly. The General Assembly will now establish an independent, nonpartisan ethics commission that will adopt a code of ethics including, but not limited to, provisions on conflicts of interest, confidential information, use of position, contracts with government agencies and financial disclosure. The assent of two-thirds of the members appointed will be required for the adoption of every rule or regulation. All elected and appointed officials and employees of state and local government, of boards, commissions and agencies will be subject to the code of ethics.

The first bond issue was Question 3, a $27-million bond for construction and renovations to the Rhode Island Veterans Home. The passage of the bond issue provides enough funds to complete the current construction at the Veterans Home. The original bond was for $94 million, but federal matching funds helped to reduce that amount. However, another $27 million was needed to complete the home, bringing the total state funding to $60.5 million. The additional funds were needed because of changes to the federal guidelines as well as inflation of material and labor costs.

One of the most publicized bond issues was Question 4, funding higher education to create more skilled and highly technical Rhode Island jobs. To do so, the University of Rhode Island will receive $25 million for renovation and an addition to its College of Engineering facility. Another $20 million will be used for Rhode Island Affiliation Innovation, a partnership between the university and business to provide cutting-edge research and development in Rhode Island. The funding will be combined with private and/or federal funding.

Passage of Question 5 allows the state to secure funds to improve the infrastructure at the Port of Providence as well as the Port of Davisville at Quonset  – $50 million for the Davisville port and $20 million for the Port of Providence. 

Question 6 asked for money to improve our parks and the environment. The $35 million will be used for historic site development, land acquisition for parks and recreation, a  Bikeway Development Program, Brownfield Remediation and Economic Development, and a  Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program.

The Housing Opportunity Bond issue, Question 7, supported by the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Alliance, will provide funds for affordable housing, revitalization and blight remediation. A similar bond was approved four years ago. In addition to providing housing, the bond will create more construction jobs. Funds will also be used to revitalize our communities.

MARTY COOPER is community relations director at the Jewish Alliance.