Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) warned the Democratic-controlled General Assembly that the state’s economic condition is “more fragile, more perilous” than last year.
During his state of the state address Feb. 10, Carcieri repeatedly called on cities and localities to reduce spending, saying that over the last 20 years, the state has cut its workforce 25 percent while localities have increased employment by 38 percent.
He also urged lawmakers to reform the state’s tax laws to make it more business-friendly, explaining he was tired of articles that proclaim Rhode Island is “tax hell.” Specifically, he proposed the state phase out the corporate income tax and eventually eliminate the estate tax.
Carcieri also asked state workers to take on some of the burden of saving state money. He asked unions to accept lower wages, pensions and less generous benefits.
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