Closed-door meeting held on RI economy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - House lawmakers took part in a closed-door caucus at the State House Thursday, hoping to brainstorm ideas to tackle Rhode Island's economic crisis.

House leaders said the secret caucus gave lawmakers a chance to "let their hair down" and exchange ideas.

Rhode Island's unemployment is at 13 percent, according to the most recent numbers from the Department of Labor and Training. The state is also facing a multi-million dollar budget deficit.

Lawmakers said they discussed options ranging from consolidation of municipal services to privatizing state services, buildings, and bridges. However, House Speaker William Murphy said he was opposed to raising taxes.

House Majority Leader Gordon Fox said all of the ideas discussed Thursday were preliminary, and lawmakers did not vote on any of them.