Home : News : Local News :
  • Also on WPRI.com
RI unemployment drops to 12.9%RI unemployment drops to 12.9%

Rhode Island's unemployment rate dropped for the first time in …

Unemployment rate down in MassachusettsUnemployment rate down in Massachusetts

Massachusetts' monthly unemployment rate has fallen for the …

Simon shows interest in local mallsSimon shows interest in local malls

Simon Property Group, Inc., the owner of several shopping malls…

Nat'l Grid blows off wind energy offerNat'l Grid blows off wind energy offer

Power company National Grid has again rejected a proposal to …

Newport naval station repairs approvedNewport naval station repairs approved

Major upgrades will soon be made to a Rhode Island naval …

Closed-door meeting held on RI economy

Lawmakers discuss options to tackle financial woes

Updated: Friday, 06 Nov 2009, 12:58 AM EST
Published : Friday, 06 Nov 2009, 12:57 AM EST

  • Tim O'Coin
  • Reporting by Kathryn Sotnik

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.

Copyright WPRI

Ground rules for posting comments: No profanity or personal attacks. Please comment on the subject of the story itself. If you do not follow these rules, we will remove your post. Keep it civil, folks!

  • Suggested Stories