Newsmakers 1/28: Stokes, Felkner, Sgouros

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - This week on first-half of Newsmakers: Executive Director of the state’s Economic Development Corporation Keith Stokes. After signing another one year contract, Stokes takes the helm of a government corporation that was heavily criticized by Governor Lincoln Chafee during the campaign. He updates the controversial “Schilling Deal;” a taxpayer backed loan guarantee to software firm 38 Studios, and talks about how to promote Rhode Island’s economy.

Then, a fiery debate on why Rhode Islanders leave the state: is it taxes or temperature? A new study by conservative think tank Ocean State Policy Research Institute points to the estate tax as a main driver. But critics, like the Poverty Institute say the report is irresponsible with the numbers and being misleading. Both sides of the issue are explored with OSPRI founder Bill Felkner and progressive economist and Editor of the Rhode Island Policy Report, Tom Sgouros.