Governor Dan McKee introduced a state budget proposal on Thursday which came in at 13-point-7-billion dollars. That's an increase of about 150-million dollars from the previous fiscal year. McKee is proposing a lowering of the Rhode Island sales tax from seven to six-point-85 percent and pausing a scheduled increase in the gas tax.
A spokesman for the Governor says as part of that spending plan abortion services will be covered.
“Today, Governor Dan McKee transmitted his FY24 budget proposal to the General Assembly. At his direction, the budget includes proposals to provide insurance coverage for abortion-related services for state employees and individuals enrolled in Medicaid. This will help ensure that vital health care services are accessible to those who need them.
We thank the General Assembly members who have introduced standalone legislation to address this crucial issue. Governor McKee reaffirms his commitment to signing the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act legislation as soon as it reaches his desk.”
The governor also wants to spend nearly sixty-million dollars more on education.
(Photo by FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images)