JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $5,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.)

S2825

2026 -- S 2825
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LC005389
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $5,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC
TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Introduced By:
Senators McKenney, Appollonio, Urso, Bissaillon, Zurier, DiPalma, and
Quezada

Date Introduced:
March 04, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Finance
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WHEREAS, Public transportation is a lifeline for thousands of Rhode Islanders. It builds
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thriving communities, creates jobs, eases traffic congestion and promotes a cleaner environment;
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and
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WHEREAS, In myriad areas across the State, Rhode Island's workforce is severely
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limited and understaffed. To begin to rectify this growing challenge, initiatives must be instituted
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to counter the downward trend; and
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WHEREAS, An appropriation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) is essential in order to
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support RIPTA's hiring and training of more bus operators by increasing wages and benefits to be
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competitive and in line with the rising cost of living in Rhode Island and with our neighboring
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states, and to keep services running at the current levels to get Rhode Islanders where they need
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to go; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of money in the treasury not
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otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000)
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to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to continue current service throughout the State, hire
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and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals; and the state
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controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the
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payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt

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of properly authenticated vouchers.
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LC005389
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LC005389 - Page 2 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $5,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC
TRANSIT AUTHORITY
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This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars
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($5,000,000) to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus
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operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.
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LC005389
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LC005389 - Page 3 of 3