UPDATE (Friday, June 14): The Senate has voted to pass the State Budget. In a 35-2 vote, this life-changing investment in Medicaid will now head to the Governor for his signature. Read more below on what this investment will mean for thousands of Rhode Islanders. We will keep you updated.
UPDATE (Friday, June 7): The House of Representatives has now passed the State Budget. In a 69-5 vote, the historic Medicaid investment now goes to the Senate for approval. Read more below on what this investment will mean for thousands of Rhode Islanders. We will keep you updated.
ORIGINAL (Friday, May 31) – Rhode Island’s new proposed State Budget includes historic wins for people with disabilities, seniors, children, families and more.
The proposed State Budget includes $160 million to fully fund rate reform. In 2022, CPNRI led the effort to pass a long-term funding model for several services including those empowering people with disabilities. A method that was long overdue after decades of underinvesting. Today that is on a path towards being fully funded.
This investment is the largest single-year investment in Medicaid services. After decades of underfunding, lawmakers have worked hard to reverse this trend in recent years and are making monumental progress. Staffing shortages are improving and waitlists are shortening.
“This State Budget is inclusive of the thousands of Rhode Islanders with disabilities. Fully funding rate reform is a significant step in making sure people with disabilities receive the support they need. This investment is a pledge to build a State where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive,” said Grace Duffy, CPNRI Policy Coordinator. “CPNRI thanks Speaker Shekarchi, President Ruggerio, Chairman Abney and Chairman DiPalma for their hard work on this budget. We urge the House and Senate to pass this budget as presented.”
The budget must now be passed by the House and Senate. The budget will then be sent to the governor for final approval.
Thank you advocates for getting us to this point. Our work is not done. Ask your Senator and Representative to pass this budget as presented.
