The next time a candidate for governor says something like “Running a state is like running a business, and I’m a businessman” run screaming into the night. Evidently Rhode Island needs a new business plan (and CEO). Governor Carcieri has announced 12 government shutdown days (first one is September 4th) as well as funding cuts …
Providence has its problems, to be sure. Just ask Forbes magazine, if you don’t believe me. However, it is still possible to find a solution that’s a win for everyone. At least, I’m going to give it a shot. Here’s the idea: Sell on-street parking permits, good for a year. In case you don’t see …
I’m guessing little of Rhode Island’s FY 2010 budget is soothing. But a watercolor on the budget’s cover called “Leave Your Troubles Behind” is offsetting the despair (or at least has to be better for morale than, say, plywood-boarded homes). Kudos to artist Donna Kenney Kirwin for winning the 2009 “Scenes of RI” show with …
You may be in luck. Madoff scandal victim Brandeis University is closing down its Rose Art Museum late this summer and selling thousands of works by artists like Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Nam June Paik, James Rosenquist, and Roy Lichtenstein. In addition to its collections, the Rose hosts public programs, live jazz on the second Sunday each month, and …
In these times of budget shortfalls, state governments across the nation have been forced to lay off workers and cut back vital services to their residents. Contributing to the fiscal crises is a deepening recession that has left millions unemployed. As a result, state revenues from sales and personal income taxes are down sharply. The …
In Rhode Island that is. Today’s Providence Journal discusses the relative merits of certain proposed stimulus package projects, mentioning that the Roger Williams Park Zoo polar bear exhibit has come under attack in the national media. Among 607 pages of stimulus spending proposed last month by the United States Conference of Mayors — and now …
There’s no truer truism. Ian puts RI’s budget woes in context, with some help from the Washington Post: NEW YORK — Faced with a weak national economy and a worsening housing crisis, a growing number of states are confronted with severe budget deficits, forcing some governors to come up with creative — some say risky …