Latest news with #Bissaillon
Boston Globe
28-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Providence poised to raise city tax levy by 7 percent
Advertisement Ciccone and Bissaillon are both viewed as supporters of Smiley, but their neighborhoods are poised to see some of the largest property tax increases, which they fear will substantially drive up rents for their constituents. Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up Start with the obvious: Ciccone is suddenly much more powerful than he was three months ago. As majority leader, he likely has the ability to singlehandedly push through or kill Smiley's tax bill. As Channel 12's Alexandra Leslie Advertisement Then again, Ciccone doesn't want to be a one-term majority leader (unless he gets a promotion). A vote for the levy increase could add to the likelihood that he'll face a challenger in the Democratic primary next year. Bissaillon's bet: Bissaillon has been much more direct with the Smiley administration: He maintains that he won't support a tax levy increase unless it agrees to an obscure tax change related to industrial properties in the city – his argument is that he doesn't want properties like the Manchester Street Power Station to see a tax decrease when his constituents are going to see large increases. In some ways, Smiley's team took Bissaillon for granted. They were dismissive of his proposal, and assumed he'd be a good team player and support their levy increase anyway. But he has made it clear that he isn't bluffing, and the administration has indicated it will support a version of his bill. 'I won't support it unless I feel like I've done everything I can to help my constituents,' Bissaillon said Tuesday. What to watch: The tax levy bill isn't the only one the Smiley administration is seeking. Lawmakers seem poised to support an event parking tax that could help the city, and there appears to be momentum on a new tax break This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday, Advertisement Dan McGowan can be reached at
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
R.I. Senate confirms Deborah Goddard as permanent housing secretary
Deborah Goddard is shown in the Rhode Island Senate chamber on March 6, 2025, after her confirmation as secretary of the Department of Housing. She had been acting secretary since Dec. 2, 2024. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Deborah Goddard can officially — and permanently — lead the department she's headed for the last three months, the Rhode Island Senate affirmed in a vote on Thursday. The Senate's confirmation was unanimous by those in attendance, with 32 votes in favor of letting Goddard direct the state's Department of Housing. Sen. Robert Britto, an East Providence Democrat, abstained from the vote because he works for design and construction for RIHousing — where the secretary of housing serves as chair of the board of directors. Senate committee gives initial approval for Goddard to permanently lead R.I. Department of Housing Gov. Dan McKee appointed Goddard last November to be the fourth leader in three years at the department established in June 2022, succeeding interim director Daniel Connors — who replaced Stefan Pryor in July. Goddard has served in an acting capacity since Dec. 2, 2024. The Rhode Island Housing website still listed Pryor as its chair as of Thursday. Five senators were absent Thursday, including Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who was recently hospitalized with pneumonia. Also absent were Democratic Sens. Victoria Gu of Westerly and Lammis Vargas of Cranston and Republicans Sen. Elaine Morgan of Hopkinton and Thomas Paolino of Lincoln. In his motion to move for advice and consent, Sen. Jacob Bissaillon, a Providence Democrat, called Goddard 'the ideal candidate' to permanently lead the agency responsible for housing, homelessness, and community development. 'She has made housing and public policy her life's work,' Bissaillon said. 'And I'll note that Secretary Goddard has more experience in housing than her three male predecessors combined.' Goddard brings more than 40 years of private and public-sector housing experience to Rhode Island, having previously oversaw public housing projects in Massachusetts and New York City. She also served as a consultant to the Rhode Island Department of Housing under the state's first housing secretary, Joshua Saal, who resigned in January 2023 after about a year on the job. 'And she wants to continue that work and commitment here in Rhode Island,' Bissaillon. Bissaillon also lauded Goddard for 'charting a bold course' for the housing department since taking on the job in December. He highlighted a report submitted at the end of 2024 to reorganize the department in order to streamline housing governance across the state, along with her commitment to see the state permit 15,000 new homes by 2030. 'This is not just a vision for the state, it is a road map reversing the course of Rhode Island's housing crisis,' Bissaillon said. Goddard has also received praise from housing advocates, which Sen. Tiara Mack, a Providence Democrat, cited before casting her vote in favor. 'Her colleagues say that she listens, she learns, she listens, and builds consensus,' Mack said. 'As we continue to build the department in its capacity, its leadership must have a vision, a track record, and a necessary approach for success — Secretary Goddard is that leader.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
