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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opponents put in their two cents on a proposed $2 event ticket tax at R.I. House panel hearing
The VETS, shown center left in a view from the Rhode Island State, is among the venues that would be affected by a bill that would allow municipalities to add a $2-per-ticket tax for venues with more than 800 seats. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Members of the House Committee on Finance on Thursday appeared to see the need for a bill that would let municipalities impose a $2 tax on tickets to large venue events despite opposition from event promoters and business owners. Providence Democratic Rep. Rebecca Kislak introduced her bill with a shout-out to her mom in Miami by recounting her mother's words: ''Why are you in the news about this ticket tax? What's the big deal? All big metropolitan areas and cities have taxes like this to support the cities where events are held.' So thanks, Mom, for that.' Kislak's H6334 was submitted at the request of the Providence City Council as part of a multipronged approach to fend off budget chaos following a multimillion dollar settlement last November between the city and the state education department. Kislak is also the sponsor of H6162, by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, which would allow the city to increase its total tax levy in fiscal year 2026 beyond the state-mandated 4% growth cap. The tax levy bill passed the House floor 56-17 Tuesday after about an hour of heated discussion, with House Republicans joining progressive Democrats in opposing the bill's passage. The legislation lingers still in the Senate, where it was heard in committee for the first time, also on Tuesday. Kislak's event ticket tax bill bears the signature of at least one Providence Democratic co-sponsor, Rep. David Morales, who opposed the levy bill, plus five other Providence Democrats, and Democratic Reps. Brandon Potter of Cranston and June Speakman of Warren. While the bill was designed with Providence in mind, it would authorize any municipality to adopt a local tax of up to $2 per ticket on events held at 'large venues,' or those with 800 or more seats, per the bill's definition. The Division of Taxation would be responsible for collecting the tax and then redistributing it to municipalities. Revenue from ticket taxes would not count toward the tax levy hike cap codified in state law. That complements the tax levy hike legislation, by allowing towns and cities to up their tax income without risking the chance of going over the 4% annual limit on how much municipalities can raise taxes. 'Every city and town, increasingly, is facing difficulties in overreliance on property tax as the main workhorse for how we can do our business, how we can take care of city services,' Providence City Council President Rachel Miller told the committee Thursday, adding that the bill 'is one kind of tool in the toolbox' to help dig the city out of its fiscal hole. Miller estimated the new fee could generate around $3 million annually for Providence, which would help offset the rising cost of services in the capital city without discouraging event attendance. The bill was held for further study Thursday, as is standard practice. City Council Chief of Staff June Rose said in an email Friday that a Senate companion is in the works. Anthony Vega, a spokesperson for Mayor Smiley, said the city administration is still reviewing the bill. The state's Division of Taxation has read the bill, however, and thinks it needs to be redrafted. In a letter to the committee, Neena Savage, tax administrator, testified that parts of the bill as written are 'ambiguous' and suggested filing it under local tax statutes rather than the state's broader sales tax code. Asked about the tax official's take, Kislak said via text Friday that she was planning to review everything over the weekend, and 'would be glad to provide additional clarifications based on the feedback last night.' 'This is enabling legislation and I'm confident the cities and towns will refine this in locally appropriate ways as they write ordinances, if they so choose,' Kislak wrote. Kislak's bill managed to coalesce support among her colleagues. It also did the same for the opposition — venue managers and hospitality lobbyists — who showed up Thursday night to oppose the bill, many of whom argued that the proposed fee is small, it will disadvantage Rhode Island in a competitive live entertainment market. 'It's not so much about passing it on to the patron,' said Dan Schwartz, general manager of The VETS Auditorium. 'You know, what we hear when bills like this come up is, 'We're just going to skip bringing our show to Rhode Island.'' Written testimonies opposing the legislation also came from the legal counsel for the Providence Bruins, South Kingstown Town Councilor Jay G. Wégimont, and Joseph Paolino Jr., former Providence mayor and noted downtown real estate magnate. 'This legislation targets the very institutions that help drive Providence's economic engine, and at the worst possible time,' Paolino wrote, adding that his luxury hotel The Beatrice is always booked when a popular show or game is in town. Contrasting the naysayers was the Finance Committee, including a relentless Rep. Teresa Tanzi. The South Kingstown Democrat asked many questions of the industry advocates who came to testify, although she was befuddled as to why they even showed up. 'This $2 thing — I'm shocked that you guys are even here opposing it, to be quite honest with you,' Tanzi said. 'Because in the larger scheme of things, your ticket holders are being ripped off on so many other levels, and the city is being inconvenienced on so many other levels.' Tanzi suggested that if proprietors were truly concerned about ticket prices, they would investigate different options for ticket delivery — like Dice, a platform that allows people to resell tickets only at face value, and only through its own app, rather than secondary markets. Tanzi also grilled Lawrence Lepore, the general manager of the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Tanzi asked Lepore to what extent the state subsidizes its largest concert venue at 14,000 seats. Lepore replied it's about $27 million a year, including debt service. 'So you're not self-sustaining anyway,' Tanzi said. 'The operation is self-sustaining. But of course, the debt service is not,' Lepore replied. 'We subsidize it to a tune of $27 million a year?' Tanzi asked. 'That's correct,' Lepore said, and Tanzi concluded with a 'Thank you. Thank you very much.' Rich Lupo sold his titular concert venue in 2017, but the longtime music promoter warned that Providence is already 'a secondary city in the booking world.' '[This bill] would just piss them off,' Lupo said of booking companies. 'I think it could be $1, it could be $10. You just don't want to anger the powerful agencies, and bands as well.' From his seat on the committee, bill co-sponsor Hull was canny with Lupo, pointing out that he's known him for decades, and fondly recalls how Lupo grew his titular venue since opening it in 1975. 'I've seen what you're capable of doing,' Hull told Lupo. That's why Hull was firm that the businesses should be capable of weathering a $2 surcharge — especially places like the Amica Mutual Pavilion, which is housed in the tax-exempt Rhode Island Convention Center but still benefits from city services. Sharon Steele, speaking on behalf of the Jewelry District Association, disagreed. She pointed to another Smiley proposal and Kislak bill for a 7% 'consumption tax' on the city's parking lots and garages. The ticket tax would add 'insult to injury' for downtown venues already burdened by tax policies, she said. Hull told Steele he subscribes to the Rhode Island Philharmonic — Steele was once on its board — then narrowed his eyes, smiled, and made a case for the value of expression: 'The arts are special. And if I had to pay an extra $2 to see the arts, I'd be more than happy to pay it.' 'I appreciate that, but the Philharmonic's not doing well these days,' Steele said, adding that such plights are common right now for nonprofits. 'And we're sure not getting any help from the feds.' 'The $2 is necessary,' Hull replied. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Providence mayor issues new policy after turmoil over Palestinian flag
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Mayor Brett Smiley has signed an executive order creating a new flag policy that requires a more stringent approval process, following a dispute over a recent decision to fly the Palestinian flag over City Hall. According to the order, the city will display flags 'as an expression of the city's official sentiments.' Additionally, flags of governments recognized by the United States can be 'displayed by proclamation of the mayor or by resolution and passed by the Providence City Council for a period of no more than 24 hours unless outlined in the proclamation.' The order also states that 'other flags' may be displayed at official city events or ceremonies for up to 24 hours, also under the same approval process. Smiley's executive order comes just one week after city councilors raised the Palestinian flag at City Hall. The mayor said he first learned about the request from Council President Rachel Miller to raise the flag as he was returning from a weeklong trip to Israel. RELATED: Should Providence City Hall have a flag policy? Mayor Smiley thinks so Smiley said last week that while he would not have flown the flag himself, he approved the council's request because 'Providence is and will remain an inclusive and welcoming city that supports diverse opinions and voices.' Last Friday's ceremony (led by Miller and Councilor Miguel Sanchez) led to a large rally and counterprotest outside City Hall. Dozens gathered on Dorrance Street waving both Palestinian and Israeli flags. 12 News reached out to a Providence City Council spokesperson for comment but did not immediately hear back on Friday. Councilman John Goncalves told 12 News he felt the mayor's order established 'clear guidelines.' 'This thoughtful step brings transparency and consistency while honoring the distinct and diverse communities that make up our city. It's a positive move toward unity in Providence,' Goncalves said. Friday's executive order is Smiley's third ever since taking office. The only other two orders signed by the mayor were to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday for city employees. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Providence police cite three striking Butler workers, one motorist for noise violations
Butler Hospital employees demonstrate on Blackstone Avenue near the hospital entrance in Providence on the first day of the strike on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Unionized Butler Hospital workers are likely to see their final paychecks arrive Friday if the now seven-day long strike continues. Some now have another expense to handle: A possible $500 fine for allegedly violating one of the city of Providence's noise ordinances. A Tuesday press release from the Providence City Council praised the striking workforce for 'their commitment to making their voices heard in a way that minimizes disruption for the surrounding neighborhood,' the release read, adding that organizers agreed to 'observe quiet hours before 8:00 AM and avoid the use of bullhorns or other noisemakers during that time.' Yet Providence police issued four summons — three on Monday, and one more on Tuesday — to people demonstrating outside the private psychiatric hospital on Blackstone Boulevard. Josh Estrella, spokesperson for Mayor Brett Smiley, confirmed Wednesday that each fine was for $500. 'While the City recognizes and respects Butler Hospital workers' right to peacefully and lawfully strike, we have received multiple complaints from neighbors and providers in the area concerned about the excessive levels of noise resulting from this demonstration,' Estrella said. Three of the fines were for striking workers who used megaphones without a permit, and the other summons was for a motorist who honked when passing the picket line. Estrella said in an email Wednesday night that the four people cited can pay the fine online or choose to contest the fine and get assigned a Municipal Court date. 'Warnings were given to all four individuals prior to issuing the summons and an explanation of the City's noise ordinance policies was given to the organizers of the demonstration,' Estrella said. 'Unfortunately after that engagement, summons were issued following a warning to individuals that were found in continued violation of ordinances in accordance with our standard enforcement practices.' The city's actions drew condemnation from Providence Democratic Rep. David Morales, who issued a news release and posted to Bluesky Wednesday morning that the Smiley administration had 'chosen to punish' the workers, many of whom reside in Providence. Morales has marched with workers consistently over the course of their seven-day strike. 'This isn't leadership. It's intimidation. This is a page out of the MAGA Republican playbook,' Morales wrote. The city's noise ordinance permits up to 65 decibels during the daytime and 55 decibels at night in residential zones. Areas bordering schools, churches and hospitals still need to stay under the 65 decibel limit, but violations can be issued for lower volumes considered 'unnecessary, excessive or offensive' if 'a person of reasonably sensitive hearing' at 200 feet away can hear them. The Butler campus includes the hospital, elderly housing, and a child care facility. The open-ended strike began May 15 and the union, SEIU 1199NE, and Care New England, the hospital's parent company, have yet to return to the negotiating table. The approximately 800 workers — who include mental health staff, nurses, and clerical, custodial and dietary staff — are demanding wage increases and safety reforms after their set of four contracts expired March 31. Both parties last gathered to discuss terms on May 7. Tensions have not subsided in the week since the strike began. The union announced Thursday that it plans to rally at the Rhode Island State House — for the second time in three days — with photos and testimonies about injuries they received at work. Jesse Martin, executive vice president of the striking workers' union SEIU 1199NE, said in a statement Wednesday that workers are exercising their First Amendment rights to 'shine a light on the ongoing safety crisis at their facility that impacts workers and patients alike.' 'They take care of all who need support, including those right here in this community,' Martin wrote. 'Though it may be slightly inconvenient for some, it is vastly more uncomfortable for Butler workers who are forced to sleep in their cars because of poverty wages or have to take months off of work because they were assaulted at work.' Steven Brown, executive director of the ACLU of Rhode Island, said in an email Wednesday that the citations misrepresent the municipal code. 'The police are blatantly misleading people by issuing citations that refer to $500 fines,' Brown wrote. The ordinance outlines penalties of $200 for first-time offenders or $300 for second-time offenders who plead their case, Brown said, citing section 16-106 of the municipal code. 'Somebody who contests the charges in court can be punished with up to a $500 fine. This deceptive tactic is very disturbing,' Brown wrote, bolding the phrase 'up to.' But Estrella said Wednesday night the violations and fines were derived from ordinances about noise from bullhorns and vehicle horns — separate parts of the municipal code, located at sections 16-105 and 16-93, respectively. Of the four people who received summons, one person received three tickets for bullhorn use, categorized in the city code as 'amplified sound.' There was one more amplified sound violation for a different person, and two people were ticketed under the 'excessive noise' category, Estrella said. Section 16-106 specifies the fine structure for violations within the entire set of laws on 'noise control,' as the municipal code phrases it. Neither 16-93 nor 16-105 specify the fine structure for violations. The section on bullhorns does specify that use of such equipment must be registered at least five days in advance with local police. Mary E. Marran, Butler's president and COO, wrote in a statement posted online Monday that striking workers will receive their final paychecks on Friday, May 23, with hospital-sponsored health plans set to expire on June 1. Other benefits like life insurance have already lapsed because of eligibility rules tied to active employment, Marran wrote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Small Providence department sparks big concern with some city councilors
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Some Providence City Council members are slamming Mayor Brett Smiley's decision to defund a position in the city's already small Department of Sustainability. The department, which was formerly a division under the Department of Public Property, works to create policies and programs aimed at creating a 'climate resilient and environmentally just city.' The department is proposed to have a staff of just six, down from seven, in the upcoming fiscal year. It is also advised by the Sustainability Commission, a volunteer, community-led group. Sustainability Director Priscilla De La Cruz addressed Providence City Council's Committee on Finance about the Smiley administration's proposed cuts to the department in a meeting on Wednesday night. De La Cruz said the proposal to defund the sustainability policy associate position was not a reflection of the performance of the person currently in that role, and that the staff member has been 'instrumental' in implementing the city's Climate Justice Plan, initiatives like the resilience hub, policy work on the city's comprehensive plan, and more. Finance Committee Chairwoman Helen Anthony said she felt the mayor was 'not supporting sustainability' by recommending the department defund the position. 'You have so many standards and goals that we're meeting, that we need to meet… it's just not right,' Anthony told De La Cruz. Councilwoman Sue AnderBois, who also chairs the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency, asked if the Public Property Department would be supporting Sustainability after transferring a 'significant' amount of work onto the office. 'I just find it offensive that we are giving you more work while taking away your staff,' AnderBois said. The department is newly responsible for both the administration and payment of bills for over 1,000 utility accounts in the city that were transferred from the Public Property and Finance Departments to the Department of Sustainability during the last fiscal year. Staff were able to integrate the accounts into a new database and changed how bills were paid to provide more oversight. Department officials said this 'improved efficiency, sped up bill processing times, avoided the accumulation of late fees, and ensured billing errors are flagged and resolved.' Krystle Lindberg, the city's deputy finance director and budget officer, said the city is trying to 'work within the financial constraints' it has while giving capacity to the department and also managing what the public property department has. Lindberg said while the city is getting through it, 'its been a challenge.' 'If I'm being candid, I don't know what that looks like at this point in time,' Lindberg said. 'What I can say is we're very committed to making that work.' AnderBois recalled that when Smiley was running for office, she remembered him telling her that he supported the Climate Justice Plan. 'I think that was a lie,' AnderBois said. She called the move to cut the policy associate both 'fiscally irresponsible,' and 'shortsighted.' The department reports to the mayor's Chief of Policy and Resiliency, Sheila Dormody, who defended the cuts and priorities of the administration at Wednesday night's meeting. 'Defunding this position will not affect any of the ability for any of the utility management or cost savings in our energy efficiency and ordinance implementation because that's just how the staff has been arranged,' Dormody said. Dormody, who formerly served as the then-division's director, said De La Cruz has been able to embed work across all city departments, and said the department will be able to deliver even if they are one person short. 'I have 100% confidence in this group of people being able to deliver all of the things that I know are our shared priorities, especially including delivering the updates in the Climate Justice Plan. That is 100% a priority of this administration,' Dormody added. Smiley spokesperson Josh Estrella also defended the administration's decision to propose cuts in the mayor's $624 million budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year, and said that the city is facing a 'significant financial shortfall' as a result of last year's $15 million settlement with the R.I. Department of Education. RELATED: Providence mayor seeks to raise fines for parking, pet violations In an effort to reduce the financial impact on taxpayers, Estrella said 'every department' had to make 'difficult decisions.' In all, the city proposed about $9 million in cuts. 'Despite these challenges, the city is learning to do more with less and the Smiley administration remains committed to maintaining this critical work, including fulfilling the goals laid out by the Climate Justice Plan,' Estrella added. Last week, several residents also spoke out against cuts to the Sustainability Department in the committee's first of two public hearings on the budget. Carla Doughty, of Zero Waste Providence, said at the hearing that losing one position in the department would have 'rippling effects' on the 'initiatives, projects, and organizations that work in support of shared citywide climate and economic resilience goals.' Councilor Miguel Sanchez said after listening to testimony at last Tuesday's hearing, he said it was 'a no brainer' that this was an important issue. 'Given nothing changes dramatically, if we pass the state bills that we need to pass… in no world will I support a budget that does not have this position,' Sanchez said. At the same time the department is looking to defund the position, Lindberg said the department may need to increase the Energy and Resiliency division's proposed budget of $7.5 million by 13.5%, or an increase of about $830,000. 'We are living in a very tumultuous market,' Lindberg said. Lindberg said costs of natural gas and electricity service and supply are forecast to increase sometime in 2026. Department officials said the top priority for the upcoming year is to is accelerate the decarbonization of city-owned buildings. The committee is still vetting department budgets. Next Tuesday, the committee will hear from parks, recreation, economic development, licensing, and vital statistics, before hearing from the Providence Public Schools on Wednesday. Additionally, the committee will host a second hearing on June 9 to gather the public's input on the budget. The City Council needs to pass the budget twice before sending it to the mayor's desk for his signature ahead of the start of the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1. NEXT: Providence leaders sound alarm over 'jam-packed' summer next year with World Cup Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Palestinian flag-raising at Providence City Hall divides councilors
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A Palestinian flag raising ceremony scheduled for Friday at Providence City Hall has drawn mixed reaction from city councilors and other local leaders. The ceremony was announced by the City Council in a social media post on Wednesday, the same day Mayor Brett Smiley returned from a weeklong trip to Israel. (Demonstrators showed up outside Smiley's East Side home at 7 a.m. on Thursday to protest that trip.) The announcement quickly drew criticism online, with some calling on the mayor to shut down the ceremony. Smiley, who converted to Judaism last year, told 12 News in a statement that while 'there should be no doubt' where he stands on issues related to Israel, he 'did not prohibit' the council from flying the flag. 'I want to make it clear that my office does not have the authority to prevent a separate, independent branch of government from expressing their differing political and cultural views,' Smiley said. Providence City Council spokesperson Marc Boyd told 12 News that City Hall displays different flags throughout the year 'to mark different occasions and honor the many ethnic and cultural backgrounds and traditions.' 'Just in the past couple of months the city has flown the Dominican flag, the Irish flag, the Italian flag, the Armenian flag, and the Israeli flag,' Boyd said. 'Like those examples, this idea came to us from the community as part of a request to honor the important role Palestinian-Americans play in the fabric of our beautifully diverse city.' Boyd added that Council President Rachel Miller chose to honor this request by displaying the Palestinian flag during Thursday's regularly scheduled city council meeting and outside City Hall on Friday. 'No American flags have been displaced as part of this acknowledgment,' Boyd added. The Republican Party of Rhode Island argues the flag raising is unlawful under a state statute. 'By raising this flag, the Providence City Council is not just being reckless — they are breaking the law and must be held accountable,' GOP Chairman Joe Powers said in a statement on Wednesday. GOP leaders are calling on elected officials to condemn the ceremony. Providence Young Republicans Chairwoman Julia Rumsey said in a statement on Wednesday that Smiley should cancel the event. 'At a time when Providence faces real challenges like affordability, the budget, public safety, and education, the mayor has chosen to wade into divisive international politics,' Rumsey said. 'This does nothing to help our residents and only deepens division in our city.' Smiley said he has worked hard to ensure the city's Jewish community feels safe, and said that he hopes those who participate in the ceremony 'will use this an opportunity to find unity instead of further division.' 'While I would not have flown this flag myself and do not support the rhetoric associated with the protests that have accompanied it, Providence is and will remain an inclusive and welcoming city that supports diverse opinions and voices,' Smiley said. Smiley and all the members of the council are Democrats. Boyd did not immediately have a list of councilors attending Friday's ceremony, though some have told 12 News where they stand. Councilman James Taylor and Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan told 12 News they both oppose the raising. Ryan said she was not 'part of the discussion or decision' to raise the flag at City Hall. 'While it is important to distinguish between the people of Palestine and the radical political group Hamas, who forced out the lawful Palestine Liberation Organization, we need to stay focused on the serious financial issues facing Providence,' Ryan added. 'This is a distraction. I do not approve.' Taylor said he won't be attending the ceremony and is focused on local issues instead, adding he was elected a 'Providence City Councilman, not a congressman.' Councilors Miguel Sanchez, Justin Roias and Shelley Peterson have told 12 News they are in favor of the flag raising. ALSO READ: Butler Hospital's unionized workers go on strike amid contract dispute Sanchez said the raising 'sends a clear message' that the city stands for 'justice, dignity, and the right of all people to live free from oppression.' Roias noted that the flag of Israel was also recently raised and explained that Friday's raising is about making sure the government 'sees and hears' all communities and 'values the contributions' of everyone who calls Providence home. Councilor Oscar Vargas said City Hall is a public place 'where people can come and raise their own flag' 'I'm very proud to be an American and you will always see a United States flag in front of my house,' Vargas added. 'I will always make sure City Hall exhibits an American flag all the time as it is now.' Councilman John Goncalves declined to directly comment about the raising, instead sending a resolution he sponsored that celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month. Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris said she didn't have an opinion one way or the other. The other councilors did not immediately respond to a request for comment. NEXT: Providence leaders sound alarm over 'jam-packed' summer next year with World Cup Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
