Almond Blasts Proposed State Budget(posted May 18, 2002)
Governor Lincoln Almond said "we cannot continue the way we are in this state." Appearing on the WPRI-TV show "Newsmakers," Almond described the proposed state budget passed by the House Finance Committee as "the worst budget I've seen since I became governor." Not only does the budget raise taxes on gasoline and tobacco, Almond complained, it represents "a wild spending spree." The budget is an "assault on higher education", he said, and the "gas tax increase is irresponsible." Not only did Almond promise to veto the bill, he said if passed over his objection, the budget would leave a spending hole of "$300 million" for the next governor.
Almond also predicted that the General Assembly was waiting until he leaves office in seven months to move ahead with a gambling casino in Rhode Island. However, he said "they probably will put forth a casino that does not involve the Narragansetts." Rather, legislators would cut a deal for a separate casino that did not threaten current state revenues derived from the lottery and video terminals.
