More Fiscally Responsible Government, Less Grandstanding Please

Representative Deb Ruggiero has utilized the power of her incumbency to tighten her legislative ties to the solar industry. “While I agree with Rep. Ruggiero on the potential benefits of solar power, our district would have been better served if the Representative had stood in opposition to “scooping” $12.5 million from a state energy fund financed by charges on Rhode Island electricity bills,” stated Rebecca Schiff, challenger for the House District 74 seat.

This scoop, which mirrors the recent scoop from the 911 Fund, only says to the average Rhode Is-lander: “We don’t respect you or your hard earned tax dollars.” Schiff stated: “Ruggiero’s legislative cronies insist on scooping and dumping designated tax dollars into the general fund black hole, hop-ing citizens won’t notice. And this all comes on the heels of the recent 19% rate hike in our electricity bills. No wonder many Rhode Islanders cannot afford to live here and simply leave.”

Schiff further added: “While accepting campaign donations from lobbyists and special interests, Rep. Ruggiero rubber stamped the House budget that threatened the viability of the renewable energy project she professes to champion. This is what happens when politicians become entrenched. It only further supports the need for term limits for the state legislature.”With Rhode Island facing a deficit of $158 million in its 2019-20 budget year, which starts July 1 of next year, it’s time to get serious about addressing structural deficits. We need to change the tax and spend culture of the State House before the failed policies of the past further hurt the futures of hard working Rhode Islanders. It’s time for new leadership and fresh ideas!