Progressive Charlestown

Local state reps getting measures passed by getting them folded into the state budget

noreply@blogger.com (Progressive Charlestown) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 03:59:00 +0000

Local Democratic women legislators use the budget to get good legislation passed

By Will Collette

Progressive Democratic state Representative Teresa Tanzi used the legislative budget process to get two legislative priorities through the General Assembly. Rep. Megan Cotter got more funding for wildfire fighting and prevention as well as increased Green Bond funding. Sen. Alana DiMario used the budget to win stable funding for mental health support for children and new parents.

While some may call this cheating, it is a time-honored method of getting bills passed that might otherwise fail, either because they are low-visibility or easily defeated by opposing lobbyists.

The US Congress uses what they call the "reconciliation" process to accomplish this, most recently when Republicans used it to pass a full funding for ICE immigration thuggery. Generally, this procedural device can only be used for issues that involve direct spending.

I used it once when I worked in DC as staff director for the Citizens Coal Council. Our priority legislation aimed to protect and compensate people when their water is threatened by underground coal mining. The coal industry blocked this bill when it stood on its own but couldn't stop it from passage when we got it into the federal budget.

Reps. Tanzi and Cotter, and Sen. DiMario had news releases sent out to describe the measures they inserted into the budget. The following summaries are taken from those news releases.

Progressive Charlestown

Local state reps getting measures passed by getting them folded into the state budget

It's time to boycott CBS

Juneteenth in Wilcox Park

FY27 budget heads to Gov. McKee’s desk after Senate approval

Local Democratic party leaders endorse Foulkes and Khamsyvoravong over incumbents

Scientists warn that current vitamin B12 guidelines may be putting your brain at risk

Stop & Shop’s Tactics Keep Richmond Grocery Store Vacant for Decades

The triple toll of Trump’s terrible tariffs

Drink up

BBQ for RI rural Dems, June 14

3 Medical Routines That Older People May Not Need

After delay, Burlingame State Campground Opens for the Season

How much is Trump's war on Iran costing you?

Why does the media ignore Trump’s madness?

Of course he did

Cross Mills Library Garden Tour and Art Auction, June 20

Art Auction

The hidden ecological role of Rhode Island’s historic stone walls

Check out the brand-new hurricane ‘cone of uncertainty’ graphics arriving this season

House approves $15.2B FY27 budget with marquee acquisition: millionaire’s tax

Fourteen Rhode Island municipalities are planning to sue the state over laws designed to make it easier to build housing

Dear Leader knows how to put on a show

Winning!

House approves Fogarty bill to authorize state to enter international public health collaboration

Fourth of July Tomato is URI Cooperative Extension’s Plant of the Year, producing delicious vine-ripened tomatoes as early as Independence Day

When a president settles his own lawsuit to create a fund for allies, fundamental questions about justice arise