5Q: Nicholas A. Mattiello

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1The fiscal 2016 budget was approved in less than two hours by the House. What happened leading up to that vote to make it seem so seamless at the finish?

There was excellent collaboration between the House, Senate and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo leading up to the budget vote. The input provided to me by House members on a bipartisan basis was taken into consideration. This was a strong pro-jobs and pro-business budget that balanced the needs of our citizens.

2What were the most significant bills passed?

The budget bill was by far the most significant because we were able to incorporate several positive economic measures into it. As examples, we eliminated the state income tax for many Social Security recipients. We eliminated the sales tax previously charged to businesses for electricity, natural gas and heating fuel. We reduced the corporate minimum tax paid by about 60,000 businesses. We created a job-incentive program to attract new companies and to allow existing businesses to expand by giving incentives to create jobs.

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3Proposed truck tolls to finance state road and bridge repair were not approved by the House. What are some of the elements you want to see in resubmitted legislation?

The review is ongoing and our staff is working closely with the governor’s team and DOT to develop alternatives to address the many concerns raised by the business community about the impact the tolls would have on our economy. … We want to protect our existing businesses and the Rhode Island economy.

4Some argue that the more time passes the more expensive road and bridge repairs will be. Your thoughts on that argument?

I was not comfortable passing a proposal of this magnitude in such a short period of time without fully considering the impact on the economy. I heard from dozens of businesses that would be negatively impacted both directly and through the potential redirection of their customers to other states. The most appropriate action was to take a step back and consider all options.

5What do you want the General Assembly to take up in 2016?

We have taken significant steps in the last two sessions to make our economy more competitive. My top priority is to pass a budget and legislation that will continue the economic momentum that is underway. •

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