A new report from the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council takes a long view of state spending, with a significant deficit projected just five years from now. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)
State lawmakers, government watchdogs and community groups are now focused on the $14.9 billion total of Gov. Dan McKee’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget.
But Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), is more concerned about another number on the horizon: the $6.9 billion projected to come out of state coffers in fiscal 2031. This represents a 16% increase over the $5.95 billion in state general revenue spending in McKee’s fiscal 2027 plan…