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Nesi’s Notes
1. Polish off the egg nog and shake off the sugar cookies — 2025 is here, and it’s going to be a busy January for anybody who cares about politics. Friday brought us the start of the new Congress, with the notably smooth reelection of Mike Johnson as House speaker, despite his slim 220-215 majority. A harbinger that Capitol Hill won’t be as chaotic as some have suspected this year? Time will tell. Next week the legislative focus will shift to the state level, with Rhode Island’s General Assembly convening for the first time Tuesday. In the House, Speaker Joe Shekarchi remains in firm control, with Democrats holding 85% of the seats. But Senate President Dominick Ruggerio continues to reshape his leadership team , as he replaces the dissenting Democrats who tried to oust him in November ; Ruggerio’s physical condition and command of the chamber will be closely scrutinized all over Smith Hill once the new session begins. The following week Governor McKee will seize the spotlight, giving his State of the State address on the relatively early date of Jan. 14. He’ll follow up two days later by releasing his budget bill, showing how he proposes to close a deficit estimated at $250 million to $300 million — the most challenging fiscal environment McKee has faced in his four-year tenure. After that the action will switch back to Washington, with Donald Trump set to be inaugurated as president at noon on Monday, Jan. 20. Trump’s moves in those initial days after he takes office are sure to create big headlines for the remainder of the month.