Insert itself into state and local decisions
More than 200 people filled a meeting room as the State Planning Council considered the economic development plan. Critics worry the plan would lead to the seizure of land for affordable housing and say that because its development was federally funded, the government could insert itself into state and local decisions. Council members stressed that neither would happen, and that the plan is misunderstood. They say Raimondo and the General Assembly are not bound to anything, it is merely a guide. Members of the raucous crowd accused them of being traitors and socialists as they passed it. House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello says he’s disappointed the plan was approved.
COLLEGE-BOUND BABIES
Raimondo is expanding a program that has provided a $100 contribution to a college savings account to any child born in the state since 2010. Only about 400 children are enrolled. Families will no longer have to fill out several pages of forms and open a special account to get the grant, they can simply check a box when they fill out a standard form at the hospital. Raimondo says that to turn Rhode Island’s economy around and rebuild the middle class, the state needs to ensure people have the skills to get good jobs. Only Maine and Nevada have similar programs. Raimondo’s inauguration is Jan. 6.