PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The budget-writing House Finance Committee is hearing testimony Thursday evening from financial analysts with ties to the 38 Studios deal on the possible consequences of defaulting on the more than $100 million debt.
Matthew Fabian and Lisa Washburn, managing directors at Municipal Market Advisors, have been invited to provide insight as a "neutral, expert third party."
The Massachusetts-based financial research company has an extensive client list that includes Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp., the state's insurer in the 38 Studios deal.
Fabian and Washburn are expected to be the only speakers at the meeting, in which no comments or questions from the public will be allowed.
Earlier in the day, conservative and liberal activists hosted a joint forum at the State House to provide the "fair, thoughtful debate" they said was lacking on the issue.
And Governor Chafee's administration re-affirmed its desire to repay the state's debt.