PROVIDENCE, R.I. - With the state House of Representatives slated to vote on Democratic leaders' version of the budget Tuesday, Republicans say they hope to introduce amendments dealing with hot button issues such as paying the 38 Studios debt, dropping state healthcare coverage for low income families and reviving the historic tax credit program.
House Minority Leader Brian Newberry, R-North Smithfield, says Republicans -- by far the minority in the chamber -- want to strike from the budget a plan to pay $2.5 million next year towards the state debt left after the video game company 38 Studios went bankrupt.
He says Republicans will propose shifting that money to other uses, such as bolstering the state's retirement system, restoring funding to cities and towns or providing additional state support for the developmentally disabled.
Those proposals are among 46 budget amendments submitted to Assembly staff as of Friday afternoon, according to House spokesman Larry Berman.
Many, he noted, are duplicate proposals. And if past budget debates are any indication, many will ultimately not be introduced for debate and consideration on the House floor.
Lawmakers have until 2 p.m. Sunday to submit their proposed amendments, in accordance with chamber rules. The House debate and vote on the budget takes place 2 p.m. Tuesday.