Raimondo opposes bill that would raise taxes on subsidized apartments

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- General Treasurer Gina Raimondo said Monday that she opposes a bill, passed on the last day of the 2013 legislative session, that would let municipalities raise taxes on government-subsidized, income-restricted apartments.

Raimondo, a member of the Rhode Island Housing and Crossroads Rhode Island governing boards, said through a spokeswoman that the bill pits the financial needs of cities and towns against the financial needs of "families in search of safe and affordable housing."

This "does not benefit any of us," said Raimondo spokeswoman Joy Fox.

The lets cities and towns raise the tax on such apartments from 8 percent of the annual rental payment to 10 percent. It is now awaiting action by Governor Chafee.