Progress Report: Austerity Gone Awry in Woonsocket

The most amazing story of the end of the legislative session is that two people – Woonsocket Reps. Lisa Baldelli-Hunt and Jon Brien – are able to thwart the will of the mayor, city council and state appointed budget commission and block a tax increase that would save the city from imminent financial ruin. This may literally be the most egregious example of conservative lawmakers opposing spending increases at the expense of their constituents the era of austerity has ever known. Sadly, the General Assembly ought to save Woonsocket from its elected officials.

Speaking of Woonsocket, add Jim Baron to the list of journalists now talking about how Rhode Island isn’t as liberal as you might think.

Has a deal been reached on the Homeless Bill of Rights? The House Judiciary Committee plans to vote on the bill today.

Mitt Romney’s plan to grow the economy: fire police officers, teachers and fire fighters. It’s actually a plan to shrink the economy so that rich people can hold on to more of their money.

Chafee looks to hire a lawyer for the 38 Studios debacle … this thing is far from over, and the governor might not be the only local politician to require counsel…