Issues in Rhode Island
ENERGY
Energy
The Problem: Rhode Island has the most expensive, unreliable, and mandated energy in the U.S. Families and businesses are getting crushed by rising rates and shaky supply.
The Solution:
- Stop offshore wind mandates that drive up costs
- Bring affordable hydropower from Canada
- Expand the natural gas pipeline into Rhode Island
- Explore modern, safe nuclear power options for long-term stability
Small Business
Small Business
The Problem: With 98.9% of RI businesses being small, owners are weighed down by taxes, fees, high energy costs, and endless red tape.
The Solution:
- Cut the corporate tax rate
- Reduce filing fees for small businesses
- Lower the cost of required corporate insurance
- Streamline the entire permitting process
- Reduce energy costs so businesses can grow
HEALTHCARE
Healthcare
The Problem: Doctors are leaving Rhode Island because of low reimbursements. Families can’t afford to use their insurance due to high deductibles, and providers are overwhelmed with paperwork and mandates.
The Solution:
- Expand telehealth access statewide
- Increase reimbursement rates for doctors
- Cut red tape and administrative burdens
- Ease hospital merger rules to increase competition
- Allow cross-state insurance sales to lower premiums
- Encourage new healthcare systems and providers to enter the state
Tolls
The Problem: Newport toll drivers get hit with late bills they never saw and fees that pile up fast. Rhode Islanders are being punished by a broken billing system.
The Solution:
- Implement a Toll Fairness Policy
- Require a 30-day grace period before any fee can be charged
- Cap total late fees per registration — no matter the number of missed payments
- No additional fees for Rhode Islanders after the cap is reached
This keeps tolls fair, predictable, and affordable — while still holding out-of-state drivers accountable.
Foster Care
Foster Care Communication System
The Problem: Foster parents often receive little to no information about the children placed in their homes. This makes school decisions, healthcare, and daily routines confusing and stressful for both the family and the child.
The Solution: Create a Foster Care Information Binder System that gives every foster parent essential details about the child — education, healthcare, routines, and adjustment needs.
- Foster parents get real-time updates and approvals from DCYF
- Foster parents in good standing are automatically renewed, reducing unnecessary paperwork
- Foster families are included in school decisions, including whether the child stays with siblings
This strengthens communication, reduces red tape, and helps kids feel like part of the family from day one.