AGP Executive Report

Rhode Island Housing & Finance: The state’s RI AnchorHome program is expanding to help first-time buyers bridge the gap as home prices and limited inventory keep ownership out of reach. Real Estate & Local Development: Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly is officially open after a $1.8M entrance project that adds lanes to cut summer congestion along Atlantic Avenue. State Policy & Public Safety: The R.I. House unanimously passed a bill to make crash data a public record, with limits to avoid violating federal law. Tax & Business Climate: Rhode Island lawmakers advanced a phased-in “millionaires tax” plan, raising the top rate above $1M to 8.99% over three years, as business groups push back. Workforce & Healthcare: The R.I. Life Science Hub partnered with the Pawtucket Foundation on a healthcare career pathways program aimed at underrepresented communities. Energy & Infrastructure: A proposed NextEra-Dominion merger could reshape nuclear power in New England, where Millstone and Seabrook supply a major share of carbon-free electricity. Courts & Gambling: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez sued Kalshi, arguing its prediction-market sports betting functions as a sportsbook under state law. Economy Watch: Coverage also flags mixed signals in the Rhode Island economy, with some indicators improving after a recession stretch.

Rhode Island Law & Courts: The R.I. House voted 65-0 to make crash data a public record, with a bill that would still respect federal limits; a Senate companion is under review. Public Safety & Accountability: The R.I. Senate also advanced legislation creating a two-year “revival window” for previously time-barred clergy sex-abuse claims against the Diocese of Providence and other institutions, clearing 37-0. Immigration Enforcement: The Senate approved bills aimed at restricting Rhode Island’s role in ICE operations and allowing lawsuits in state court over constitutional violations. Energy & Infrastructure: Rhode Island’s gas prices dipped in the week ending May 30, with the lowest regular price in Providence County hitting $3.89 and statewide regular averaging $4.36; the broader national backdrop remains volatile amid global oil and shipping risks. State Economy Watch: A WalletHub ranking put Maine near the bottom for economic performance, underscoring how uneven regional growth remains. Broadband: A policy push urges states to keep broadband offices funded and empowered as BEAD rollout continues. Sports Betting: Rhode Island’s sports and iGaming market is in the middle of a legislative fight that could reshape wagering rules.

FDA & Fisheries: Rep. Seth Magaziner says the FDA has approved marketing scup as “golden sea bream,” a name change aimed at helping Rhode Island fishers open better retail and menu markets. State Budget: Rhode Island House lawmakers advanced a revised FY2027 budget that keeps a “millionaires tax” but phases the top-rate increase over three years, while business groups warn it still hurts competitiveness. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Rhode Island is among Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration over a $1 billion TotalEnergies deal to end offshore wind leases, arguing it’s illegal and could raise energy costs. Beach Infrastructure: Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly added lanes to its entrance—three to eight—in a $1.8M RICAP project meant to cut summer traffic and support nearby businesses. Local Business & Safety: Raymour & Flanigan recalled 10,400+ powered sofas and recliners after reports of smoking and fires. Higher Ed & AI: Bryant University and Rhode Island College hosted a second AI Summit focused on how AI should reshape curriculum and higher-education planning. Healthcare Policy: A new national maternal-fetal medicine guidance reaffirms Tylenol/acetaminophen as first-line for pain and fever during pregnancy.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Rhode Island and other Northeast states joined New York in suing the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that paid nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing it threatens jobs, energy reliability, and climate goals. Ocean Monitoring Under Threat: The Trump administration is dismantling the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, a deep-ocean data network, raising alarms about losing critical climate and ocean-current information. Tax Policy Clash: Business opposition to Rhode Island’s proposed “millionaires tax” phase-in remains firm even after the House advanced a three-year ramp to a 8.99% top rate, with chambers warning it hurts competitiveness and predictability. State Infrastructure for Summer Traffic: Westerly celebrated completion of a $1.8M Misquamicut State Beach entrance project that expands entry lanes from 3 to 8 to cut congestion on Atlantic Avenue. Local Business & Growth: Bentley Companies says it received an apology after Wareham officials incorrectly claimed the Rhode Island-based developer had dissolved, following a termination dispute tied to the Tremont Nail Factory redevelopment. Workforce/Policy Watch: Rhode Island’s CFTC prediction-market fight continues as the agency moves to block state efforts to apply gambling laws to federally licensed markets.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York and six other states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration over a March deal with TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases and redirect money into fossil fuel projects, arguing the government skipped required procedures and could cost jobs and harm power-grid and climate goals. Retirement Rules Clash: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a 24-state coalition opposing a Trump-backed Department of Labor proposal that would steer more 401(k) money into riskier alternative assets like crypto and private credit. Rhode Island Life Sciences Leadership: Rhode Island Commerce’s Life Science Hub named Bob Cormier, a Rhode Island-rooted medtech executive, as its new president and CEO. Aging-Services Scorecards: CMS data shows Alpine Nursing Home in Coventry and Kingston Center in Washington County both earned top overall ratings (4 and 5 stars, respectively) in Q1 2026. Workforce & Education Pipeline: NEIT reported 64 Rhode Island and Massachusetts high school seniors completed its early college program, earning 3,600+ credits at no cost. Nonprofit Funding: The Fogarty Foundation awarded a record $356K to 54 Rhode Island nonprofits, focused on intellectual and developmental disability services. Local Health Board Moves: Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island added two health leaders to its board to expand partnerships and address nutrition insecurity. World Cup Economy Angle: Rhode Island’s bar-hours extension for World Cup events continues to spread, with other states weighing similar late-night rules to boost hospitality sales.

Offshore wind legal fight: New York led a coalition of seven Democratic-led states—including Rhode Island—suing the Trump administration in federal court over a March deal that paid French firm TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases, with the company also pledging to invest in oil and gas and not build new wind. RIPTA funding fix: Rhode Island’s proposed FY27 budget would close RIPTA’s projected $14 million gap, helping the transit agency avoid deeper service cuts and continue hiring as operators retire. State budget politics: Rhode Island’s revised FY27 budget includes a phased-in millionaire’s tax, a compromise that’s still drawing fire from both business groups and progressives. World Cup late-night alcohol: Rhode Island is among states approving extended bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with local opt-ins and closing times pushed later for hospitality revenue. Ethics probe: The Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted to investigate a complaint alleging former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi violated the state’s revolving-door rules by seeking a Supreme Court seat. Workforce pipeline: Johnson & Wales University partnered with Scholars Network to connect healthcare graduates to hospital employers, with potential student loan repayment benefits.

State Budget Watch: Rhode Island’s FY27 budget proposal would rise by about $523 million to $14.34 billion, with healthcare and human services taking 45% of spending and a $600 million bond package for capital projects, while critics warn growth is outpacing inflation. Workforce & Community Investment: Citizens Financial Group is putting $1.65 million into Rhode Island workforce development and financial education, including a tuition-free banking micro-pathway with CCRI and a paid information security apprenticeship. Nonprofit Support: Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation awarded $562,000 in grants across RI and CT, including emergency food delivery for homebound seniors after the 2026 winter storm. Banking in Action: Bristol County Savings Bank closed branches for an employee volunteer day, sending 300+ staff to 18 nonprofits and municipal sites in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Lottery Revenue: Rhode Island Lottery sales fell 7% year-over-year in April to $24.7 million, driven by weaker instant game sales. Hospitality & Local Economy: Gov. Dan McKee signed a law letting towns extend bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with alcohol service until 3 a.m. and closing until 4 a.m. Workplace Health Policy: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an order pushing state agencies to standardize menopause and perimenopause accommodations, aiming to retain experienced workers. Public Safety & Accountability: The Rhode Island Senate is set to vote on an amended clergy sex abuse “revival window” bill, which would reopen expired claims from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028.

World Cup Economy Boost: Rhode Island joined other states in approving extended bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with the goal of helping hospitality sales and improving fan options—local approvals still required, but businesses can choose whether to stay open later. Federal Courts & Accountability: A federal judge in Rhode Island sharply criticized Justice Department lawyers for misleading the court in a case involving a Rhode Island hospital and gender-transition treatment records, adding to a broader pattern of judges calling out government litigation conduct. Retirement Rules Fight: Rhode Island AG Jay Jones joined a multi-state coalition opposing a Trump administration proposal that would weaken retirement protections for 401(k) fiduciaries, arguing it could push millions into riskier investments. CPAs Consolidation: Five state CPA societies, including Rhode Island’s, are merging into the New England Society of CPAs effective July 1 to pool advocacy, training, and resources amid workforce and technology shifts. Energy Costs: Rhode Island Energy is promoting no-cost home energy assessments aimed at cutting cooling bills through insulation, air sealing, and heat-pump upgrades. Higher Ed Leadership: Roger Williams University named Brian G. Williams as interim president, tasking him with stabilizing the institution and advancing student success and academic priorities.

New Hotel Construction: Work begins June 1 on The Bellevue Newport Hotel, a planned 90-room luxury boutique property at 181 Bellevue Ave., with phased infrastructure work (water lines and stormwater systems) and public access maintained during construction. Healthcare Funding: Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center received a $1.6 million state investment to keep the only Aquidneck Island birthing facility operating through the longer term. Workforce & Life Sciences: The R.I. Life Science Hub is partnering with the Pawtucket Foundation on a Life Sciences Career Awareness Program aimed at expanding healthcare career pathways for underrepresented communities in Pawtucket, Central Falls and Woonsocket. Manufacturing & Industry: ANDRITZ won an order for Kruger Nonwovens’ first Canadian nonwovens line for sustainable wipes, targeting production in 2028. Policy Push on Leave: Democrats renewed pressure for federal paid leave for severe menstrual pain, framing it as “economic violence” and backing a bill that would provide up to 12 days annually. Local Business & Community: Mom N Pop Antiques in Park View, beloved for 39 years, has shut its doors—another reminder of how hard it is for small retailers to survive. Sports & Community: Woonsocket High advanced to Division III baseball finals after a no-hitter by Patrick Munger, while Providence launched a “House of Portugal” pavilion for World Cup programming. Tech & Computing: NVIDIA and Microsoft unveiled a new class of Windows PCs built to run AI tools directly on-device, pitching the PC as a “teammate,” not just a tool.

RI Business & Economy: A Rhode Island couple says they paid $640 for a limited-edition Trump watch from GetTrumpWatches.com but received a defective “RUMP” version instead of “TRUMP,” sparking calls for a correction and apology—another reminder of the risks in political-branded consumer goods. Energy Policy: Offshore wind developers are bracing for a new federal inspection-fee proposal that could sharply raise costs for existing and under-construction projects, with critics calling it a project-by-project threat to the industry. Finance & Retirement: California AG Rob Bonta joined a coalition of states opposing a Trump administration rule that would steer more retirement savings into riskier alternatives like crypto and private credit. Local Governance: North Kingstown’s charter commission is reigniting debate over whether the town should elect a mayor and redraw voting districts, after more than a year of inactivity. Health & Workforce: HHS launched a federal tick initiative in New Hampshire as Rhode Island heads into peak Lyme season, with Rhode Island still reporting thousands of Lyme cases annually. Business Spotlight: UniBank welcomed Ed Augustus as CEO, highlighting his role in community partnerships tied to the WooSox and local economic development. Public Safety: A propane flash fire at a Cape Cod construction site sent one person to a Rhode Island burn center for treatment.

Offshore Wind Under Pressure: The Trump administration’s proposed Interior inspection fees could add tens of millions in costs to existing and under-construction offshore wind projects, with one estimate putting annual fees for a 2.6GW array at more than $15 million. State Budget Moves: Rhode Island House Finance advanced a revised FY27 budget totaling about $15.2B, including a phased-in millionaires tax over three years and creation of an inspector general office. Local Hospital Planning: Rhode Island’s long-term acute care hospital site study points to Cranston’s Pastore Center as the top operational option, while Cranston officials question potential revenue and tax-in-lieu impacts. Prediction Markets Clash: Federal regulators are escalating efforts to block Rhode Island from applying state gambling laws to prediction markets, keeping the federal-versus-state fight front and center. World Cup Business Boost: Rhode Island lawmakers passed a bill letting municipalities approve temporary extended bar and restaurant hours during World Cup matches, potentially running service until 4 a.m. Retail Expansion Watch: Sprouts Farmers Market is planning 30–40 new stores across southern New England, with Rhode Island among the states mentioned for approved sites. Real Estate: Residential Properties Ltd. reported the highest Providence County sale of 2026 so far: 750 Elmgrove Ave. for $3.275M.

Rhode Island Budget Watch: The House Finance Committee advanced a revised FY27 budget totaling $15.2B, including a phased-in millionaires tax over three years and a new Office of Inspector General. State Politics & Health Policy: Lawmakers also moved to raise the governor’s budget to $15.2B while physicians push a “primary care common fund” model that treats primary care like a public utility. World Cup Business Boost: Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill letting municipalities extend bar hours during World Cup matches—up to 4 a.m. for service and liquor until 3 a.m.—if local licensing boards approve. Prediction Markets Clash: Federal regulators and the CFTC keep pressing to block state enforcement of prediction market rules, with Rhode Island in the fight. Local Economy & Retail: Sprouts plans 30–40 stores across New England over the next few years, while CVS will restore coverage for Zepbound later this year. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A Providence multi-family collapse displaced up to 10, and New Bedford’s ShotSpotter gunshot detection faces budget pressure.

Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC moved to intervene in Rhode Island’s fight over who can regulate Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing federal authority over event contracts and challenging the state’s attempt to apply gambling laws. State Budget Watch: The House Finance Committee is set to vote on Gov. Dan McKee’s nearly $15 billion budget, with lawmakers still debating the millionaire’s tax and whether to add an inspector general. World Cup Economy: McKee signed a law letting municipalities approve temporary extended bar hours during World Cup matches, up to 4 a.m. (liquor to 3 a.m.), aiming to capture visitor spending. Health Care Leadership: Heywood Healthcare named Dr. Kavita Babu as its new chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs, replacing outgoing Dr. Frank Sweeney. URI Medical School Push: A new URI medical school is framed as a long-term investment to address Rhode Island’s physician shortage and support the state’s economy. Local Business/Community: A Providence multi-family home collapsed after a fire spread across three houses on Federal Hill, displacing up to 10 residents. CVS Coverage Update: CVS Caremark will restore coverage of Zepbound later this year, potentially expanding access to GLP-1 obesity treatment.

Housing Policy Watch: RIPEC says the state’s “enormous” housing investments since 2021 aren’t translating into enough units, pointing to a high-cost, high-subsidy approach that serves few residents and would require nearly $6B more to close the affordable gap. Local Economic Development: North Kingstown’s Quonset Development Corporation board is setting up runway and land decisions tied to Electric Boat expansion, with a new community member saying he won’t be “pushed around” and will prioritize residents. Health Care Funding: Rep. Seth Magaziner secured $750,000 for Wood River Health to upgrade and expand access, including a waiting-area overhaul aimed at streamlining intake for growing Washington County demand. Water & Cost Pressures: Rhode Island issued a statewide drought advisory after precipitation deficits, low groundwater and stream flows, and dry conditions ahead of peak water-use months. Regulatory Fight Over Gambling: The CFTC moved to stop Rhode Island from enforcing state gambling laws against registered prediction markets, escalating a broader legal battle over federal versus state authority. Medicaid Spending Signals: Pawtucket Medicaid claims for ambulance and other transport services hit $512,793 in 2024, up 37.5% from 2023.

White House Construction Fight: About 150 Democratic lawmakers, including Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, filed a brief arguing Trump can’t demolish or build on White House grounds without explicit congressional approval and funding. Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC moved to intervene in Rhode Island’s lawsuit against Kalshi, arguing federal authority over event-contract trading overrides state gaming enforcement. Energy Costs Watch: A federal forecast warns summer 2026 electricity bills could rise as demand and grid stress increase, with some regions facing the biggest jumps. Housing Affordability: Mortgage affordability slipped in April as the median purchase payment rose to $2,152, though it’s still better than a year ago thanks to income growth. RI Housing Impact Debate: RIPEC says the state’s $644M+ housing investment since 2021 isn’t translating into enough production, while the Executive Office of Housing disputes parts of the report. Local Health Spending: Medicaid ambulance/transport claims jumped 51.2% in Woonsocket in 2024, and Cumberland’s alcohol/drug treatment spending rose 20.6%. Labor & Aviation: Breeze Airways pilots picketed at T.F. Green amid stalled contract talks, seeking a first collective bargaining agreement. Retail Data Scrutiny: Home Depot and Lowe’s faced lawmakers’ questions over parking-lot license plate scanning policies. JWU Opens to Public: Johnson & Wales University launched revamped catering and external event space rentals for the public. Food Assistance: DEM will distribute nearly 7,000 senior farmers market benefit cards starting June 1.

Cybersecurity & State Impact: Beacon Mutual says a January cyberattack exposed personal data tied to about 132,000 Rhode Islanders, including roughly 4,500 current and former state employees, with the insurer notifying the state and affected people. Cannabis Regulation: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Michelle Reddish, the state’s cannabis administrator, to chair the Cannabis Control Commission, sending the pick to the Senate. Sports Betting & State Authority: A coalition of 41 attorneys general led by Ohio AG Dave Yost urged the CFTC to recognize state jurisdiction over sports-related prediction markets, arguing platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi function like sportsbooks. Local Privacy Policy: Warren advanced a first-in-the-state ordinance to regulate private use of automatic license plate reader cameras, aiming to curb unregulated collection and sharing of vehicle location data. Insurance & Legal Rulings: Rhode Island’s Supreme Court limited a wrongful-death recovery to the per-person auto policy amount, reinforcing how UM/UIM and coverage limits apply. Labor & Aviation: Breeze Airways pilots picketed at T.F. Green amid stalled talks on their first contract. Housing Market Signals: Zillow found concessions show up on about 40% of apartment listings this spring as vacancy rises in many Sun Belt markets. Energy Costs: Trump called for a federal gas tax holiday, but the brief relief would likely be limited versus today’s pump prices. Community & Education: Special Olympics Rhode Island gears up for its summer games with 1,200-plus athletes expected, while Mt. Hope High School named Gavin Stegall valedictorian for the Class of 2026.