Here is a press release from Providence Mayor David Cicilline:


Statement from Mayor David N. Cicilline Regarding Rhode Island House’s Elimination of Aid to Cities and Towns 
 
 
As anticipated, the elimination of general revenue sharing in the State budget adds to an already serious fiscal challenge facing the city.  This will require some very difficult decisions.   I will continue to press our unions to follow Local 1033’s lead and agree to reasonable and fair contract changes in the area of healthcare and pension reform.  I am also urging the General Assembly to pass legislation to ensure that private colleges and hospitals pay their fair share in order to protect taxpayers from shouldering any additional burden.


     Once again, David Cicilline is trying to get Providence's colleges and universities to pay their "fair share."  The mayor seems to leave out one important fact: He negotiated a 20 year PILOT program with these institutions during his first term.  Are we to assume that David Cicilline negotiated a bad deal, and now he is trying to back out of an agreement?  As far as I'm concerned, the city entered into an agreement for 20 years, and the terms of that agreement need to be honored.  That is the honorable thing to do. 

     This leads to another question: Why is the Catholic Diocese exempt from being taxed?  David Cicilline might argue that the Diocese makes important contributions to the community, but couldn't the same argument be applied to the city's schools and hospitals?  I guess David Cicilline thinks it's OK to pick favorites.

     In the end, it really doesn't matter, since this bill will not become law.  I doubt it will be passed by the General Assembly, and if it is, it will likely be vetoed by the Governor.  Another year, and another failed legislative scheme from the mayor.