When the citizens of Rhode Island overwhelmingly approved Separation of Powers in 2004, which was championed by Governor Carcieri, it marked a turning point in state government: There is now a clear constitutional separation and balance between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. But this is only the beginning. Governor Carcieri has also successfully fought for other reforms that have improved how state government operates and have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Savings

Pension reform saves $236 million over five years.   Most thought reforming the state’s pension system could not be done, but Governor Carcieri succeeded. In FY 2006 alone, the savings from reforms to the state pension system will save taxpayers more than $44 million. Of this, $18 million will go to the municipalities to reduce the burden on local property taxes.

Largest tax cut in 10 years.   Legislation proposed and signed by Governor Carcieri resulted in 38,000 additional motor vehicles exempted from property tax. Within five years, this tax will be completely eliminated.

Co-sharing health insurance with state employees saves more than $22 million over four years.  For the first time in our state’s history, state employees are contributing to their health care insurance premiums. Rhode Island was one of only four states that did not require state employees to contribute to the cost of their health care premiums. Ninety-three percent of private businesses require employee to co-share health insurance premiums. This agreement is fair to employees and to taxpayers.

New state health insurance contract saves $25 million.  By re-bidding the state’s health care insurance contract, Governor Carcieri saved taxpayers $25 million over three years.

Sale of GARVEE bonds saves $34 million.  Under Governor Carcieri’s direction, Rhode Island sold $270 million in GARVEE bonds to finance five major transportation projects. The sale of these bonds generated a savings of $34 million, and dramatically quickened the pace of construction.

Restoring Proper Balance to State Government

Separation of Powers is now the law of the land.  In his inaugural address, Governor Carcieri vowed to restore the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government by pursuing amendments to the state constitution. Voters overwhelmingly approved these changes that were championed by Governor Carcieri. Today, the republican principle that the legislative branch enacts the laws and the executive branch administers them has been restored to Rhode Island government.

Successfully Challenging Unconstitutional Measures

Blocking casino measures.  For the past two years, a casino proposal funded by an out-of-state gambling company has been deemed unconstitutional by the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Governor Carcieri is firm in his opposition to a casino owned and operated by a private investor. The Governor has negotiated one of the best deals in the country for a state’s share of gambling revenue: The state receives 61 cents of every dollar spent on video lottery terminals at the long-standing state-operated gambling venues in Lincoln and Newport.

Blocking proposal to create 1,300 new state workers.  Governor Carcieri successfully vetoed a union-backed measure to unilaterally allow private, child care providers to unionize and negotiate with the state as if they were state employees. The legislation would have imperiled the state-sponsored child care system, which is already one of the generous child care subsidy programs in the nation, and increased costs to the state taxpayers.