Do you think the proposed supplemental budget and budget cuts proposed by Gov. Carcieri are right for Rhode Island?

I am a retired teacher from another state who does not have the benefits that Rhode Island teachers have. I am sorry that the teachers here are more concerned about their benefits than completing their year of teaching. Let them leave, there are good teachers to replace them.

I am encouraged by the Gov. stand in this matter. I absolutely support him!

Has the Gov or anyone in his office taken a pay cut? I think not. There are a lot of people who did just so they can keep a job. How is this suppose to help us? With the funding for the cities & towns being cut that's more money we as taxpayers and homeowners have to pay. This is suppose to be good? I think not.

Teachers, police and firemen should be able to retire at 65 like the rest of us. Why should we pay full benefits to all teachers, when they are getting a reasonable salary. And after retirement they should be contributing 60% of their healthplan . Taxpayers not only pay full benefits for all retirements and also full benefits for all those who replace the retired people. No one does this for the rest of the communities.

I think its sad for a firefighter like myself with 19 years of service, who has dedicated myself, kept myself educated and well trained who has sacrificed weekends, holidays, my childrens birthdays, christmases etc. to be left with absolelutely nothing come time to retire. individuals like myself earned their retirement and have paid their dues. Thanks Governor Carcieri for deserting us!

Why should the working people be punished for mismanagement. Maybe we needed the casino after all.

I think the state workers and teachers have been living high the hog and really should start paying the farmer for the meat they have enjoyed for years. Yes firemen do work holidays and all but so don't a lot of us get back to realty.

About time my 401 k is wiped out where is my pension and health care going to come from now??? Wait i should of become a state employee but wait i dont know anyone so i guess i am screwed. I say everyone with a job should be in a union or no one at all!!!!

I wholeheartedly support the governor's proposals. For many years, unions and their members have fared extremely well and beyond affordability on the part of the taxpayers. It is time that we all face reality, tighten our belts and become fiscally responsible.

The governor has not been nor is he an advocate for public schools and the public workers. i did not hear anything about judges reducing their pension percentages, legislators giving back free health care, or the amount of money it cost the state this fall when he (the governor)forced out the 1000+ state workers, that he so proudly announced when talking about that reduction last night. Teachers have contributed more to the state pension plan than any other profession drawing from it. If there need to be changes, it should be for those coming into the profession, not those who have been contributing for years.

I was shocked that what the governor proposed has not already taken place! Particulary with the retirement pensions. I do fear this plan will be dificult for the teaching comunity; but still seems to fall in line with the "norm" for the rest of the country and the rest of the average workers in RI.
Wake up people! You have seen the #'s; RI has been and is being hit hard. Of course the action plan will also hit hard. Change is always dificult and scary. We will get through it together.

some people call cops and firemen pigs and theives because they want to just earn a living. Tell that to the families of those from 9/11. only in this country people would say that. How we forget

"A government trying to tax inself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." It is about time that our government is realizing the shortcomings of their past policies. Increasing taxes will raise capitol initially, but will invariably cause a net outflux of businesses which will instead lower the amount of money generated and increase the unemployment rate. I do not feel bad for many of the state workers that are taking a paycut and reduction in benefits as their generous salaries and benefits packages are largely responsible for getting us into this mess in the first place.

I am 65, mostly retired, and stand ready to help my state and community out of this economic pickle by volunteering wherever help is needed. Once everyone stops their wah-wahing, and takes some positive action towards a solution, we might see where this situation is the best thing that ever could of happened to our state, country and our own moral fiber.

let's be fair...public employees do not deserve better than those who pay them (and their benefits); let's increase tax on alcohol before we hit cigarettes again; let's recognize those cities and towns that have shown responsibility in their budgets.

Our Governor should Take a pay cut ,and pay his health cear how much more can the people of this state take

Many people think that state workers, teachers, and municipal workers are getting something for free. They have worked very hard for many years and they have paid into their pensions, which was not an option, it was mandatory. So I say, they've paid into it, so why should they not receive what they have been working for all these years. You make a choice to go into public service. I retired from the state Department of Administration and I happen to know for a fact that this administration continues to give out raises, especially for those who have not even been in the system that long. Why doesn't the Governor stop this activity? Or is he not even made aware of it? I doubt it.

I retired from the Federal Government after 34 1/2 years due to disability. Active Federal employess pay over 25 % towards their health care and as a retiree, I pay close to $800 per month just for myself & spouse (the family plan). My pension amount is roughly 65% of what I was earning while employed. The Federal Government was way ahead of individual states years ago when it mandated that new employees pay into Social Security & Medicare. I think the Governor has some great ideas in solving our State's fiscal problems and hope that the General Assembly works with him to solve this mess.

The govenor seems to be balancing the budget on the backs of the poor, elderly, and disabled. He needs to get the hell out before he can hurt more people he's supposed to be helping. Where's his pay cut ? We should't have to pay for his health benifits and lose our own.

First let me set one thing straight, the reason for Firefighters and Police Officers retire after allowed to retire after 20yrs of service is because of the physical requirements of our professions. Would any of you want a 60 to 65 year old Police Officer getting into a struggle with someone who is alot younger threatening your life and property, or a Firefighter of the same age responding to a emergency when either your life and your lifes dreams were threatened by fire? I think not? Well by now you guessed it, Im a Firefighter who was hired in my mid forties, in a administrative position, I do not belong to a union, but was assured retirement after 20 yrs of my career service ( I also volunteered for 26 yrs prior to being hired), and now this is all being threatened. The financial mess that this State is in, isnt because of the Firefighters or Police Officers pensions (who contribute 8% of our pay towards retirement, the most of any eployees...... sorry teachers do not contribute the most), its the mis-management of the Carcieiri Administration who are driving this state into a financial mess just as he did when he was the CEO of both Cookson America and the Old Stone Bank that are no longer in business. Well thats enough from me now, except one thing........ Good Job Gov! your 3 for 3 ! By the way, we will still give you the same service that we always have, even if it means our lives!

I agree with the Governor's action. Everyone must take a hit to solve the current problems - State and Federal. Whether service cuts, higher fees, less benefits - everyone needs to contribute.... A "not-in-my-backyard" attitude will not solve the problems.

The Gov. made a deal with Mr. Bush to just about eliminate medicaid for the poor. Is the money the Gov. will receive going to balance the budget or to people as it was planned for.

These cut should have happen five years ago. The politicans of this state knew we were in trouble when they had to take the millions we received for the tobacco industries to balance the budget. We need to start electing people with economics degrees and stop electing lawyers.
The politicans should set an example and take a 10% decrease in pay and benefits to show they are helping to balance the budget. With taxpayers losing their jobs, making less money, seeing their 401k going down you would think the politicans, state workers, city workers and teachers could give a little back. Theirs a very small percent of those workers that could leave their job and go elsewhere and make the money they are now.

I agree firemen and Police Officers should do better then the public when it comes to retirement, but you also should remember this is the profession you chose we did not beg you to take these jobs. And for teachers please do not get me started, they deserve no better then the rest of us peons, its a job they chose did they choose it for the benefits or because this is what that wanted to do. Our schools are not in the top ratings but are teachers in E.P. are some of the highest paid. You have tp blame the unions for some of this they are the greedest in the world. They ask for so much and that is why we keep losinging companies to overseas. Unions need to take a step back.

All workers on our State tax roll should understantd how much trouble our State is in !! If everyone is willing to just pay their fair share of their Health Care , as we all do in the private sector, it would help quite a bit . People need to be willing to take a small pay cut ,as needed for the short term, to staid off not having any job @ all. The Governor , nor anyone else want to see people get hurt financially. Too many Union employees have gotten benifits and salaries that are out of wack for their jobs compared to the private sector. The tax payers can no longer afford this.
I also think the Governor, unfortunately, has an up hill battle when it comes to getting the top heavy Democratic legislature to agree w/anything he needs to accomplish. Correct me if I'm wrong ,but it seems to me that they are afraid to knock the establishment and take the chance of not being re-elected.

The schools can't afford to lose people. Look at some of our students! They clearly need more help now. And that's great get rid of people who need these jobs! Look at all of the people out of work now. He will make it so much worse.

The schools can't afford to lose people. Look at some of our students! They clearly need more help now. And that's great get rid of people who need these jobs! Look at all of the people out of work now. He will make it so much worst.

This is for Pat. We do not pay for the Governor's Health Insurance. He has waived his medical benefits for his State job, and collects a $2000.00 stipend for waiving his medical insurance. Why should he get $2,000.00 extra? Why should any state worker receive this benefit.

As a city worker I agree with the guv. But he should take it one step further, everyone in state, city, town should take a one percent cut in payfor two years.

The reason me and my wife became public servants was because the benefits were attractive. Both of us have degrees that would enable us to work in the private sector for a lot more money in salary but we enjoy helping children and those in need. For that, we get a slap in the face if the Governor's changes are implemented to employee pensions. Now we'll have to work until we are practically dead.

wow, welcome to the real world Lori!

Lori's comment is exactly the point we are trying to make. -- "The reason me and my wife became public servants was because the benefits were attractive... Now we'll have to work until we are practically dead." -- You dont know how good you have it till it's threatend or taken away. Join the rest of the working class in the real world where people actually have to work till 65 and still not get a retirement plan close to compairable to a state worker.

I’m behind the Governor’s plan 100%. It’s time that the legislators do what’s right for all of Rhode Island and not be coerced by an overly vocal minority. We must learn to do with less service; by all means initiate state-wide purchasing of health insurance and school transport and more; and bring union contracts more in line with the private sector. We cannot afford to do otherwise. Even with the changes the Governor suggests the average state worker will still be doing better that 80% of the rest of us. Legislators, get it done!

This is not the only state that has budget problems. The other 49 states have the same problems. In Fact, the entire world is having the same financial woes. It's time for every last one of us to suck it in. What do you expect when you spend way above your means. The Gov. is a business man. State pensions with COLA is ridiculous. I say no more pensions, only 401K's with an appropriate match like normal business. Let parents get involved with their children and monitor school buses. Make parents get involved in their neighborhoods and police the issues themselves. LETS GET REAL PEOPLE!!!

I think the problem starts at the top. Its Governor Carcieri's job to keep everything in control. Clearly he doesnt know what hes doing and now hard working people are gonna be punished. Delaying payments to Station Fire Victims??? They really need that money due to the fact that they were BURNED IN A FIRE AND WONT BE HIRED DUE TO THEIR INJURIES!! I guess imposing a Yacht Tax is out of the question right?? The rich can spend 500,000 on a yacht and not get taxed for it.... God forbid the rich people pay a little extra....This state along with the rest of the country is going to hell in a hand basket due to the fact that the people who are placed in government jobs dont care about the people or making life better. They just stick to their secret agendas and fatten up their pockets while the working class gets the shaft. And I quote" That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed--That whenever any Form of Government (this means you Pres Bush and all you corrupt politicans out there) Becomes destructive of these ends, it IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR TO ABOLISH IT, and toinstitue a New Government...." From the Constitution!!! which was written by Real Americans who gave a Fuc- about this Country and their fellow man! I think its time to get honest people in the office of the RI state house and the rest of this country while we are still able to save it.

Some of these proposed cuts will be devistating to people. The teachers and the children in this state are suffering severly. Cutting programs and pay is not the answer it will make things worse. Cutting people like bus monitors and crossing guards is appauling to me. Those people protect our children I guess thats not important to some people. The people at the top should be taking pay cuts of their own not people who barely make enough already.

It's time teachers and government workers realize that they are regular ordinary people--like the rest of us, and should pay for their health insurance--like the rest of us, and should save their own money for retirement--like the rest of us. WHY do they think they are owed fully paid health insurance and pensions??? WHY do they that think we--the 'regular' people of Rhode Island--should be paying for them to have this free ride??? Go Governor! You are supported 100%!

The Governor should start looking inside his own house before making the cities/towns raise taxes to replace the money the state cannot provide. The education of our children should be most important, they are our future. Maybe "state" vehicles should be eliminated. Can you imagine the cost saving on insurance alone? considering that "state" workers drive the cars all the time, not just 8-5. People in RI have to balance their budget without looking elsewhere, Governor you should do the same. Take paycuts for legislation, including yourself first and pay for healthcare. All government people should pay their fair share. Working for the "state" used to be considered glamorous, it shouldn't be anymore!

With regards to some of the comments (Stephanie) you must be a teacher because to say teachers are struggling is ridiculous (our kids are but that is because of poor parenting first but also because our teachers dont want to work when that bell rings they are out of there no extra given - (I was put on a time limite the other day while meeting with my daughters teacher screw you, you are on my DIME)- since my daughter has started school pre-k 1st and second grade ALL of her teachers (who dont even come close to working a FULL year like the Real world people) are making over $70,000 per year in Salary plus all free benefits - that is just sinful why does a pre-k teacher need to make 100G while the rest of us suffer EVERYONE on this site NEEDS TO VISIT WWW.THEMONEYTRAIL.ORG it will show all SALARIES for TEACHERS etc. most of you will have a heart attack and finally make your teachers work for a living instead of complaining each Sept when they are due to go back to work - its not about the kids its about the flippin money and it makes me sick. they are supposed to be teaching out children how to share, get along, support, be good examples for our children WHAT A JOKE!!!

As for the bus monitors how about using some of the people who are abusing the system on WELFARE if they are collecting a check from the hardworking citizens them make them work a little for it (they could also clean up our streets something! Why keep giving them FREE MONEY!!!!
JIM- I respect firefighters immensely one of the hardest jobs out there but.... with regards to the age of police and fire no I do not want a 65 year old against a 20 year old but there are DESK jobs, Detail work (instead of paying others younger guys triple time make it part of your salary) etc Age is not the only factor I also dont want an overweight , out of shape person either but there is no mandate on that apparently from what I can see. My husband works for the state (and works his butt off he is no lazy like so many) and we have to pay for our benefits now unlike others from years past , we agree that he should work until 59 +(he is 35) why the hell should anyone get the privelage to retire at 40 welcome to the real world people - LOOK AT WHERE ALL OF YOUR GREED (TEACHERS/GOVT ETC) HAS GOTTEN YOU - A RUINED STATE, TERRIBLE ECONOMY FOR YOUR CHILDREN, AND A VERY BLEAK FUTURE I HOPE YOU ARE ALL SO PROUD.

I just loved to hear that the retirement age from state service was moved up to 59 years old. My heart is broken, they have to work until that old age, and receive a pension, and health benefits, and social security benefits? I am 52 years old, and will be working until my body is swept away. There will be no social security benefits for me, and, I work in the private sector, with no pension, and maybe COBRA for insurance, and Medicare will be gone. And, how is he going to provide home health care to our elders, when, there are not enough providers currently available, and he has no plan that he has advised us of, to correct this issue? He is grasping at the proverbial straw. And, he states that our elders will be reviewed prior to nursing home placement, to determine if they qualify for nursing home placement. This is already being done, and has been done, for at least the last 20 years. Look at the failure of the PACE program in this state. How many of you know that they "lose" participants? This organization is a farce. I can cite many examples of the failure of this so-called resource to keep our elders in the community. There was a woman, we'll call Mrs A, who was scheduled to be at the day program three times per week. Well, she did not attend the program, and three weeks later, the PACE people noticed that she was "missing". The only reason that they knew that she was "missing", was that a representative from another agency had an appointment to meet with her. The excuse that this "community program" gave, was that they were understaffed, and didn't notice that she had not been there. Scary, isn't it? And, this same agency "lost" another participant as well. Apparently, she was transported to the hospital due to chest pain. She has left her walker and oxygen tank behind. When a representative from another agency kept an appointment with her, the staff at PACE could not locate her. The staff then proceeded to look for her in various sections of the building, and, of course, couldn't find her. This is what we are looking at for our elders. The incompetancy of these "agencies" is what we will deal with. This is what our Governor wants to do reduce Medicaid spending... Think about it for a moment... I also do not comprehend the governor's "rationialization" for his proposed cuts. I believe that he needs to earn a zero salary for the rest of his term. He lives in a mansion and is very well off. He does not want for anything. In his dramatic plea for our support of his plan, he had the audacity to state that his children were in fear of losing their jobs, like they were like the rest of us...He would be able to support them, and us, with his fortune. When he spoke, he promised that he would not raise taxes, however, he wants to raise the cigarette tax, oops, he forgot to state that. The entire "address" to the state was very vague and non informative. He is certainly not competent to understand the negative ramifications of his desperate plea to "fix" the budget. Where has he been, all of these years, in his position as Governor? Suddenly, all of these deficits come to light? As far as the schools... I have no children. I pay property taxes on my home and vehicles, and a portion of which is distributed to the schools. That's okay with me. But, teachers need to pay into their health insurance just like the rest of the world. I have read the emails from teachers, stating that they went into that profession "for the benefits". How noble of them. I thought that we went into a profession because we were dedicated to it...I guess not. I have been a licensed clinical social worker in RI, MA and GA for 20+ years. I have never seen anything like this fiasco in my life.
If this legislature buys into his BS, then I will be among the many, many, many, leaving this state of "corruption and ignorance".

I expected worse news from the governor, so I totally agree with what he had to say and do. My biggest concern lies with the city of Providence. Our wonderful Mayor who I think is absolutely wonderful needs to undo what former Mayor Cianci started and that is to make all these University's, Colleges, churches and other privately owned buildings pay TAXES. How do the colleges and others get away with not having to pay taxes, and us poor home owners always have to carry the load of tax increases to help bail out our wonderful city. If these places payed even half of the city taxes it would greatly help our state get out of the red and not put the burden on the guy who pays his taxes on time. It also cost a fortune to send our children to college, maybe if they helped with the taxes we wouldn't mind putting out the big bucks to send our children to Brown or Johnson and Wales. Come on people wake up and smell the coffee. We're tired of paying for the rich and not getting anything in return. It's time for CHANGE!!!!!!!!!

Heres another reform that nobody has mentioned, even the guv. How about if the state repeals the law the makes all school districts a non-autominous bodies. That way they will not spend the local monies like drunken sailors (no disrespect to sailors), this way when we budget a $1000.00 for a program for the students, it will have to go towards that program. What do you all think?

It is really sad that so many people feel that because they don't have something others should not. Every worker in this country should not have to worry about health coverage. They should be able to retire at a decent age and be able to live comfortably for their remanining lives. No one knows what is in store done the road and prices keep going up. You hear to many horror stories about the elderly. Everyone should be fighting to get better benfits not have some taken away. The workers being affective are the middle class. Teachers, state employees, fireman, are not the wealthy.

What about accountability we are in this situation because of bad financial decisions. Instead of spending all our tax dollars how about saving some. So when we are in a serious problem we have resources. It was spend, spend, spend. Now lets go after some large tax group and not assume any responsibility. Then make it sound like it is all the fault of the state and public employees. We need better management. better decisions and better leaders.

to Dg I am a preschool teacher but not a teacher in the public school system however i've done alot of work in providence schools and my mother has been working as a teacher for almost 30 years and she doesn't make 70,000 so its not every teacher who makes that. I wish i could find a job in a public school because I dont have health insurance. And the children are suffering in school because the government is taking programs away at school that children need. And we need bus monitors because people driving don't stop at the flashing stop sign and hit and kill children. You are right though lots of people abuse the welfare and dhs system I see it all the time at day care and thats not right.

Are parents going want to have their children have teachers who are 65 years old still teaching in classrooms earning top step salary? Once again people are looking for quick fixes or bandaids and not the big picture!