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The Latest News and Media From the
Rhode Island House of Representatives Republican Caucus

Statement from Leader Michael Chippendale regarding the Governor’s PUC Testimony

9/16/2022

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State House, Providence – During today’s public hearing of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission regarding the proposed consumer electric and gas rate increases, the Governor requested additional federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and announced a request by his administration of the General Assembly to repeal the 4% tax on gross earnings on electric utilities.
House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s testimony:

“This is not a surprise to Republicans that the Governor would now try to address the underfunding of LIHEAP and the massive effect inflation, and our state and national energy policy is having on the users of this critical resource.

During the FY23 budget debate in June, House Republicans offered amendments that directed $7,600,000 in the state’s allotment of fiscal recovery funds to provide for home energy assistance, and a repeal of the 4% tax on electric utilities.

In response to our efforts to properly fund LIHEAP, House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian replied on the House Floor:

‘I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. Last year we passed the Act on Climate. It is important for us to have targeted assistance for non-fossil energy sources. There is also plenty of funding in this budget for LIHEAP and for people who are struggling to pay their energy bills.’

All of our amendments to deal with the high cost of energy failed along partisan party lines. Instead of working together for the benefit of our residents, we now must go back to the federal trough despite the fact that we had the federal resources in June. This type of governance is irresponsible.

Once again, Rhode Island’s Democratic Leadership is a few months late and many dollars short when it comes to taking care of our most vulnerable.”
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About rhode island house republicans


​In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders.  As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.

​2025 Rhode Island State House Republicans | 82 Smith Street, Room 106 Providence, RI 02903 | 401..222..2259 | Email Us
  • Home
  • Reports
    • FY 2026 Budget and Policy Priorities Report
    • Minority Report >
      • 2023 Minority Report
      • 2022 Minority Report
      • 2020/2021 Minority Report
      • 2019 Minority Report
    • Gaming Contract >
      • Gaming Study Report
    • State of the State >
      • 2020 State of the State
      • 2022 State of the State
      • 2024 State of the State
  • Representatives
    • Michael W. Chippendale
    • David J. Place
    • Richard R. Fascia
    • Marie A. Hopkins
    • George A. Nardone
    • Brian C. Newberry
    • Christopher G. Paplauskas
    • Robert Quattrocchi
    • Sherry Roberts
    • Paul M. Santucci
  • Alumni
  • News & Media
  • Contact Us
    • Media Contact
    • Caucus Staff
    • Interns
    • Group Visits