On Tax Day, Rhode Island Dem Gov Gina Raimondo Is More Focused On Imposing Tax & Fee Hikes Than Fixing Social Services

While multiple scandals surround Democrat Governor Gina Raimondo’s administration for her failed management of state social services, she appears more focused on figuring out how to impose tax and fee hikes than addressing Rhode Island’s problems. Last week, Raimondo ordered a delay for new electronic tolling systems because she wanted to be “absolutely sure they are running at 100 percent” so that “they work the first time and every time.”

If only Raimondo had shown this level of attention when installing Rhode Island’s flawed new Medicaid payment system, which has been in “serious disarray,” forcing the state to overpay for services, costing millions in taxpayer funds as Medicaid recipients experience delayed service. Rhode Island’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families, which has been plagued for months by scandalous reports of neglect and worse by state workers, may have also benefited had Raimondo shown it a fraction of the attention she is now giving the installation of tolls. Instead, she spent weeks ignoring the scandal and has offered excuses instead of plans to address the matter.

While Raimondo is focused on making sure tax and fee hikes are working seamlessly in Rhode Island, her administration appears to have no problem ignoring its failures for the state’s Medicaid recipients and at-risk youths. Raimondo’s badly misplaced priorities continue to cost Rhode Island, leaving the state in serious need of new leadership.