Business Groups Say Chafee Taxes a Job-Killer

A coalition of business groups, led by the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, held a rally at the Statehouse today to oppose Governor Lincoln Chafee's new taxes. Speakers said that the expansion of the sales tax, which is expected to generate $165 million in new revenue, could drive the unemployment rate back up.

UPDATE: After the protest, Governor Lincoln Chafee held an impromptu press conference with reporters to respond. Chafee said that his focus remains on closing the $331 million deficit while fixing longer-term issues such as eliminating the need to borrow for transportation funding, funding for higher education, and fully funding the education aid formula.

Chafee also went on the offensive, saying he does not see much leadership in the business community and repeating what has become his mantra: he’s open to better ideas, but has yet to hear any. Chafee said he hadn’t heard a “syllable of another … approach to closing the deficit.”

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