Speaker Mattiello Says He Will Block Raimondo's Plan to Raise Beach Fees
GoLocalProv News Team
Speaker Mattiello Says He Will Block Raimondo's Plan to Raise Beach Fees
Raimondo has proposed increases by as much as 33 percent and many have called the hikes regressive.
In a statement to GoLocal, Mattiello said:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“In 2016, we lowered the beach fees to the current rate, and I believe it is too soon to raise them. As the Ocean State, our beaches are one of our greatest assets and we need to keep the fees affordable for families to continue to enjoy. Rep. Grace Diaz, a member of the House Finance Committee, is submitting a bill during our legislative session today to freeze the fees for three years. Spearheaded by House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin Abney, we are working collaboratively with the Senate on this important issue to ensure the fees remain in place through 2021.”
Latest in Beach Fee Battle
The 2016 General Assembly rolled back the beach fees.
The parking fees had been increased in 2011 from $6 to $10, the weekend fees from $7 to $14 and the season passes from $30 to $60. Nonresidents’ parking fees went from $12 to $20 for weekdays, from $14 to $28 for weekends and from $60 to $120 for season passes. The fees enacted in the 2016 session returned the fees to the pre-2011 rates.
In 2016, the legislature proudly announced, "Just in time for beach season, the House slashed parking fees at state beaches — mostly in half — to better enable Rhode Islanders and visitors to enjoy one of the state’s greatest treasures. The cuts, effective July 1, eliminate hikes made in 2011, and apply to all types of passes: single-day weekend and weekday, as well as season, passes for residents, nonresidents and senior citizens. (Admission to state beaches themselves is free.) Those who have already purchased season passes will be eligible for a credit for the difference."
Regressive Tax
“Make no mistake -- beach fees are nothing less than the institution of a regressive tax on the poor, for whom public parks and beaches have represented an affordable, family-friendly escape from the inner city,” said Pat Ford, of the Libertarian Party of Rhode Island.
The University of Rhode Island’s top economist Len Lardaro that the fee increase could be scooped and used for other budget needs. “But the Rhode Island economy is slowing down. If the tax revenue disappoints and they need more money, I doubt they'll keep this just for beaches and campgrounds. This will be another money grab by the general fund,” said Lardaro.