Statement on the
Rhode Island Budget Vote

Budget recommended without beverage tax/other new taxes.

Stop the Rhode Island Beverage Tax Coalition

Statement on Rhode Island Budget vote

Providence, RI – Today the Stop the RI Beverage Tax Coalition, a coalition of more than 900 small businesses, issued the following statement after a vote of the House Finance Committee on a FY23 state budget, which does not include a harmful new beverage tax for Rhode Island residents and businesses: 

“Our coalition of more than 900 local restaurants, markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other local businesses is grateful to House and Senate leadership and Governor McKee for putting forward a budget without imposing new taxes, including a large beverage tax. The impacts of inflation, supply chain issues, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic have weighed heavily on Rhode Island’s working families and businesses, making it harder to make ends meet and keep doors open for customers and employees.  We thank our elected leaders for understanding the perspectives of the small business community and are optimistic that legislators will continue supporting Rhode Island’s working families and small businesses.”