Total Medicaid spending, including federal payments, climbed $377.9 million, or 8.4%, despite enrollment in the public health insurance program falling.

The call for fiscal austerity comes as progressive groups are expected to renew their push to raise the state income tax rates for top earners.

The 4.9% increase in personnel spending this year is largely the result of new union contracts and efforts to fill vacant jobs.

PROVIDENCE – A business-backed fiscal watchdog is, not for the first time, warning that Rhode Island state government is spending beyond its means at a level that is "not sustainable."

In a report released Aug. 20, the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council found that state spending over the last three years is projected to grow by 10.9% while state revenues grow 6

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