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FontPROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed dug in her heels Tuesday over the possibility of a special session in the fall.
Paiva Weed, a Newport Democrat, ruled out returning then to work on modifying Gov. Gina Raimondo's proposal to toll large commercial trucks to fund bridge repairs, even though House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello wants to.
She said she also wouldn't bring senators back to consider providing public funding to help build a Providence stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox — something Mattiello has also said may be debated in the fall. Paiva Weed said she'll only bring lawmakers back if there are judicial appointments.
"The Senate has no plans to return for a fall session," she said after a budget signing event.
The General Assembly abruptly ended its regular legislative session Thursday with the fate of dozens of bills still undecided. The Senate recessed while the House was still considering bills.
Paiva Weed wouldn't address speculation Tuesday that she was frustrated with House leaders for asking her to pass their priority bills while not passing some of hers. She wanted to tie new state aid for public colleges to the schools' performance, but she couldn't get House backing for that.
Before the regular session ended, the Senate endorsed Raimondo's plan to toll large trucks to pay for a $500 million revenue bond for the state's deteriorating bridges. The House didn't.
Mattiello, a Cranston Democrat, wants to return in the fall to consider a modified tolling plan that does more to account for the trucking industry's concerns and the impact on businesses. He said he isn't passing it in its current form.
Without the Senate in session, a new plan couldn't move forward until January. Mattiello said he hopes Paiva Weed changes her mind.
"If we can make it better, hopefully she would see the merit in making it better and reconsider, but she has the prerogative of not coming back and we certainly respect her prerogatives," he said.
