Some R.I. Lawmakers Criticize Legislative Charity Grants

Discretionary grants to charities doled out by Rhode Island lawmakers are coming under increasing scrutiny as the state battles budget problems, the Providence Journal says.

Senators and representatives handed out more than $1.5-million to libraries, land trusts, youth sports leagues, and other nonprofit groups out of $2.3-million allocated for such grants in Rhode Island’s new budget. The grants ranged from $250 to $100,000.

The House’s Republican minority has challenged the constitutionality of the grants in court, and some Democratic lawmakers have joined GOP colleagues in refusing to recommend grant recipients.

“In my view, the whole point of the grant program is to allow people to do things in their district to help them get reelected,” Brian C. Newberry, the House Republican leader said.

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