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This week in Rhode Island, discussions primarily focused on two major areas: efforts to combat the overdose crisis and strategies to address housing affordability.
- Overdose Reduction and Recovery Efforts: Rhode Island has seen significant progress in reducing fatal overdoses. In the first six months of 2025, there was a 33% reduction in fatal overdoses and an over 18% reduction in 2024 compared to 2023. The state is on track for what is hoped to be the lowest number of fatal overdoses since 2018. This success is attributed to community efforts and effective policy, such as the Overdose Prevention Center, highlighting that good policy saves lives. The importance of harm reduction and recovery pathways, alongside comprehensive support systems including housing, transportation, food access, healthcare, and criminal justice reform, was emphasized for long-term recovery.
- Housing Affordability Challenges: The Special Legislative Commission to Study Housing Affordability discussed the complex nature of the crisis, noting a basic supply and demand issue with insufficient affordable rental units. There was an acknowledgement of “nimbyism” contributing to housing shortages and the need to loosen zoning regulations to allow more varied property uses. The commission also noted a significant increase in out-of-state buyers, with23% of all homebuyers in Rhode Island being from out-of-state, and investor growth doubling since the pandemic, from 10.9% to 22.5%.
- Housing Taxation and Regulatory Debates: Several tax proposals and their impacts were discussed. A proposed additional conveyance tax could mean a $1 million home would incur an additional $2,000 in taxes, with concerns that the majority of this tax is not dedicated to housing solutions but rather statewide spending. The “Taylor Swift tax,” an annual tax, was highlighted for affecting Rhode Islanders who own generational homes, potentially forcing sales. Additionally, short-term rental taxes saw a 75% combined increase in 2025. The contentious issue of rent control was debated, with opposition citing concerns about impeding housing construction, long-term displacement, and negative economic effects.
- Community and Stigma in Recovery: Speakers at the RI Cares Recovery Day event emphasized the critical need for unity and support within the recovery community, stating that collective action is transformational and that “nothing about us without us.” Discussions also focused on combating the stigma faced by individuals in recovery and advocating for fair compensation for peer recovery specialists. The newly founded professional association for peer recovery specialists, RIPRA, aims to offer professional development, networking, and mentorship to decrease burnout and promote mutual respect among peers.
Sources:
RI RI Cares Recovery Day: 2-12-2026 (2026-02-12)(video)
RI Special Legislative Commission to Study Housing Affordability: 2-12-2026 (2026-02-12)(video)