Rhode Island bill may cut health perk for lawmakers

Rhode Island lawmakers who want to be part of the state healthcare plan do not pay for coverage, but they may start kicking in a portion of their own costs. A proposal approved by the House would require lawmakers to pay 10% of their healthcare premiums. The symbolic change was voted as the Legislature struggles to close a budget deficit of at least $434 million. To do so, the Legislature voted to cut healthcare coverage for 2,800 immigrant children and to raise healthcare costs for state retirees. They are considering plans that would eliminate subsidized healthcare for 7,400 poor adults.