New lawmakers get State House orientation

PROVIDENCE—Newly elected lawmakers arrive at the Rhode Island State House for an orientation tour ahead of what’s promising to be a busy year.

Leaders in the General Assembly are holding the introductory session Thursday morning. Among those expected to attend is Edward O’Neill, the independent candidate who unseated Senate President Joseph Montalbano.

The General Assembly formally starts its new session next month. Lawmakers will confront a deep economic recession and a budget deficit of nearly $360 million for the year ending in June. It’s one of the worst budget gaps in the country.