As we conclude our Independence Day celebrations, we are mindful of the great liberties we enjoy and the sacrifices that made those freedoms and opportunities possible. While this is a time of celebration and reflection for many, it marks a new beginning for our state.

Every July 1 our state starts a new fiscal year. This means the new state budget goes into effect and brings with it revised fiscal and social policy. Here are the top ten ways I believe the new budget builds a stronger Rhode Island for all our residents.

1) Laser focus on jobs and the economy. This year, the General Assembly reduced the minimum corporate tax, overhauled the state’s burdensome regulatory framework, and saved businesses over $30 million in unemployment insurance. For our small businesses - which are the backbone of our economy – know that we are listening to you.

2) Relief for retirees. After exempting Social Security benefits from the state’s income tax last year, the General Assembly adopted a budget that gives even more tax relief to retirees. The Fiscal Year 2017 Budget exempts the first $15,000 of retirement income, such as public and private pensions, from the state’s income tax. That exemption means extra resources for our seniors and a critical cushion for those living on fixed and limited incomes.

3) Educating the workforce of tomorrow. Our children are the workforce of tomorrow, and we know education is the key to opportunity: the budget fully funds the state’s school funding formula for the sixth consecutive year. The budget also includes funding for an English Language Learners pilot program and free SAT testing for high school students.

4) Supporting the middle class. The budget expands the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit by raising it from 12.5% to 15% of the federal credit. This increase will allow over 80,000 Rhode Island taxpayers and working families to keep more of their hard earned money.

5) Accessible and affordable higher education. Rhode Island’s higher education system should be accessible to every child. The budget freezes tuition at our state colleges and universities - CCRI, RIC, and URI - for a second consecutive year. That means students who are working to put themselves through college and those working families struggling to meet rising costs will be better able to afford a high quality education for their children. The General Assembly also supported a $20 million bond proposal to create an innovation campus at URI, creating more opportunities in the emerging industries for Rhode Island’s students.

6) Having our Veterans’ backs. The budget provides support for those who have served our nation and enabled us to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today. The first $15,000 of military pensions will also be exempt from the state’s income tax. The General Assembly also supported a $27 million bond proposal for the Veterans’ Home, to improve the quality of care for those who did so much for all of us.

7) Raising wages for workers. Those who care for the developmentally disabled and our elderly barely earn enough to care for themselves. The budget earmarks over $20 million in raises for these workers. This is not only fair, it is right.

8) Incentivizing growth. The budget maintains commitments to the Commerce Corporation’s economic development initiatives, including the Rebuild Rhode Island tax credit, First Wave Closing Fund, and creating a program to grow T.F. Green Airport.

9) Building affordable housing. Home ownership is quintessential to the American Dream. The budget includes a $50 million bond proposal to build affordable housing throughout Rhode Island.

10) Slashing beach fees! The budget cuts beach fees in half. Now that the beach season is here, take a trip to one of our many beautiful state beaches, relax with your friends and family, and enjoy our state’s one-of-a-kind coastline.

Ultimately, this year’s budget includes no broad based tax increases, fully invests in education, and improves the quality of life for working families. As Rhode Island emerges from the Great Recession, I will continue to work with my colleagues to move our state forward.

Joseph M. McNamara is a state Representative from District 19 in the cities of Warwick and Cranston, and is Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Party. He has also served as Chair of the Health, Education and Welfare Committee of the R.I. House of Representatives for the past 12 years.