Rhode Island's fiscal challenges are expected this evening to dominate Governor Carcieri's final State of the State address.

Tonight's speech comes amidst grim economic times in the Ocean State, including an unemployment rate just shy of 13 percent. The governor's office says Carcieri plans to address these daunting economic challenges. . .

The governor's proposals are also under fire from people like Dan Bass, an activist with the liberal advocacy group Ocean State Action.

"His proposals are making our tax system more upside-down," Bass said. "We're already over-reliant on the property tax, which is squeezing middle class families the most. Property taxes were raised in all 39 municipalities last year, and we need honest leadership right now that's going to address that."

Read or listen to the entire report here.