WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) held its annual meeting Wednesday night. House Speaker Rep. Joseph Shekarchi spent the most time at the podium looking ahead to the next fiscal year in the Ocean State. "This will be a very challenging year, perhaps the most challenging, because I can assure you there's no more federal money," he said. "The Infrastructure Act is gone, the Cares Act money is gone, the APRA money Is gone." Shekarchi said accountability will be key going forward, and before the state hands out any additional money it's going to have to first see how the allocated money was spent. 12 News Politics Editor Ted Nesi moderated the conversation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes SIGN UP NOW