Government
Public services and government action
Rhode Island corrections union President accused of intimidating solitary confinement reform witness
Richard Ferruccio, President of the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers, is under fire for using intimidation tactics against a man testifying on solitary confinement reform. He has previously released confidential records, potentially violating state law. This alarming behavior is raising concerns about the misuse of power within the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
RIPTA's R-Line fare-free pilot boosts ridership by 40%
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's (RIPTA) R-Line free-fare pilot program has led to a 40% increase in ridership within six months. Launched in September 2022, the one-year pilot aims to study the costs and benefits of fare-free service, with findings suggesting better access to shopping and savings for passengers.
Controversial education bills spark heated debate in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's House Education Committee heard opposition to four controversial bills submitted by State Representative Patricia Morgan. The bills work to attack the rights of marginalized students, undermine public education, and promote a narrow-minded view of history and sexuality, negatively impacting LGBTQI+, Black, and Brown communities.
Progressive reforms: Speaker Shekarchi addresses reproductive rights and innovative housing solutions
Rhode Island House Speaker Shekarchi anticipates a vote on the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act in April, expanding reproductive rights. He also expresses commitment to a social housing pilot program, modeled after Montgomery County, Maryland's successful approach, to address affordable housing challenges and foster inclusivity in the state.
Looming Medicaid Tsunami: Overburdened Rhode Island DHS Faces Renewal Crisis
Rhode Island's Department of Human Services grapples with staff shortages and a surge in Medicaid renewals as the COVID emergency ends. The crisis threatens to leave thousands with long wait times and potential gaps in medical coverage.
Underpass encampment in Pawtucket issued eviction notices
Unhoused people living beneath a Route 95 overpass in Pawtucket were served eviction notices on Friday by the State of Rhode Island and the City of Pawtucket. Unhoused evictions are a legal procedure to clear unwanted people from a location the state or a private property owner is laying claim to.
Rep. Quattrocchi asks LGBTQ legislator if she's a pedophile at committee hearing
After State Representative Rebecca Kislak (Democrat, District 4, Providence) introduced the Equity Impact Statement Act on Friday in the House Committee on State Government and Elections, the committee welcomed questions. Shortly after this exchange Representative Quattrocchi packed up his stuff and left the hearing.
Equity Impact Statement Act would help lawmakers understand impact of state legislation
Kislak's bill would create the "Equity Impact Statement Act," requiring that, "all legislation submitted in the general assembly include an equity impact statement to address what impact the legislation will have on Rhode Island residents based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin.
Stop Cop City protest in Providence calls for end to police immunity, cops in schools
Speakers at the event called for an end to the construction of Cop City, but also called for the repeal of the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights (LEOBoR) and for an end to school resource officers (SROs), law enforcement officers in schools, as part of the Counselors, Not Cops campaign being spearheaded by the Providence Student Union (PSU).
Armory warming shelter update and the future of Rhode Island's homeless crisis
Director Hayes not only explained the presence of and need for actions taken at the Armory - she also answered a wave of neighborhood criticism for the toll the warming shelter was taking on the community. "I would be lying to you if I said that we're going to have a bed for every person that's been there by April 30th. It's not going to happen."