Government
Public services and government action
Community choice aggregation: Explaining that letter you got about your electric bill
"Community Choice Aggregation allows municipalities like Providence to collectively purchase this "supply" on behalf of all residents in the competitive market, which can allow for higher levels of local clean energy and lower prices."
City Auditor advised Providence Council to hire attorney to challenge solicitor's questionable "Buff" Chace tax deal
In the memorandum Costa advises the City Council "to hire their own attorney to challenge the unilateral action of the City Solicitor, with the intent of preventing at least an $18 million dollar loss in tax revenue to the city."
Improving state's cash assistance program can lift people out of poverty say advocates
"Increasing the Rhode Island Works benefit can break the cycle of poverty by providing parents with education and training opportunities that lead to well paying secure jobs and help en deep child poverty in our state."
Speaker Shekarchi introduces slate of bills to stimulate private development of affordable housing
Rhode Island Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi has announced a series of 14 bills aimed at increasing private sector investment in affordable housing in the state. The bills are intended to streamline the development process, making it simpler and faster, and incentivize more private developers to invest in Rhode Island. The legislation was developed in response to the state's housing and homelessness crises.
Senate Finance hearing for RIDOT Director ignores concerns, hit-and-run victim’s story interrupted
At a Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee hearing this week, a hit-and-run victim's testimony on the relationship between transportation and health was interrupted by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. The public's concerns over the re-confirmation of Peter Alviti as Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation were also left unaddressed. Despite opposition from all members of the public, Alviti's re-confirmation was assured with an 8-0 vote.
Exclusive: Senator Mack talks renter's rights, rally at State House Tuesday
Senator Mack talks to Uprise RI about a raft of legislation she's supporting to enhance tenant protections ahead of a rally by Pioneer Tenants United at the State House on Tuesday.
Failure is not an option: An exclusive interview with housing secretary Stefan Pryor
Pryor steps into his new position with a clean slate and a low bar. But the literal life and death problems he's been tasked to solved are enormous, and there are millions, - potentially billions - of dollars at play here.
Senate President calls for resignation of RIPTA CEO
On Friday evening, Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio released a statement calling for Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) CEO Scott Avidisian to step down, and is submitting legislation to put the agency under the control of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and it's Director, Peter Alviti.
Officers' Bill of Rights may prevent dangerous Pawtucket officer from being fired
The actual termination of Officer Dolan from the Department is not assured. Under LEOBoR Dolan may get to keep his job despite his risk to the public.
Coalition addresses House committee on state of homelessness in Rhode Island
Commission members were walked through a fast and informative presentation about the extent of homelessness in Rhode Island, the inadequate efforts of the state to alleviate the issue, and what can be done about the issue going forward.