Government
Public services and government action
Amended cannabis legalization bills introduced and on path to passage
"The magnitude of the cannabis legislation, specifically the state-initiated expungement piece, is without equal," said Representative Leonela Felix (Democrat, District 61, Pawtucket), who took the lead on ensuring that the bill was amended to include automatic expungement. "This legislation will automatically grant relief to many Rhode Islanders without placing the burden on them to seek an expungement. Individuals will gain access to educational, employment, and housing opportunities without a conviction record."
As taxes rise, Elorza Administration gives huge tax break to one of the richest property owners in PVD
One of the richest men in Providence, Arnold "Buff" Chace, is saving around $30 million on his property taxes over the next 30 years, under a secret deal struck by the Elorza Administration.
Bans Off Our Bodies: Rhode Island rallies and marches for abortion rights
"Those of us who have worked in the abortion advocacy space were not surprised when that opinion was leaked but we're still reeling and feel punch in the gut seeing our fears written out in that archaic language."
Advocates protest again outside McKee’s office due to looming homeless crisis
Activists taped a large eviction notice on the door to the Governor's office door, informing Governor McKee that he is "indebted to the State of Rhode Island in the sumo 500 shelter beds, 500 new permanent supportive housing units" and "the hundreds of million's of ARP $'s that you aren't spending!" The message continues: "You are required to pay the above sum after you receive this notice OR surrender possession of the premises to the State of Rhode Island."
McKee and RIPTA search for partner to privatize the bus hub, gentrify area
Governor McKee and CEO Avedisian most likely issued a press release rather than hold a press conference to avoid the kinds of questions a reporter or member of the public might ask.
McKee announces "Landlord Challenge", will pay landlords to rent to formerly homeless
"Winter shelter subsidies are expiring, which means that hundreds more are likely to be living outside in the next few months," said Professor Eric Hirsch. "The state must provide temporary emergency shelter with a path to permanent housing now for at least 500 individuals and families. Landlord incentives will not solve this problem."
The Trauma-Informed School Act prioritizes the mental health of our students
"I support this bill because I would like to see a more positive relationship between youth and adults in the classroom," said high school student Paris Khule. "Teachers and counselors need to look beyond grades and recognize the underlying issues that might be affecting our mental health. If passed, this law would develop a stronger framework for discussing problems such as these, without fear of punishment or shame. I hope that the voices of students are heard and the Trauma Informed School Act becomes a reality. We are counting on our representatives to make the right decision."
The path to Medicare-for-All is through Rhode Island say advocates
"In 2009 the Episcopal Church nationally came out in favor of any government action that would lead to single-payer healthcare that was available to all," said Bishop Nicholas Knisely of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. "It particularly encourages small, innovative, thoughtful, creative programs that might be able to be replicated at a larger level. The state of Rhode Island is uniquely both legally and physically positioned to be able to be that kind of creative place."
Rhode Island rallies in response to leaked Supreme Court abortion decision
"Our right to abortion is something that we fought for decades ago and ever since then they've been chipping away at it, little by little," said activist Tammy Brown. "They've chipped away at our reproductive rights, they've chipped away at our voting rights, they've chipped away at our access to health care and we are here tonight to say, 'We won't stand for it.'"
The Womxn Project statement on pending Supreme Court abortion decision
The Womxn Project is organizing a Rally at the State House tonight at 8pm on the Mall side.