Government
Public services and government action
Governor Raimondo committed $5 million to rental assistance. It's not enough.
"There's no question that this crisis has hit the hardest those who are least able to weather it," said Governor Raimondo when announcing the new funding. "[People] living in poverty, living paycheck to paycheck, being sick or having hea...
State House Rally calls for an eviction moratorium and rental assistance
"We are in a precarious situation as we enter a phased reopening while continuing to deal with the effects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rhode Islanders need now more than ever to be housed in order to maintain their health and se...
Seven organizations call on Governor to repeal executive order delaying access to public records
…rescission of the order is essential in light of the "message of indifference that this action is communicating to public bodies about, and the toll it is taking on, the public’s right to know." Calling Governor Gina Raimondo’s two-and-...
House Republicans call for Oversight Committee to meet, with or without Speaker's permission
"It's time to lead," said Representative Blake Filippi, "because those we have chosen to lead our body are not." Rhode Island House Republicans, led by Minority Leader Blake Filippi (District 36, Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstow...
ACLU sues over frozen unemployment insurance payments
“So many families depend on unemployment in these hard times. It is outrageous that DLT is stopping benefits without any notice at all.” ACLU of Rhode Island cooperating attorneys Ellen Saideman and Lynette Labinger today filed a class-a...
Tenant Network RI hosting car parade around State House for eviction moratorium Thursday
Evictions are always inhumane, but especially so during a global public health crisis. Putting families on the street, in shelters, or forced to move into crowded living spaces with friends and family will only spread this virus, and mak...
Rhode Island's slow and nonexistent action on rental and housing assistance is cruel
"...tens of thousands of Rhode Island families face the specter of economic ruination and homelessness. But at least they know when hairdressers, restaurants and churches will reopen." With District Court scheduled to resume in Rhode Isl...
The Crush COVID RI app is trying to navigate the line between public health and privacy rights
"We… applaud the Governor for keeping privacy concerns front and center in the development of this app," writes Steven Brown, executive director of the ACLU of Rhode Island. "However, deployed incorrectly, the app has the potential to in...
COVID-19 cases have exploded at the Wyatt; Is the ACI next? State officials say no...
"We've tested all the workers, all the inmates," said Governor Gina Raimondo at Friday's COVID-19 press briefing. "We'll continue to do that on a somewhat cyclical basis. We're doing our best to isolate folks. We have an excellent care t...
ACLU class-action lawsuit seeks release for all ICE detainees at Wyatt Detention Center
"There is no doubt that we are facing a public health and humanitarian crisis if ICE does not release many more people immediately. We urge the court to take swift action to mitigate the worst of the tragedy.” The American Civil Libertie...