Government
Public services and government action
No confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the ACI
"...we do not have cases at the ACI at this time," said Dr Nicole Alexander Scott, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. Yesterday the Providence Journal reported that three inmates at the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Ins...
Virus Cells: The coming coronavirus catastrophe behind bars
“What about in here? It’s worse. There is a vulnerable population, because this is a hospital and a senior citizen home, in a sense. And we get the worst medical treatment.” – Will (ACI-Cranston inmate). Day by day the short- to mid-run...
PUC orders end to utility shutoffs and emergency restoration of shutoffs due to COVID-19
"Many people are out of work [and] have no current source of income. That condition is likely to continue and possibly get worse," said PUC Chair Margaret Curran. "Therefore, it's necessary for us to address it through the powers that we...
Governor Raimondo suspends key provisions of Open Meetings and Access to Public Records Act
"The concerning part," said John Marion of Common Cause Rhode Island, "is that the executive order allows the public body to waive public access portion for purposes of 'economic hardship' or because it is 'unable to provide alternative...
Recovery advocates, elected officials, and Providence residents push back against 'Operation Bussed Out'
An open letter is seeking signatures to demand changes to Providence's policies that criminalize rather than assist people in recovery. You can sign onto the letter here. "Dear Mayor Elorza and Providence Police Department, "As advocates...
PrYSM and City sign consent agreement, ending lawsuit over gang database
It is “not the endgame to ‘have a legally feasible gang database.’” Instead, “we believe in the dismantling of the school to prison to deportation pipeline,” said Vanessa Flores-Maldonado of PrYSM. The Providence Youth Student Movement (...
In Re-Establishing House Aging Committee, hopefully the third time is indeed the charm
Twenty-six years after the House Democratic Leadership’s belt-tightening efforts to save $1.5 million resulted in the termination of the House Permanent Select Committee on Aging, United States Representative David Cicilline reintroduces...
Bill to outlaw masks and protective gear at protests heard in House committee
"I don't understand why you would prohibit knee pads unless you want it to hurt more when a police officer or a fascist forces someone to their knees," said Providence resident Kate Shapira. The House Judiciary Committee committee heard...
Advocates push for licenses for all
"We need it. Communities need it. Women, children, families - will benefit from this bill." The Immigrant Coalition of Rhode Island kicked off its Driver’s Licenses for All campaign on Tuesday at the State House. Advocates seek to pass S...
Anti-ICE activist found guilty and given maximum sentence
"We will continue to support Sherrie in the coming weeks as well as all those impacted by the Sheriff’s violent policies. We will keep fighting to support our community and hold the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department accountable for the...