Government
Public services and government action
RI Republicans: Mattiello's money buys the House
"Some House Democrats are so dependent on Mattiello to finance their campaigns that their campaign accounts would be in the red but for the donations they received from Mattiello and his PAC," notes Rhode Island Republican Party Chair Su...
General Assembly to consider Equality in Abortion Coverage Act
“Access to healthcare services is determined in most cases by an individual’s health insurance," said Representative Cassar. "Right now, there are people for whom there is a barrier to access to abortion solely as a result of their insur...
House voting record on civil liberties negatively impacted by leadership
"Our top performers in the rankings were those most likely to go against the grain and vote 'no' on bills that seemed well-meaning on their face, but contained serious civil liberties concerns." RI Rank has published their Civil Libertie...
Proposed RIPTA/RIDOT merger draws criticisms
Although initially thinking that a RIDOT/RIPTA merger might be a good idea, "in the ensuing years I think RIDOT has done nothing but break the trust of people who rely on modes of transportation outside of cars," said Liz Burkin. "It's n...
Providence City Councilors seek to eliminate SROs, bring more social services to students
"Students want to be able to walk through the building without fear of being arrested for nonviolent criminal infractions," said providence City Councilmember Nirva LaFortune. "Teachers and administrators see the need for social-emotiona...
The battle for Marriage Equality in Rhode Island continues
"State sanctioned discrimination must always be challenged," said Wendy Becker, speaking in favor of the bill. "Bundling marriage solemnizations separately by gender and sexual orientation of those getting married seems to allow a system...
When one and one doesn’t equal two
"Two-thirds of the benefit from a tax exemption for retirement income would flow to the richest 20 percent of Rhode Islanders," writes Andy Boardman, "and a bump in the estate tax threshold would help the heirs of about 300 large estates...
Rhode Island State legislative leaders answer business community questions
State elected legislative leaders answered questions about marijuana, the estate tax, the FY 2021 Budget, affordable housing, education, plastic bag bans, state preemption, corporate welfare, the airport, and who they support for Preside...
Governor Raimondo and AG Neronha unveil package of gun violence prevention bills
"In just the past few months, we've seen horrific acts of gun violence across the country and here at home in communities like Westerly and Pawtucket," said Governor Raimondo. "We owe it to Rhode Islanders to pass common-sense gun safety...
Rhode Islanders for Parentage Equality cheers unanimous Senate passage of Rhode Island Parentage Act
"We are grateful to the Senate for working to ensure we have model legislation in Rhode Island that promotes our children’s health, safety, and well-being," writes Rhode Islanders for Parentage Equality (RIPE). "We look forward to workin...