Government
Public services and government action
RI Parentage Act expected to pass the Senate today, still stalled in the House
"I am here today to support the Parentage Act," said six-year old South Kingstown resident Dayja Holland. "My friend Teddy has two moms and I think it would be good if both moms could be on the birth record. Two dads or two moms is the s...
A conversation with Rhode Island Attorney General Neronha
"...the role of this office or the US Attorney's office is very much one in partnership with law enforcement. I think the public sometimes misses that. [They think that] a case comes in and it is presented to us as a finished product whe...
A bizarro plan to restore the Superman building
"...this plan does not return to taxpayers the ability to control that which was theirs in the first place. It does the opposite: It invites a wealthy few to stick their hands into the state budget and unilaterally pick winners and loser...
Secretary of State introduces new lobbying and legislation data exploration tool
“We’ve taken public data on lobbying and legislation and turned it into a resource that empowers Rhode Islanders to hold their elected officials accountable," said Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea in a statement. Secretary of State Nelli...
Senate committee hears testimony on doula bill
“There is no question that this bill will save lives and be good for women of color in Rhode Island,” said Senator Ana Quezada, “but it also makes strong economic sense. Women who use doulas often require fewer expensive medical interven...
Treasurer Magaziner urges Wyatt bondholder Invesco to address community concerns over prison
"As one of Rhode Island's business partners, you know the importance of maintaining positive relationships with the populations we jointly serve," writes Treasurer Seth Magaziner to Invesco CEO Martin Flanagan. "I ask you work with relev...
District 5 Meeting reveals La Salle Academy is not paying Property Taxes to Providence
“I just want to clarify that this bill is not a tax break, as it’s been established La Salle has not been paying taxes,” stated Representative Daniel McKiernan, in response to his Democratic primary opponent David Morales. At a District...
New coalition seeks first increase in cash assistance program in 30 years
"Those 4,000 families who rely on this program receive an average of $6 per person per day," said Senator Melissa Murray (Democrat, District 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield). "We know that being in poverty can negatively impact children...
HomesRI announces legislative agenda at State House event
"One area that does not need more study is Senator Harold Metts' proposal to end housing discrimination based on source of income," said Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. HomesRI, a "cross-sector coalition of organizations working toge...
Let's make this the year when we say no to Medicaid cuts
"...the thing I find most frustrating about the Medicaid cuts is how cheap it would be to not do this," writes State Senator Sam Bell. "Because of all the lost federal funds, it would only cost the state $20.2 million to repeal the full...