Government
Public services and government action
Equity Impact Statement Act would help lawmakers understand impact of state legislation
Kislak's bill would create the "Equity Impact Statement Act," requiring that, "all legislation submitted in the general assembly include an equity impact statement to address what impact the legislation will have on Rhode Island residents based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country of ancestral origin.
Stop Cop City protest in Providence calls for end to police immunity, cops in schools
Speakers at the event called for an end to the construction of Cop City, but also called for the repeal of the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights (LEOBoR) and for an end to school resource officers (SROs), law enforcement officers in schools, as part of the Counselors, Not Cops campaign being spearheaded by the Providence Student Union (PSU).
Armory warming shelter update and the future of Rhode Island's homeless crisis
Director Hayes not only explained the presence of and need for actions taken at the Armory - she also answered a wave of neighborhood criticism for the toll the warming shelter was taking on the community. "I would be lying to you if I said that we're going to have a bed for every person that's been there by April 30th. It's not going to happen."
Community choice aggregation: Explaining that letter you got about your electric bill
"Community Choice Aggregation allows municipalities like Providence to collectively purchase this "supply" on behalf of all residents in the competitive market, which can allow for higher levels of local clean energy and lower prices."
City Auditor advised Providence Council to hire attorney to challenge solicitor's questionable "Buff" Chace tax deal
In the memorandum Costa advises the City Council "to hire their own attorney to challenge the unilateral action of the City Solicitor, with the intent of preventing at least an $18 million dollar loss in tax revenue to the city."
Improving state's cash assistance program can lift people out of poverty say advocates
"Increasing the Rhode Island Works benefit can break the cycle of poverty by providing parents with education and training opportunities that lead to well paying secure jobs and help en deep child poverty in our state."
Speaker Shekarchi introduces slate of bills to stimulate private development of affordable housing
Rhode Island Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi has announced a series of 14 bills aimed at increasing private sector investment in affordable housing in the state. The bills are intended to streamline the development process, making it simpler and faster, and incentivize more private developers to invest in Rhode Island. The legislation was developed in response to the state's housing and homelessness crises.
Senate Finance hearing for RIDOT Director ignores concerns, hit-and-run victim’s story interrupted
At a Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee hearing this week, a hit-and-run victim's testimony on the relationship between transportation and health was interrupted by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. The public's concerns over the re-confirmation of Peter Alviti as Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation were also left unaddressed. Despite opposition from all members of the public, Alviti's re-confirmation was assured with an 8-0 vote.
Exclusive: Senator Mack talks renter's rights, rally at State House Tuesday
Senator Mack talks to Uprise RI about a raft of legislation she's supporting to enhance tenant protections ahead of a rally by Pioneer Tenants United at the State House on Tuesday.
Failure is not an option: An exclusive interview with housing secretary Stefan Pryor
Pryor steps into his new position with a clean slate and a low bar. But the literal life and death problems he's been tasked to solved are enormous, and there are millions, - potentially billions - of dollars at play here.