Government
Public services and government action
MLK Day March for Education in North Kingstown takes on racial equity
"We just wanted to bring attention to and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and bring attention to the fact that now, more than ever, there's a need for equity in eduction," said Jennifer Lima, co-president of TANK. "It's important that children everywhere are taught the importance and history of racial injustice in our country and how it still impacts today.
Majority of PVD City Council supports unvaccinated police officers
"Part of 'serving and protecting' means following evidence-based public health guidance. Anything less is a betrayal of the oath of office," say City Council candidates. "Further, as COVID-19 was one of the highest causes of death for police officers in 2020, a vaccine mandate is essential to protect the people tasked with protecting the people of Providence."
Rhode Island urged to pass the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act now
"Anyone who cares about fighting racism and poverty must realize that attacks on abortion and abortion coverage are first and foremost attacks on port women and women of color," said Dr. Ogechukwu “Oge” Uwanaka, a Medical Practitioner and abortion provider.
Education justice groups call for "equitable and safe schooling" during covid surge
"We face unique challenges as a society in these times. We must rise to these challenges by reimagining our schools, social services, and systems overall. As we support young people to learn, we must also cultivate a world in which they will grow to lead. We owe them nothing less than the thoughtful intention we hope to have conveyed here. We call upon Governor McKee, other elected leaders, and public officials to work together with communities to do what is right and necessary."
What you need to know about the Open Meetings Act during Covid
McKee's new order allows public meetings by governmental bodies "to be held virtually for any purpose and makes clear that public bodies must provide remote access to their meetings, even if they are able to convene in person."
DHS offices throughout the state have been closed for 22 months...
"The lack of assistance is a barrier that is preventing some Rhode Islanders from getting and keeping critical services like SNAP, cash assistance and especially child care - things that are desperately needed at this time<" said Senator Melissa Murray, demanding that DHS be adequately staffed.
Religious leaders call for government action on poverty
"The coalition’s mission has never been more essential," said Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman. "The unprecedented challenges of this pandemic have laid bare the cost of our nation's offensive health, economic, and social inequalities, and it is well past time to recognize that simple truth. All of us, our governor, our state legislators, and every single citizen, must work together to create a more compassionate and just community; a community that prioritizes the welfare of our most vulnerable neighbors. And this work must begin today."
Mendes and Brown end Sleep Out protest, vow further action
“Governor McKee always had the tools and resources to solve the crisis of houselessness, but he chose to ignore it until it became a political problem for him,” said Senator Cynthia Mendes. “It shouldn’t take hundreds of Rhode Islanders sleeping in tents outside the State House to get the Governor to pay attention to this crisis.”
Governor McKee takes helter-skelter approach to combatting homelessness
"Even with the resources announced today there will still be Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness," said Jennifer Barrera, HMIS Program Manager at the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness as she introduced the Governor.
Record turnout for Sleep Out to end homelessness
"As amazing as it is to be in solidarity with so many Rhode Islanders, we shouldn't have to do this," said Senator Cynthia Mendes. "We shouldn't have to be here, we shouldn't have to demand that the leaders of this state prioritize human life and we demand that they do not allow some people to freeze to death this winter..."