Government
Public services and government action
Rally calls for an end to solitary confinement in Rhode Island
On Tuesday ninety advocates gathered outside the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, where the Rhode Island House of Representatives has been meeting during the pandemic, to advocate for the nd of solitary confinement in out state. Advocates erected a mock, windowless prison cell, with walls, a bed and a toilet - all that was missing were the prison bars and locked door - to illustrate the confinement and aloneness those in solitary confinement face while incarcerated by the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC).
Rhode Island State House Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 4pm Rhode Island House https://youtu.be/Oc_X__E3nVQ IN ORDER: H5076 SUB A by McNamara ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION - EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACTH5106 by Fellela ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION - L...
The family of Richard Solitro Jr calls for increased funding and awareness for mental health services
“I would hope we could improve our systems to treat mental illness more appropriately, and compassionately heed the cries for help, not just from those afflicted, but also from family, and friends who advocate for loved ones to get the help they need and deserve," said Alexandria D'Angelo, the spouse of Richard Solitro Jr, who was shot and killed by Los Angeles Police officers over the weekend. "This unfortunate tragedy should also be a wake up call to equip law enforcement with appropriate tools to address these situations in the future.”
Statement from Rhode Island State Senator Jeanine Calkin (Democrat, District 30, Warwick)
It will be a long and difficult road back, but I am a fighter. I love representing the people of Senate District 30, and all Rhode Islanders. There is so much important work ahead of us, and I will be back as soon as I can."
Rhode Island State House Monday, April 26, 2021
Full video: Equality in Abortion Coverage Act and a property tax break for LaSalle Academy on the agenda
Passing the Restrictive Housing Act would greatly reduce solitary confinement in Rhode Island
“This is out of line with modern correctional practices. Rhode Island is so behind. Solitary confinement harms the mental and physical health of those in it.” -Representative Grace Diaz (Democrat, District 11, Providence) testified during a March hearing for House Bill 5740
Activists want LEOBoR abolished and Justice in Policing Act passed as Sgt Hanley begins his appeal
"We believe that LEOBoR is no longer okay with Rhode Islanders. We want it abolished and we want police officers to be able to be disciplined by their chiefs of police."
Justice for Ma'Khia Bryant Protest in Providence
"The first thing I want to say is Rest In Peace Ma'Khia Bryant," said Kinverly Dicupe. "We've lost another angel at the hands of the police. Chauvin was convicted, and yet injustice remains unbound. Each time a Black girl or woman is murdered by police I feel a unique pain, because I know just how much Black girls and women have to struggle in America, just to make ends meet."
Preventing violence and arrest in sex work in Rhode Island
On Wednesday, the Manhattan District Attorney announced it will no longer prosecute prostitution charges, and just last month the Queens District Attorney requested that 700 prostitution cases be dimissed. This begs the question--in Rhod...
Reclaim RI's 420 rally for racial and economic justice in cannabis legalization law
"We can't talk about weed legalization if we don't mention policing, police violence and mass incarceration," said Ariel Tavares, who emceed the event. "That is the foundation and fire behind our demands."