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1/8/2026
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Speaker Shekarchi appoints Rep. Shallcross Smith chairwoman of House Small Business Committee
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 STATE HOUSE — Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi has appointed Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith to serve as chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business.
“I am deeply honored that Speaker Shekarchi chose me to lead this important committee,” said Representative Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket). “Small business is the economic foundation of this state, and I look forward to delving into the issues that impact small business people.”
A strong advocate for small businesses, she sponsored successful legislation in 2021 that gives all businesses the flexibility to file annual reports with the Secretary of State between February 1 and May 1 each year.
Representative Shallcross Smith in 2025 received the Barbara C. Burlingame Award from the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes an elected official who has made outstanding contributions to the business community and exhibits the highest excellence, dedication and accomplishment in public service.
“Representative Shallcross Smith has been a tremendous resource in the House of Representatives and has been my go-to person for matters affecting small business,” said Speaker Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). “Her experience and expertise bring so much to the table when it comes to understanding how state law and policy can affect small businesspeople.”
The owner of Dr. Day Care Inc., Representative Shallcross Smith previously served on the Lincoln School Committee. She is a member of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce and a commissioner on the Rhode Island Legislative Commission of Child Care. She has served in the House since January 2021, having previously represented her district in 2009-2010.
She replaces Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett), who has been named chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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