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LegislatorID: #100;

PressReleaseID: 21,480

Publicist: Andrew Caruolo

PublicistID: 25

Published Date: 8/25/2026 9:47 AM

Senator/Representatives: Sen. Leonidas Raptakis;

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Status: Approved

Description: Project will repave state highway after new sewer line installed to Coventry High School
 
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis, working with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), is pleased to announce that curb-to-curb repaving of Route 3 in Coventry will be completed by the end of October.  The repaving project will take place between Reservoir Road and South Main Street after a new sewer line was installed for Coventry High School.

“Due to the sewer construction on Route 3, motorists have had to endure poor road condition, which is why I am pleased to announce that soon, Route 3 will be repaved, curb-to-curb, and Coventry’s residents will have the major roadway that they need and deserve,” said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich).  “I thank RIDOT and interim director Robert Rocchio for taking this issue seriously and working collaboratively with me to get this major repaving project completed for the people of Coventry.”

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NewsYear: 2026

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LegislatorID: #156;

PressReleaseID: 21,479

Publicist: Larry Berman

PublicistID: 6

Published Date: 8/20/2026 12:54 PM

Senator/Representatives: Rep. Christopher Blazejewski;

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Status: Approved

Description: STATE HOUSE – Speaker Christopher Blazejewski announced today that he has named former Representative Jeremiah T. “Jay” O’Grady as the House Policy Director. O’Grady served four terms in the House from 2011 until deciding not to seek re-election in 2018.
 
O’Grady has been the director of community investments and senior program officer for Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) since 2017. He previously was the director of asset management and program manager at One Neighborhood Builders, formerly Olneyville Housing Corporation.

“Jay and I were first elected to the House together and I have always admired his keen intellect, issue-oriented approach and his strong work ethic,” said Speaker Blazejewski. “He brings vast experience in both public service and the private sector that will greatly benefit the House as we take on the many challenges ahead of us.”

In addition to his House service, he was the president of the Lincoln Town Council and a member of the Lincoln Budget Board.

As a House member, O’Grady served on the Judiciary, Corporations, and Environment committees and chaired a funding formula commission as it related to charter tuition obligations assumed by municipal school districts. He sponsored successful legislation advancing smart-growth legislation regarding tax credits, bond-financing and strengthening the financial standing of municipalities.

"There are very few roles I'd leave my current position to pursue," said O'Grady. "But the opportunity to reunite with Speaker Blazejewski to work on the multitude of issues facing our state is one I could not pass up."  

O’Grady replaces Lynne Urbani, who is now the vice president of strategic initiatives for Neighborhood Health Plan.

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NewsYear: 2026

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LegislatorID: #193;

PressReleaseID: 21,478

Publicist: Andrew Caruolo

PublicistID: 25

Published Date: 8/19/2026 1:35 PM

Senator/Representatives: Rep. William O'Brien;

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Status: Approved

Description: STATE HOUSE – Rep. William W. O’Brien is highlighting the success of dual enrollment programs in North Providence schools and the Hope Scholarship program that have saved students and families significant dollars on the costs of higher education.  The dual enrollment program was created through legislation (2013-H 6290) introduced by Representative O’Brien and passed by the General Assembly in 2013.

North Providence’s P-Tech (Pathways in Technology) Academy allows students to earn both their high school diplomas and an associate’s degree from the Community College of Rhode Island at no additional cost to the students or their families.

“The dual education program and the Hope Scholarship are continuing to provide opportunities to our high school students and their families, and I could not be happier that these programs are being effectively used to benefit students at North Providence High School.  Our kids are learning the skills they will need to succeed in the future, and their families are saving significant dollars through these initiatives,” said Representative O’Brien.

“Programs like P-TECH and the Hope Scholarship are powerful examples of how we can expand opportunities for our students while making higher education more accessible and affordable for families. We are proud of the success our North Providence students are achieving through these programs, and we are grateful for the investments in dual enrollment that allow our students to earn college credit and credentials while still in high school,” said North Providence Superintendent Joseph Goho.

“We are grateful to Rep. O’Brien and our state and legislative leaders for investing in Rhode Island College and helping us develop new pathways to success for Rhode Island students," said Dr. Jack R. Warner, President of Rhode Island College. "Whether students are earning college credits while still in high school through dual enrollment or completing the final two years of a bachelor’s degree tuition free under the Hope Scholarship, we remain focused on making higher education more accessible, affordable and achievable for more Rhode Islanders.”

“As a member of the House Finance Committee, I have consistently advocated for these incredible educational opportunities and others like them.  These programs give our students the tools and opportunity to succeed in the future and they save thousands of dollars for working class families struggling to afford the price of higher education.  I am so pleased these programs are working and I urge all students and families to take part and invest in their futures,” added Representative O’Brien.
 

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NewsYear: 2026

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LegislatorID: #134;

PressReleaseID: 21,477

Publicist: Tristan Grau

PublicistID: 40

Published Date: 8/19/2026 9:31 AM

Senator/Representatives: Rep. Samuel Azzinaro;

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Status: Approved

Description: STATE HOUSE — The House Vietnam Memorial Commission, chaired by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro, has chosen a memorial site in Providence for a Vietnam War memorial.

“I am happy to announce a site for the long-overdue Rhode Island Vietnam Memorial in the heart of Downtown Providence,” said Chairman Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly). “The site is already owned by the state and has easy street access, nearby parking and pedestrian access from the 195 District Park and the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge. It is also a beautiful location overlooking the water that is an appropriate space for commemoration and reflection, located along the same walking path that connects the Rhode Island IX Memorial, the Remembrance Garden of Great Providence and the Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial.”

The site is located on the Providence River on state-owned land adjacent to 146 Dyer Street. Chairman Azzinaro has met with the Governor’s office to confirm that the land is available and with the City of Providence, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the 195 Commission and Rhode Island Energy to ensure the suitability of the site.

The Vietnam Veterans of America State Council of Rhode Island (VVARI) has opened a charitable account to collect private donations to fund the memorial. Chairman Azzinaro has donated to the fund and will continue to work with the VVARI on public outreach about the memorial project.

Checks payable to RIVMF can be mailed to Ernest S. Boisvert, One Capitol Hill Level G Veterans Office, Providence, RI 02908. For more information, the VVARI can be reached by email at sevt4@aol.com.

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NewsYear: 2026

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LegislatorID: #88; #242;

PressReleaseID: 21,476

Publicist: Meredyth R. Whitty

PublicistID: 5

Published Date: 8/18/2026 9:32 AM

Senator/Representatives: Sen. Hanna Gallo; Rep. Susan R. Donovan;

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Status: Approved

Description: Providence and Central Falls mark historic all-time lows in chronic absence rates since tracking began

STATE HOUSE – Senate Education Chair Hanna M. Gallo, House Education Committee Member Rep. Susan R. Donovan, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green kicked off the Attendance Matters RI campaign for school year 2026-27, announcing the 4th consecutive year of decreased chronic absenteeism. Validated year-end data for School Year 2025-2026 indicate Rhode Island has experienced a 14.4-percentage-point decrease in chronic absenteeism since the height of the pandemic, resulting in the recovery of approximately 4.4 million instructional hours.
 
They were joined by Providence Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez, 2027 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year Michael Cook, and students, officials, parents, educators and community leaders.
 
Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick) said, “As someone who spent my career in public schools, I can attest to the critical importance of attendance. The Attendance Matters Campaign has helped dramatically and consistently improve attendance rates across Rhode Island. We need to continue to work together to engage parents and everyone in the school community to make sure that all of our students are in school.”

“One thing I know from my years as a teacher is that students whose families make school the highest priority are the kids who get the most out of school and are eager to learn. Showing up every day on time, rested, prepared, and ready to learn is absolutely necessary for kids to engage in school and absorb what they’re being taught,” said Rep. Susan R. Donovan (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth), a member of the House Education Committee and a retired educator.
 
“Rhode Island has set a bold goal of ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive, and the data are clear: students must be in school consistently to succeed,” said Governor McKee. “The recovery of more than 4.4 million instructional hours since the height of the pandemic is a testament to that progress. While we have made significant gains, we must continue emphasizing the importance of showing up every day so that all students can benefit from the opportunities and learning experiences our schools provide.”
 
“Attendance and student success are interconnected, and we are proud that Rhode Island continues to lead the way in making sure students are in class consistently and ready to learn,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “Thanks to the tireless work of our students, families, educators, school leaders, and community partners, we have recovered millions of hours of learning and are seeing tremendous momentum across our schools. We will continue to share the message that ‘Attendance Matters’ with the goal of improving outcomes for all students.”
 
“We cannot teach our students if they are not in school, which is why I'm so grateful for the dedication of our school leaders, teachers, attendance teams, community partners, and, most importantly, our families,” said Providence Public School District Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “Thanks to their work, thousands more students are in school consistently, learning and preparing for their future, because every student deserves excellent instruction in every classroom, every day.”
The State House event also recognized Attendance All-Star schools across Rhode Island for their work to reduce chronic absenteeism.
 
During the last year of their district’s respective state intervention, both Providence and Central Falls achieved their all-time lowest chronic absenteeism rates since the 2009–2010 school year, which was the first year RIDE began tracking statewide data.
 
In School Year 2025-26, Providence had a chronic absenteeism rate of 25.3%, a 31.8 percentage point reduction from the 57.1% chronic absenteeism rate recorded during the height of the COVID pandemic in School Year 2021-22. This reduction since the height of the pandemic is the largest of any traditional local education agency in the state.
 
Central Falls had a chronic absenteeism rate of 22.2% in School Year 2025-26, a 26 percentage point reduction from the 48.2% chronic absenteeism rate recorded during School Year 2021-22.
 
Statewide, during School Year 2025-26, chronic absenteeism declined approximately 2.4 percentage points from the previous year, reducing the statewide chronic absenteeism rate to 19.7%. This represents 3,655 fewer absences than the previous year.
 
Post-pandemic, Rhode Island has been recognized as a national leader for curbing chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10% of school days in a year, about 2 days a month.
 
For School Year 24–25, the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) reported RI had the 5th-largest chronic absenteeism drop in the nation.
 
Elementary School Attendance All-Stars
 
Lowest Chronic Absenteeism Rates

1. Nayatt School (Barrington) – 1.1%
2. Oak Lawn School (Cranston) – 1.6%
3. Stony Lane Elementary School (North Kingstown) – 1.7%
4. Melrose Avenue School (Jamestown) – 2.1%
5. Primrose Hill School (Barrington) – 2.8%

 
Most Improved (Year-Over-Year)

1. Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School – -18.1 percentage points
2. John F. Horgan Elementary School (West Warwick) – -15.4 points
3. Holliman School (Warwick) – -12.7 points
4. SouthSide Elementary Charter School – -12.4 points
5. Greenbush Elementary School (West Warwick) – -11.1 points

 
Middle School Attendance All-Stars
 
Lowest Chronic Absenteeism Rates

1. The Compass School – 3.3%
2. Segue Institute for Learning – 4.0%
3. Barrington Middle School – 4.4%
4. The Lawn School (Jamestown) – 4.5%
5. Archie R. Cole Middle School (East Greenwich) – 7.3%

 
Most Improved (Year-Over-Year)

1. Esek Hopkins Middle School (Providence) – -14.1 percentage points
2. Woonsocket Middle School at Villa Nova – -9.2 points
3. Woonsocket Middle School at Hamlet – -8.0 points
4. Western Hills Middle School (Cranston) – -7.1 points
5. Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School (Middletown) – -6.8 points

 
High School Attendance All-Stars
 
Lowest Chronic Absenteeism Rates

1. Segue Legacy High School – 3.9%
2. East Greenwich High School – 8.2%
3. Barrington High School – 9.6%
4. The Greene School – 10.4%
5. Burrillville High School – 12.2% 

 
Most Improved (Year-Over-Year)

1. RINI Middle College Charter High School – -16.6 percentage points
2. Chariho Alternative Learning Academy – -11.5 points
3. Bridge Academy (Providence) – -10.7 points
4. West Warwick Senior High School – -9.4 points
5. Ponaganset High School (Foster-Glocester) – -8.5 points

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NewsYear: 2026

Bill Introduced By: Sen

Image: https://rilegislature.gov////pressrelease/Pictures/_w/budget-signing_jpg.jpg

IsPressReleaseHighlight: Yes

LegislatorID: #156; #260; #199; #147;

PressReleaseID: 21,354

Publicist: Meredyth R. Whitty

PublicistID: 5

Published Date: 6/12/2026 3:19 PM

Senator/Representatives: Rep. Christopher Blazejewski; Sen. Valarie J. Lawson; Rep. Marvin Abney; Sen. Louis DiPalma;

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Status: Approved

Description: STATE HOUSE – After passage by the General Assembly Tuesday, Gov. Daniel J. McKee today signed the 2027 state budget bill (2026-H 7127Aaa), a balanced $15.2 billion plan that provides economic relief for Rhode Islanders, strengthens support for education and the state’s hospitals and healthcare providers and establishes new government reform efforts without any broad-based tax or fee increases.

The signing, attended by House Speaker Christopher R. Blazejewski (D-Dist. 2, Providence), Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence), House Majority Leader Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton), House Finance Committee Vice Chairman Scott A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence) and Sen. Lammis J. Vargas (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence), was held this morning at Children’s Friend in Providence to highlight its initiatives to get Rhode Island children off to a strong start.

“This budget is an effort to address the concerns and struggles of everyday Rhode Islanders who need good schools, who need access to healthcare, who need to be able to pay their bills and who need to know that their government is honest and effective. This budget is the result of months of listening, prioritizing and identifying ways to fix what isn’t working. It provides relief today while being fiscally responsible and putting our state in a better position in the years to come,” said House Speaker Blazejewski. “I’m very grateful to our members well as the many leaders, advocates and members of the public who contributed to shaping this budget, to make it a real reflection of our state’s priorities.”

Said Senate President Valarie J. Lawson, “This budget is a collaborative effort that includes many of the initiatives that the Senate has worked hard on this year, particularly in the area of helping Rhode Islanders access the healthcare they need. From funding the 988 crisis prevention line, to extending the Eat Well Be Well program that enables SNAP recipients to eat healthy food to enabling the funding of the Workforce Training Center at CCRI, this budget reflects our strong commitment to bettering the lives of Rhode Islanders. I’m thankful to our Senate Finance Committee and our colleagues in the House for their hard work and cooperative effort in crafting a budget that will move our state forward.”

Said House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown), “This document is a product of significant collaboration between the House, the Senate and the governor’s office, where we all came together to determine how to better the lives of every Rhode Islander. The budget invests in future success while also addressing the pressing concerns facing our state and its people. Times are tough for many and this budget addresses these issues while offering the support and investment that Rhode Islanders need and deserve.”

Said Senate Finance Committee Chairman DiPalma, “This budget addresses significant challenges facing the state and its people while also offering the immediate support and services that Rhode Islanders need during these fiscally uncertain times. In partnership with the House and the governor’s office, the Senate is pleased to see meaningful investments in healthcare and education, which will protect the health of our state’s residents while investing in our children and Rhode Island’s future.” 

Said Governor McKee, “This budget keeps our promises to Rhode Islanders: delivering affordability, protecting vulnerable residents from harmful federal cuts, and continuing to invest in the schools, housing, and infrastructure that support good-paying jobs and economic growth. and while this budget represents meaningful progress, I want to be clear: my fight for affordability is far from over. I thank Speaker Blazejewski, Senate President Lawson and all the Rhode Islanders who helped shape this budget that will continue to move our state forward.”

 
Healthcare
Medicaid rates will be increased to fully implement the recommendations in the Office of Health Insurance Commissioner’s (OHIC) September 2025 rate review in 2027. The governor had proposed spreading the increases over the next two years and capping rates at the Medicare rate, but implementing the $115 million in increased support completely in one year will better position the state financially for future years.

Legislators have added $15 million over what the governor proposed for uncompensated care to the state’s hospitals.

The budget includes $22 million to help Rhode Islanders who either lost federal subsidies or became ineligible for Medicaid as a result of President Trump’s H.R.1 to access affordable health insurance through Health Source RI.

The budget allocates $1.6 million for the Newport Hospital Birthing Center to support continued operations.

As part of a continuing effort to address the state primary care provider shortage, the budget includes $5 million in 2027 for startup costs for the proposed new medical school of the University Rhode Island.
 
Education
Lawmakers have added more than $24 million to the governor’s proposal to fully fund direct state education aid and increase the student success factor, which provides greater support for students from families with low incomes, to 43%.

The city of Central Falls will also regain immediate control of its school district after more than three decades of state control.

The budget includes $750,000 for a new Support and Access to Bilingual Education (SABE) fund within the Department of Education to support multilingual learning programs in schools. Lawmakers also added $740,000 to support the Rhode Island Auditory Oral Program, which provides critical early intervention, school-based programming, technology support and outreach services to children with hearing loss.

For higher education, the proposal authorizes a ballot question asking voters to approve $275 million in borrowing for improvements at higher education facilities aimed at strengthening workforce preparedness, including $165 million for a new Integrated Health Building at URI, $50 million for renovations to the Adams Library at Rhode Island College to accommodate a student success and career readiness center, and a $60 million career and technical Workforce Innovation Center at the Warwick campus of the Community College of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island College’s Hope Scholarship will also be extended an additional three years.
 
Relief for Rhode Islanders
The budget includes a proposal to institute a high-earner’s tax of 1% a year over three years on income exceeding $1 million a year. The marginal tax rate takes effect gradually over three years as measures passed last year as part of President Trump’s H.R. 1 affect the state more acutely. This will also allow the state to collect information on its impacts.

Legislators have also expanded eligibility for the Social Security income tax exemption by removing the age threshold, which is the same as the first year of the governor’s proposal.

To support families, lawmakers have included a new refundable child tax credit of $330 per child. This proposal will help families when combined with the current dependent exemption, which remains unchanged.

Childcare assistance eligibility will also be increased to 285% of the federal poverty level, and childcare providers’ reimbursement rate for infants will increase.

Legislators have raised the amount of child support a family enrolled in RI Works can keep to the federal maximum, which is $100 per month for one child, and $200 per month for more than one child. The budget also directs the Department of Children, Youth and Families to establish segregated savings accounts for foster children receiving federal benefits Social Security, conserving them for the children’s later use rather than using them to offset the cost of their care.

The budget provides $2.95 million to Rhode Island Community Food Bank to help address food insecurity.
 
Government reform
The budget includes  Speaker Blazejewski’s proposal to create an independent Office of the Inspector General to investigate the state and quasi-public agencies, as well as municipal programs that use state funds, to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement.

The budget will require an efficiency and performance audit of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s maintenance programs.
 
Housing
The bill includes a $120 million housing and community development bond question for November’s ballot, to support affordable housing construction and redevelopment and for homeownership programs.
 
Transportation and public transit
The proposal addresses the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority’s operating budget shortfall and provides additional funds for buses and improvements to bus shelters. The budget also prohibits the director of the Department of Transportation from serving as the chair of RIPTA’s board of directors, as is currently the case, to address potential conflict, since RIPTA and RIDOT are often competing for funding from the same sources.
 
Environment
Lawmakers have addressed energy rates without jeopardizing the state’s efforts to reduce reliance on carbon-emitting fossil fuels. The state’s 2033 goal for fully utilizing renewable energy for electricity generation remains intact by expanding the state’s renewable energy standard to include nuclear and hydro power generation, and modifying the net metering program, which will bring down rates for consumers.

The proposed green bond has become greener by expanding the bond total to $55 million and adding funds for open space and climate resiliency measures.


More
Legislators have not included proposals by the governor to raise tobacco taxes or to raise cruise ship landing fees. They have also declined his proposal to seek voter approval for a $50 bond for new career and tech education programs, both to keep the total borrowing costs in check and because the funding wouldn’t cover the proposal.

Other bond questions in the budget include $100 million for economic development initiatives and a $50 million cultural economy bond for grants to cultural institutions and a state archives and history building.


IN PHOTO: House Speaker Christopher R. Blazejewski and Senate President Valarie J. Lawson hold the state budget bill after Gov. Daniel J. McKee, center, signed it this morning at Children’s Friend in Providence. Behind them, joined by advocates and children, are from left, House Majority Leader Katherine S. Kazarian, House Finance Committee Vice Chairman Scott A. Slater and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma. Sen. Lammis J. Vargas is to the right of Senate President Lawson.

 

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NewsYear: 2026