RI Senate Democrats

06/18/2020

Senator Harold M. Metts has sponsored a resolution in the Rhode Island Senate to remove "Providence Plantations" from the state's name. If approved by the Senate and Rhode Island House of Representatives, the question would be put before the voters.

Said Senator Metts,"I urge my colleagues in the Rhode Island Senate to join me in supporting this measure. The images that come to mind when I hear the word ‘plantations’ are of the inhuman and degrading treatment of the African-Americans who came before me, families ripped apart by slave sales, rapes and lynchings. It is a hurtful term to so many of us. Thank you to Ted Nesi - WPRI for sharing my family's own personal struggle with America's Original Sin."

Anti-racism protests have revived the debate over whether Rhode Island’s state name is racially insensitive.

12/10/2018

Every year Rhode Island State Senators and Senate staff come together to donate gift bags to the National Education Association RI (NEARI)'s Gingerbread Express. Thank you to this year's amazing co-chairs, Senator Hanna Gallo and Senator Josh Miller. Together with staff they coordinated the donation of 57 gift bags for Rhode Island children in need.

So grateful for my Rhode Island Senate colleagues and staff who donated to this year’s Gingerbread Express. In all, 57 gift bags will be given to Rhode Island children in need this holiday season. A special thank you to our co-chair Senator Josh Miller.

09/25/2018

If you want a quick recap of last session look at the list below, if you want an in-depth recap of the Rhode Island Senate's work to move Rhode Island forward please consider reading the following report: http://www.rilegislature.gov/Reports/SenateAccomplishmentsBook2018.pdf.

✅ A once-in-a-generation investment in our school facilities, which requires your consideration November's General Election;

✅ Legislative efforts to ensure that employees receive Equal Pay for Equal Work;

✅ An $11 million investment in our improved job-training programs (Real Jobs and Real Pathways);

✅ Enhanced public safety measures to keep guns away from people who pose a clear danger to society; and,

✅ Protections for our most vulnerable residents, including foster youth, people struggling with opioid addiction, seniors, and people with disabilities.

07/20/2018

We’re always happy to take the trip down to Newport for the Newport Gulls’ Mark W**d Night. Great to see our former Rhode Island Senate President Teresa Paiva W**d and support the scholarship fund honoring her late husband Mark.

07/18/2018

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery... or so the old saying goes. All jokes aside, follow our friends down the hall so you can stay informed over the summer.

The page for the Democratic caucus of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

06/18/2018

Scenes from this afternoon as Gov. Gina Raimondo signs legislation sponsored by Majority leader Michael J. McCaffrey to protect driver's license privileges for into state law.

06/15/2018

Today is the 6th Anniversary of . Yesterday, critical legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey to protect driving privileges for DREAMers was approved by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It now goes to Gov. Gina Raimondo's desk for her signature.

The General Assembly passed legislation that would continue to protect undocumented immigrants living in Rhode Island.

06/05/2018

As a caucus, we've taken comprehensive action to tackle Rhode Island's Opioid Crisis and we will continue to do so.

Legislation that allows individuals to distribute, possess, and utilize fentanyl testing strips has passed the Rhode Island Senate. Unequivocally, this legislation will save lives. I want to thank my colleagues for supporting this measure and Senator Josh Miller for his work on Governor Gina Raimondo's Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force.

06/05/2018

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight! For the record, even the rooftop has a roof.

06/01/2018

The work continues as Governor Gina Raimondo signs into law two common sense gun control bills to protect Rhode Islanders. The first, sponsored by Whip Maryellen Goodwin, creates a Rhode Island Red Flag law that allows police departments to disarm dangerous individuals. The second, sponsored by Senator Jim Seveney, bans bump stocks. Congratulations to the sponsors and our entire caucus, which unanimously supported these two measures.

05/17/2018

Passengers on Air Canada's first non-stop flight between Toronto and Warwick arrived this morning! We're sure you'll agree that there's no airport quite like TF Green Airport (PVD) in New England: close, convenient, and on the rise.

04/27/2018

There are over 3,000 Cub Scouts and 2,000 Boy Scouts in the State of Rhode Island. Yesterday, they presented their "2017 Report to the State" to members of Senate Leadership, including Senator Frank Lombardo who is an Eagle Scout himself. Here are just a few ways the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America made a difference in our state in 2017:

- Over 48,000 hours of community service
- 244 new Eagle Scouts
- Nearly 900 merit badges earned in Citizenship and STEM related education