This Week at the General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/.

  McNamara proposes ‘Back to Work R.I.’ program Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) has introduced legislation (2013-H 5033) to create a Back to Work Rhode Island Program. Modeled on successful programs in other states, it would allow individuals to continue receiving unemployment benefits while they are involved in nonpaid pre-employment training programs at businesses in the state that volunteer for the program through the Department of Labor and Training. Click here to see news release.   Ferri submits bill to rein in payday loan interest rates Rep. Frank G. Ferri (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) submitted legislation (2013-H 5019) to eliminate a special exemption from the state’s usury law that has allowed payday lenders to …

• Photos (1)

This Week at the General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/.

  General Assembly convenes with 24 new legislators The Rhode Island General Assembly kicked off the 2013 session on Jan. 1, welcoming eight new state senators and 16 new state representatives. This year, the House of Representatives comprises 69 Democrats and six Republicans. The Senate is composed of 32 Democrats, five Republicans and one Independent. Rhode Island Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis administered the oath of office to all 113 members of the General Assembly. Click here to see news release.   Senate re-elects M. Teresa Paiva Weed as president of the Senate  The newly minted 2013-2014 Rhode Island Senate elected M. Teresa Paiva Weed – the first woman to serve as a presiding officer in either chamber – to a third term as …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Leave RI

1:12 pm on Sunday, January 6, 2013

I named my chair this week. It's Phil.   more ›

This Year at the General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this year. For more information on any of these items, visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/.

  This will be the final edition of summaries from the General Assembly this year, as the Assembly has recessed: BUDGET The Fiscal Year 2013 state budget provides $33 million in additional funding for education aid, restores $9.6 million to programs for the developmentally disabled, and restores funding for nursing homes. The budget proposes $209 million in capital investment to be considered on the November ballot, including funding for affordable housing, a new state Veterans’ Home, improvements at Rhode Island College, and clean water and open space projects. Lawmakers rejected the governor’s proposals to increase the meals tax from 8 percent to 10 percent, and his proposal to extend the sales tax to car washes and warehouses. The …

• Photos (1)

This Week at the General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/.

  Governor signs bills to increase size of polling places The General Assembly has passed and the governor has signed into law legislation that will allow the number of active voters served by the same polling place to increase, if necessary, from 1,900 to 3,000. The legislation was introduced to accommodate changes necessary as a result of the reapportionment process completed earlier this year, and to help municipalities save money. Sen. James E. Doyle II (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) sponsored the Senate bill (2012-S 2489Aaa) and Rep. John M. Carnevale (D-Dist. 13, Providence, Johnston) sponsored the House bill (2012-H 7055A). Click here to see news release. Payday lending legislation wins support of Raimondo, Taveras Rep. Frank G. Ferri (D-…

• Photos (1)

This Week at the General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/

• Documents (1)

This Week at the General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/

  House, Senate approve Newport Grand casino bills Legislation asking state voters if they approve the addition of casino-style table games at Newport Grand will now be sent to the governor for his signature after receiving approval from both the House and the Senate. The legislation would place the issue before voters in November, when they will also face a similar question about the Twin River gaming facility. Passage would require approval by a majority of voters statewide and in the host communities. Rep. J. Russell Jackson (D-Dist. 73, Middletown, Newport) sponsored the House bill (2012-H 7543A) and Sen. Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) sponsored the Senate bill (2012-S 2695A). Click here to see news release.   Senate OKs …

• Photos (1)

Letter to the Editor

Support Curbs On Payday Lending Interest Rates

A consortium of groups and individuals is calling on the Rhode Island General Assembly to support limits on the interest rate allowed on so-called payday loans.

  To the editor: The [Rhode Island] House Committee on Corporations is considering legislation to reduce the legal rate of interest on payday loans from the unconscionable APR of 260% to 36%. The bill (H-7257) has been co-sponsored by 50 of 75 representatives. The senate bill (S-2307) is co-sponsored by 26 of 38 senators. Because of the likelihood of passage, lobbyists for payday lenders are trying to make sure that the bills never get a vote in either chamber. Payday loans are marketed as short-term solutions to a cash shortage. In reality, borrowers get trapped in a cycle of borrowing at unconscionable interest rates. The family that couldn’t afford to pay expenses before obtaining a payday loan now has to shoulder the burden of triple-…

• Photos (1)

This Week at the General Assembly

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items visit http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/News/

• Documents (1)