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/.

  Assembly OKs creation of task force to foster, promote arts, culture Acknowledging that the arts are a powerful economic engine that can contribute to the state’s fiscal health, the General Assembly has approved a joint resolution (2013-S 0914, 2013-H 6142) to create a “State of the Arts” Planning Task Force to foster and promote the arts and culture in Rhode Island. The task force would be called on to develop a comprehensive strategic plan and to identify specific action steps that can be taken to attract, retain, support, expand and market the arts and associated creative industries. The legislation was introduced by Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D-Dist. 13,Newport, Jamestown) and House Speaker Gordon D. Fox (D-Dist. 4, …

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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 passes six economic development bills from leadership legislative package  The House approved six economic development bills from its 18-bill legislative package this week. The bills range from creating an Executive Office of Commerce (2013-H 6063A) to establishing an Economic Development Planning Council (2013-H 6069A) that would convene once every four years in the same years as gubernatorial elections. The council’s job would be to develop economic policy and a strategic plan for implementing it. Click here to see news release. Senate approves reforms to improve efficiency, quality of health care The Senate approved the Rhode Island Health Care Reform Act of 2013 (2013-S 540Aaa), sponsored by Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, …

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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/.

  Assembly OKs bill to make distracted driving part of license training program The House and Senate passed legislation that will require driving students to be educated and tested on the issue of distracted driving, especially on the risks posed by making phone calls or sending text messages while behind the wheel. Transmitted to the governor for his action were the Senate bill (2013-S 0660), sponsored by Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick), and the House bill (2013-H 5655), introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston). Click here to see news release. Legislation passes allowing all in line by poll closing time to vote The General Assembly approved legislation that will allow any voter who is in line …

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Senate OKs RI Minimum Wage Hike to $8

The legislation will now move on to the House of Representatives for additional consideration.

  STATE HOUSE – The Senate Wednesday approved legislation that will raise Rhode Island’s minimum wage to $8 per hour, beginning next January 1. The bill, 2013-S 0256Aaa, provides a 25 cents per hour increase over the state’s current minimum wage of $7.75. “Individuals working minimum wage jobs in the state, jobs that are absolutely vital to keep our economy running and many businesses functioning, need to earn a fair, living wage,” said Sen. Erin P. Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston), the bill’s sponsor. “Despite the increase proposed in this bill, it will still be difficult for someone working full-time to support a family on $8 an hour. What this increase is intended to do is make it just a little easier for these folks to make ends …

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10:46 pm on Sunday, May 26, 2013

I invested all of my military retirement with Barrister, Dr., something or other..he said all I had to do was pay the shipping fee--can't wait to see how much I get back. I don't need no stinckin' minimum wages http://shawnwashere.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_4850.jpg   more ›

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/.

  Assembly OKs background checks for school volunteers Legislation has been approved in both the House and the Senate that will require any individuals who are current or prospective volunteers of a school department and who may have direct and/or unmonitored contact with students or children on school premises to undergo a state criminal background check. The Senate bill (2013-S 0347) was sponsored by Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick); the House bill was sponsored by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston). Both bills now go to the governor for his consideration.  Senate passes ‘Back to Work Rhode Island’ legislation Legislation to allow job-seekers to collect unemployment benefits while participating in job …

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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/.

  Primary offense for seatbelt violations in Rhode Island remains in place With the 2011 seatbelt law set to expire on June 30, the House of Representatives voted to repeal the sunset provision so that failure to wear seatbelts by adults will remain a primary offense in Rhode Island. The House passed the bill (2013-H 5140), sponsored by Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9,Providence). Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) sponsors the Senate companion bill (2013-S 0352). Click here to see news release. Senate OKs Crowley bill to use technology to catch Medicaid waste and fraud  The Senate approved legislation (2013-S 29A) sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth A. Crowley (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) to require the state to…

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Local Senators Tour Coventry Neighborhoods Near Asphalt Plants

Studies are currently being done to evaluate the effect of asphalt plants near residential areas.

  Sen. Juan M. Pichardo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government, joined Coventry Senators Leonidas P. Raptakis and Nicholas D. Kettle, also a member of the committee, in a visit with neighbors of Coventry asphalt plants near the Westwood Estates and Wood Estates neighborhoods. Sen. Pichardo (D – Dist. 2, Providence) noted that legislation sponsored by Senators Raptakis and Kettle relating to the facilities is under consideration in the Housing & Municipal Government Committee. “The Housing & Municipal Government Committee considers many pieces of legislation which have an impact on specific local areas in the cities and towns across the state,” said Sen. Pichardo. “My intention as chairman is to take a hands-on …

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This Week At the General Assembly

STATE HOUSE – 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.

  Same-sex marriage legislation becomes law  On a final House vote of 56 to 15, the General Assembly enacted legislation making Rhode Island the 10thstate in the nation to allow same-sex marriage, to cheers of advocates and citizens who have pursued passage of the legislation since it was first introduced in 1997. The governor signed the bill into law about an hour later before hundreds gathered to watch the ceremony on the steps of the State House. The legislation (2013-H 5015B, 2013-S 38 A) was sponsored by Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston) and Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence). Click here to see news release.   House Judiciary Committee takes testimony on gun safety bills At a hearing that …

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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/.