Saturday, June 9, 2012
Recent activity from the Rhode Island General Assembly.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Saturday, June 9, 2012
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 approves 2013 state budget The House approved an $8.1 billion state budget bill (2012-H 7323Aaa) that substantially restores previous cuts to programs for the developmentally disabled, accelerates implementation of the new school aid formula and assists Central Falls’ retirees, while avoiding many of the tax increases Governor Chafee proposed, including the expansion of the meals tax. The bill is now awaiting Senate action. Click here to see news release. Assembly approves bills to improve conditions for small business growth The legislature has approved …
Friday, June 8, 2012
The House approved the state budget proposal, leaving in tact a plan to transfer ownership of the Sakonnet River Bridge to the Bridge and Turnpike Authority.
In a 57 to 15 vote, the House of Representatives approved the $8.1 billion state spending plan late Thursday night. The legislation (2012-H 7323Aaa and attached to this post) approves the proposal to transfer ownership of the Sakonnet River Bridge from the Department of Transportation to the Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike Authority, ultimately anticipating tolls to be placed on the span of Route 24 connecting Tiverton to Portsmouth. The 2012-13 spending plan goes to the Senate, which has scheduled a hearing on it before its Finance Committee today at 3:30 p.m. in Room 211 on the second floor of the State House. Rep. John Edwards (D -Tiverton, Portsmouth) and Rep. Dan Reilly (D - Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport) from Newport County made …
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
The bills will now be passed to the opposing chamber for a vote. If enacted, Rhode Island would become the 15th state to decriminalize marijuana.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
The following is from a State House press release. The full Senate and House approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Warwick) and Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) to eliminate the criminal charge for carrying one ounce or less of marijuana. Instead, the new law, if approved, would impose a civil penalty of a $150 fine, plus forfeiture of the drug. A third offense within 18 months of the previous offense would be treated as a misdemeanor. The legislation passed the House in a 50 to 24 vote and passed the Senate in a 28 to 6 vote. Each bill must now travel across the rotunda to pass the opposite chamber in order to become law. Under the provisions of the Senate and House bills (…
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Recent activity from the Rhode Island General Assembly.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Sunday, June 3, 2012
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/ Finance Committee OKs budget, bill headed to House The House Finance Committee approved an amended $8.1 billion budget bill (2012-H 7323A) for the 2013 fiscal year that substantially restores previous cuts to programs for the developmentally disabled, accelerates implementation of the new school aid formula and assists Central Falls’ retirees, while avoiding many of the tax increases Governor Chafee proposed, including the expansion of the meals tax. Click here to see news release. Compassion centers compromise bill becomes law With General Assembly approval and …
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Rep. John Edwards' bill, along with the Senate version, now move to floor votes.
Legislators could be making floor votes on bills next week that will decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana after it received the endorsements of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on Tuesday, reports The Providence Journal. According to a legislative press aide for Rep. John Edwards (D-Tiverton, Portsmouth) on Wednesday, his bill (H-7092), also attached to this post, received the approval of the House Juduciary Committee and the floor vote could come as early as next Tuesday. State Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Cranston) introduced similar legislation (S-2253), also attached to this post, which received Judiciary Committee support. A three strike provision now exists in the proposals, invoking a civil penalty and fine …
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Recent activity from the Rhode Island General Assembly.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Sunday, May 27, 2012
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 OKs changes to ‘good time’ law The House approved legislation aimed at preventing those serving jail time for serious crimes from earning time off their sentences for good behavior. Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) introduced the legislation (2012-H 7112A, 2012-S 2179A) on behalf of Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin. The bills came in response to the potential release last year of Michael Woodmansee, who was convicted of killing 5-year-old Jason Foreman …
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Recent activity from the Rhode Island General Assembly.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Sunday, May 20, 2012
The following is a press release: 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 approves compassion centers amendments The House approved legislation developed to address concerns about Rhode Island’s medical marijuana compassion centers, moving the state one step closer to allowing patients to safely purchase the drug. The Senate bill (2012-S 2555A) sponsored by Sen. Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist. 3, Providence) has passed both chambers and has been sent to the governor, who, after halting the opening of the centers last year amid concerns about federal prosecution, has indicated he will sign it. The House …
Friday, May 18, 2012
Robert Mushen said the town wants to look at the legislation, but even broader, the business of it establishing a policy for windmills and solar panels in the town.
As towns take a harder look at the East Bay Energy Consortium (EBEC) bills after showing support, including Tiverton, the Little Compton Town Council opted to form an ad hoc group to review them. Council President Robert Mushen said Thursday the council recently voted 5-0 to form a group of the school committee chairman, a town councilor, the chairman of the Renewable Energy Committee and two private citizens to review the language in the House and Senate bill. Just as important, he said the group will research and recommend an ordinance pertaining to Little Compton's renewable energy options. "We have a portion of our zoning ordinance that addresses wireless communication facilities, like cell towers, but nothing that governs windmills or…
41.510061
-71.171141
Little Compton Town Hall
40 Commons, Little Compton, RI
/articles/little-compton-council-president-comments-on-ebec-bill
496988
/locations/7048925
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Education Commissioner Deborah Gist and local legislators recently recognized the school and presented a proclamation from the General Assembly.
The Rhode Island Department of Education and local legislators honored Fort Barton School recently for its high test scores on the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP). According to Principal Suzette Wordell, State Sen. Walter Felag (D-Bristol, Tiverton, Warren) and Rep. John Edwards (D-Tiverton, Portsmouth), presented a proclamation to the school last Friday, May 11 from the General Assembly. Additionally, Education Commissioner Deborah Gist recognized the school during her May 1 State of Education address. Wordell said Fort Barton reportedly improved their NECAP reading scores by 15 percent over the past three years to 97 percent proficient, which is the top reading score in the state for elementary schools. Overall, Fort …
41.625701
-71.210087
Fort Barton School
99 Lawton Ave, Tiverton, RI
/articles/state-honors-fort-barton-school-for-necap-scores
496806
/locations/7024664
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Recent activity from the Rhode Island General Assembly.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Sunday, May 13, 2012
The following is a press release: 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/ State revenue picture brightens The Revenue Estimating Conference – composed of fiscal advisers from the House, Senate and administration – has released the outlook for this year’s state revenues, which are expected to be about $62 million higher than expected. The group, which meets twice per year, also projects state revenue to be almost $18 million higher next year. The extra revenue will help ease next year’s projected $120 million budget deficit. Senate approves compassion center amendments Legislation developed to address …
Joe Sousa.
6:10 pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012
Still no relief from the Unfunded Mandates. Just more Taxes . more ›