Speaker Shekarchi statement on the resignation of Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott

“Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott has led Rhode Island’s Department of Health through unimaginably trying times, and I am grateful for her thoughtful, pragmatic leadership. She has been a steadfast and trusted resource for all of us. “While the pandemic is far from over, Dr. Alexander-Scott has set forth the framework to ensure that our state is…

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Speaker Shekarchi announces launch of $50 million Homeowner Assistance Fund

Today, Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Jim Langevin, Congressman David N. Cicilline, Governor Dan McKee, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, and Carol Ventura, Executive Director of RIHousing announced the launch of the Homeowner Assistance Fund Rhode Island (HAF-RI). This program will provide much-needed financial assistance to…

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Speaker Shekarchi delivers remarks to begin 2022 legislative session

Speaker Shekarchi at rostrum

Below is the text of Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s remarks to House members on the opening day of the 2022 legislative session. My Friends…. welcome to the official start of the 2022 session.  We did great work together last year under historic circumstances, rising to the occasion again and again. In fact, we only just…

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Speaker Shekarchi presents $15,795 to Friends of Warwick Animal Shelter

group photo - donation to Friends of Warwick Animal Shelter

On Saturday, December 18, Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) presented a check for $15,795.41 to Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter (FOWAS), representing the organization’s share of the proceeds from the First Annual Speaker Shekarchi Charity Golf Scramble. The Shekarchi Charity Golf Scramble was held in August at the Quidnessett Country Club in…

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Speaker Shekarchi applauds $3.64M in early intervention grants to nine providers across Rhode Island

Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) is applauding today’s announced distribution of $3.64 million in CARES Act funding to support nine early intervention providers in Rhode Island. These funds are in addition to the $5.5 million for early intervention that the Governor included in his RI Rebounds down payment proposal currently before the General Assembly. These grants…

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Speaker Shekarchi honored for efforts to promote organ donation

Speaker Shekarchi receives award

New England Donor Services has recognized Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi for his leadership in partnering to save lives with Donate Life Rhode Island. “One organ and tissue donor can impact as many as 50 lives – and that’s not even counting the loved ones of those affected,” said Speaker Shekarchi. “My mother was a skin…

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Speaker Shekarchi honored by the Humane Society

Speaker Shekarchi receives his award from the Humane Society

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) honored Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi with the Humane State Legislator Award for the second time due to his longtime, consistent advocacy on behalf of animals. “Causes pertaining to animals are near and dear to my heart, and as the proud adopter of a shelter dog, Merlin, who…

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Speaker Shekarchi, Senate President Ruggerio, Governor McKee announce legislature’s commitment to act on governor’s RI Rebounds plan for initial, near-term American Rescue Plan spending

Speaker at ARPA announcement

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and Governor Dan McKee today announced the legislature’s commitment to act on the governor’s RI Rebounds proposal, an initial investment of 10 percent of the state’s $1.13 billion American Rescue Plan State Fiscal Recovery Funds to make a down payment on Rhode Island’s recovery. They also…

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Providence Journal Commentary by Speaker Shekarchi:

The Providence Journal In my first year as House Speaker, I’m proud of the way we worked together as a chamber to pass meaningful legislation aimed at improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders. We made historic progress on a top priority for many House members, including me: expanding access to affordable housing. When I…

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