Budget Includes Shekarchi-Sponsored Measure to Protect Small Businesses Hurt by Trump Tax Changes
The budget passed by the General Assembly today incorporates legislation introduced earlier in the session by House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi and Sen. Mark P. McKenney to help the many Rhode Island small business owners who will be hit by higher federal taxes under President Trump’s new tax laws. The proposal will provide a…
Read MoreHouse Approves Shekarchi Resolution Seeking Sepsis Protocols
The House of Representatives today approved a resolution sponsored by House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi calling for the Department of Health to develop protocols to help detect sepsis early and treat it. The resolution (2019-H 5539) is aimed at helping to prevent loss of life from the potentially fatal condition. Sepsis is a complication…
Read MoreCommuter Rail: A Sound Investment for Rhode Island
The fact that Boston is on the “short list” for the new Amazon headquarters raises the following question for Rhode Island – how can we prepare to benefit if the company does land an hour north of us? This is not a new question. My colleagues in the House of Representatives and I have long…
Read MoreWomen’s health bills ceremonially signed into law
WARWICK, RI – Three women’s health bills passed by the General Assembly were ceremonially signed into law today by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo in the lobby of the Women’s Health Practice at Kent County Hospital. The governor was flanked by bill sponsors, medical professionals, women’s health advocates and the president of the Rhode Island chapter of…
Read MoreBill enacted to ban sale of unweaned puppies
STATE HOUSE — Legislation has been enacted to prohibit the sale of puppies that aren’t fully weaned without written approval from a licensed veterinarian. The bill, sponsored by House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi and Sen. Frank S. Lombardi, was signed by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo this week and took effect immediately. “It’s unhealthy for…
Read MoreGovernor signs bill to facilitate I-195 project
STATE HOUSE — Gov. Gina Raimondo has signed legislation to alter the boundaries of a parcel within the I-195 Redevelopment District. The change is necessary in order for a potential construction project to move forward. President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio (D – Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) and House Majority Leader K. Joseph…
Read MoreBill requiring insurers to cover mastectomies signed into law
STATE HOUSE – Legislation sponsored by House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi and Sen. Hanna M. Gallo to ensure that mastectomies are covered by insurance in Rhode Island has been signed into law by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo. Rhode Island law has set some requirements about what insurance coverage for mastectomies must cover since 2005,…
Read MoreBill to assist St. Joseph’s Pension System members signed into law
Legislation sponsored by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi to help members of the insolvent St. Joseph’s Health Services pension plan reach settlements in their multiple class-action lawsuits was signed into law today by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo. The legislation (2018-S 2112, 2018-H 8166), which passed the General Assembly last…
Read MoreGeneral Assembly OKs bill to facilitate I-195 project
STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today passed legislation to alter the boundaries of a parcel within the I-195 Redevelopment District. The change is necessary in order for a potential construction project to move forward. President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio (D – Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) and House Majority Leader K. Joseph…
Read MoreAnimal Rescue Rhode Island honors Representatives Shekarchi, Serpa with Golden Paw awards
STATE HOUSE — Animal Rescue Rhode Island, a private, no-kill animal shelter in South Kingstown, honored House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) and Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) with its annual Golden Paw awards. Each year, ARRI honors and individual or organization for their contributions benefiting the…
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