STATE HOUSE – Chairman of the House Committee on Labor K. Joseph Shekarchi was honored by the Rhode Hospitality Association on Dec. 2 at their annual dinner at Twin River Casino in Lincoln.  Representative Shekarchi was presented with the Hospitality Ambassador of the Year Award for his work in supporting the hospitality industry in the…

STATE HOUSE – After three long years of championing the cause, House Labor Committee Chairman K. Joseph Shekarchi’s Qualified Jobs Incentive Program is now available to Rhode Island businesses looking to apply to the program that exchanges tax credits for adding much needed jobs to the Rhode Island economy. “My number one priority since coming…

STATE HOUSE — Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi’s and Sen. William A. Walaska’s legislation that gives the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals custody of seized dogs was signed by the Governor into law during a ceremonial bill signing. “These poor animals are victims and deserve to be treated and cared for…

STATE HOUSE – Amid concerns brought to him by constituents, business owners and local aviation authorities, Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi has written to United States Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, urging the federal government to formulate regulations for drone usage in Rhode Island.  Representative Shekarchi’s primary concern revolves around an increasing presence of drones…

STATE HOUSE – House Committee on Labor Chairman K. Joseph Shekarchi (D- 23, Warwick) was joined by House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston) and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo at a press conference this morning that took place at the InterLink Transportation Hub garage in Warwick, RI, to highlight his legislative proposal, the Rhode…

STATE HOUSE – Difficult economic times affect not only the state as a whole but every city and town and every resident living in them. “Red ink is not limited only to state government,” said Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). “Difficult budget decisions, making cuts to important programs get headlines when they happen…

STATE HOUSE – The governor was joined by several key legislators during a signing ceremony at the State House of legislation to eliminate the “master lever,” or straight-party voting option, on all non-primary Rhode Island elections that will be held after January 1, 2015. Sponsored in the House by Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23,…

STATE HOUSE – The governor has signed into law legislation passed by the General Assembly that will increase penalties for companies violating the state’s wage laws, hiking not only the monetary fines but also the amount of potential jail time. Recently approved by the governor and taking immediate effect are companion Senate and House bills…

STATE HOUSE – Until now, Rhode Island law provided that any officer or agent of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals may take charge of any animal found abandoned, neglected or mistreated. It also provided that any animal owner convicted of a charge of cruel treatment of an animal taken by the…

STATE HOUSE – As a result of newly-enacted law, communities and developers now have several options for conforming to municipal ordinances regarding the construction of affordable housing units in a community. Prior to the governor’s signature recently of legislation approved by the General Assembly, any community zoning ordinance that required the inclusion of affordable housing…