<![CDATA[Rhode Island House Republicans - 2017]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 19:51:56 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[House Minority Whip Blake A. Filippi to Reintroduce Resolution to Amend Rhode Island Constitution and Require Election by Majority Through Instant Run-Off Voting]]>Wed, 20 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/house-minority-whip-blake-a-filippi-to-reintroduce-resolution-to-amend-rhode-island-constitution-and-require-election-by-majority-through-instant-run-off-votingPrinter Friendly View
​STATE HOUSE – House Minority Whip Blake A. Filippi (District 36, Block Island, Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly) announced on December 20, 2017, that he will reintroduce a resolution seeking to amend the Rhode Island Constitution to require that General Office and General Assembly candidates obtain a majority of ballots cast through instant run-off voting – rather than current plurality requirement. Whip Filippi’s resolution received bi-partisan support in the last three General Assembly sessions.
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“In our plurality election system, the candidate with the most vote’s wins, even if they do not break the 50% threshold,” explained Filippi. “Conversely, run-off elections require a top vote-getter to obtain more than 50% of the vote. If no candidate initially breaks this 50% threshold in a typical 3-way race, the first and second place finishers will have a runoff election,” said Filippi. “Instant run-off voting allows this second match-up to occur on the same day, thereby avoiding the expense and delay of another election. This is accomplished by voters marking their first and second choices on the ballot. If a voter’s first choice candidate is not among the initial top two vote earners, their vote in the runoff will be cast for their second choice,” explained Filippi.

“In 2010, former Governor Chafee was elected to our highest office with 36.1% of the vote in a 4-way race. In 2014, Governor Raimondo was elected with 40.7% in a 3-way race. These results demonstrate why our current voting system needs to change – we sometimes don’t even know whether the will of the majority is reflected in our elections. Now, for the third gubernatorial election in a row, the stage is set for another multi-candidate race, with Former State Rep. Joseph Trillo’s recent announcement that he will run for Governor as an independent,” said Filippi.

“The last two general elections demonstrate we must take action to preserve the sanctity of our elections and the effectiveness of government. The citizens of Rhode Island deserve the opportunity to strengthen our electoral process by passing this constitutional amendment in the next general election,” stated Filippi.
Contact Information
Joseph Golomboski, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Rep. Robert Nardolillo III proposes to end tolls for veterans and active military members traveling over the Newport Pell Bridge]]>Tue, 12 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/rep-robert-nardolillo-iii-proposes-to-end-tolls-for-veterans-and-active-military-members-traveling-over-the-newport-pell-bridgePrinter Friendly View
STATE HOUSE -- Rep. Robert Nardolillo III (District 28 – Coventry) announced on December 11, 2017, that he will be proposing legislation in the 2018 session to end tolls for veterans and active military members traveling over the Newport Pell Bridge.
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Each day Rhode Island veterans and active military members cross the Newport Pell Bridge to gain access the Rhode Island’s only Commissary which is located at the Naval Station in Newport. Anyone who travels over the bridge without an EZ Pass pays $2 per axel each way, with an EZ Pass the price can drop down to 0.83 for Rhode Island residents.
 
Rep. Nardolillo stated, “Imagine going overseas and serving your country and being away from your family and love ones for months, if not years, then to come home to have to pay for tolls to receive services that each one of our military members deserves.”
 
“I did some simple math, $4 for each trip, and let’s say one member of the military drives to the Commissary twice a week, times that by four and another twelve, that’s $384 a year. That is unacceptable” he added.
 
With this proposal, we will be helping out our veterans and active military members, who at times struggle just make to make it at the end of the day. Rep. Nardolillo added, “With this proposal, the savings outweigh the cost just by being able to thank each and every one of military members by allowing them the cross the Newport Pell Bridge at no charge”. 
Contact Information
​Joseph Golomboski, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Rep. Robert B. Lancia to Propose Study Commission on National Grid]]>Fri, 01 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/rep-robert-b-lancia-to-propose-study-commission-on-national-gridPrinter Friendly View
STATE HOUSE -- Rep. Robert Lancia (R-Dist. 16, Cranston) announced on December 1, 2017, that he will be proposing legislation to develop a study commission on the overall business practices of National Grid this upcoming legislative session.
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In recent months, we have seen electric rate increases of 53% for residents of Rhode Island and a lack of response time to power outages in October, which for some areas took up to four days to restore. 
 
Rep. Lancia has long been a strong opponent of rate increases proposed by the utility company over the years, including the most recent increase that went into effect last month. Rep. Lancia stated last October that “despite vehement public opposition for Rhode Island’s Public Utilities Commission to approve the 53% rate increase for electricity, per request of National Grid, it voted to approve it.  The decision to raise the cost of energy from 6.3 cents per kilowatt hour to 9.5 cents is too hard for families trying to make ends meet.”
 
National Grid filed another proposal with Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission on November 27, 2017. With the most recent proposal, residential electricity customers would see a monthly bill increase of 6 percent while commercial and industrial electricity customers’ bill would range from a 3 to 9 percent. Gas customers will also see a hike of about 5 percent, averaging out to $65 more per month, while commercial and industrial customers’ annual bill impact would range from 1 to 6 percent.
 
This proposed study commission will request the utility company to open up their books and finally get answers to many questions that Rhode Island residents have asked over the past few months. Rep. Lancia remarked, “Why do rates continue to increase? And why was the response time to the most recent storm so slow?” With this commission being formed, Rep. Lancia will continue his mission to “put a dollar back in the pockets of each and every resident of Rhode Island.”
For more information, contact:
Joseph Golomboski, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Representative Robert B. Lancia to Host Informational Workshops to Discuss National Grid’s Electric Rates and Rate Hike]]>Thu, 19 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/representative-robert-b-lancia-to-host-informational-workshops-to-discuss-national-grids-electric-rates-and-rate-hikePrinter Friendly View
​STATE HOUSE  --  On Tuesday, October 24th, 2017, Representative Robert B. Lancia (R-District 16 Cranston) and the Burrillville Land Trust will host a public panel discussion to discuss National Grid’s recently approved 53% rate hike.  The event will take place at the Cranston Central Library, located at 140 Sockanosset Cross Road, in Cranston from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The public is invited to attend and bring their electric bills.
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“Despite vehement public opposition for Rhode Island’s Public Utilities Commission to approve the 53% rate increase for electricity, per request of National Grid, it voted to approve it.  The decision to raise the cost of energy from 6.3 cents per kilowatt hour to 9.5 cents is too hard for families trying to make ends meet,” said Rep. Lancia.
 
“I am asking that residents show up to this forum, and bring their electric bills, for a full breakdown of costs, and also to discuss their displeasure with the recently approved rate increase.  I expect this to be a lively interactive look at rate increases and the cost of electricity in Rhode Island.  Panel experts on energy use and more will be on hand to answer questions about why RI electricity rates are among the highest in the nation.  They will also gladly take questions from the audience.  I am really excited about meeting with the public and sending a clear message to National Grid and the Public Utilities Commission that Rhode Island taxpayers are fed up,” he added. 
 
Paul A. Roselli of the Burrilleville Land Trust said, “I want to explore why Meg Curran, Chairwoman of the Rhode Island Public Utilities, appointed by Governor Gina M. Raimondo, said that the utility is entitled to recover the cost of the energy it provides?  Curran also said rejecting the proposal could end up costing ratepayers more.  The math just doesn’t add up.” 
 
Panel members include:
 
Rhode Island State Representative Robert B. Lancia, District 16 in Cranston.
 
Paul A. Roselli - Burrillville Land Trust
 
Peter Galvin - A graduate of Yale College and holds law degree from Case-Western University. Galvin joined the US Department of Labor, where he spent 30 years, focusing on worker safety and health, including a stint under Robert Reich with the Department's Congressional Affairs office. He is an expert on administrative law and the intersection between the legislative and executive branches of government.
 
Seth Handy, Esq. - Seth Handy is the principal of Handy Law, LLC, a law firm that counsels clients on energy, real estate, business, environmental and dispute resolution matters.  He worked with the Washington County Regional Planning Council on the implementation of performance contracting for energy efficiency and represents the Partnership for RI Streetlight Management (PRISM) and the League of Cities and Towns on municipal streetlight reform, including the passage and implementation of RI’s Municipal Streetlights Investment Act.  Seth serves by appointment as Commissioner of the Narragansett Bay Commission.
 
Priscilla De La Cruz, Marketing & Membership Director for Energy Consumers Alliance of New England {dba People’s Power & Light in RI and Mass Energy Consumers Alliance in Mass}.
For more information, contact:
Raina C. Smith, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Representative Robert B. Lancia to Celebrate Diwali at the Rhode Island State House]]>Mon, 16 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/representative-robert-b-lancia-to-celebrate-diwali-at-the-rhode-island-state-housePrinter Friendly View
​STATE HOUSE  --  State Representative Robert B. Lancia (R-District 16 Cranston) will join the India Association of Rhode Island in celebrating “Diwali, the Festival of Lights” at the Rhode Island State House, 82 Smith St, Providence, RI 02903 on Friday, October 20, 2017 starting at 5:00 pm.
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“I am very proud to celebrate this day, along with the India Association of Rhode Island, and along with other Rhode Islanders, enjoy the varieties of multicultural performances featuring graceful classical dances, ethnic folk dances, exciting Bollywood dances that will be presented,” said Representative Lancia.
 
In India, Diwali memorializes the end of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. Diwali represents the final victory of the positive forces, so it is always a time for celebration and jubilation. It is for this reason that Diwali is not just a festival of India, but a festival full of significance for all.
 
The India Association of Rhode Island serves over 3000 families of Asian-Indian origin by promoting and providing an authentic image of India and its culture within Rhode Island and surrounding communities. The India Association of Rhode Island also strives to cultivate understanding and harmony between our Indian & American communities of Rhode Island.
 
Due to space limitation, the event is open to invitees only.
Contact Information 
Raina C. Smith, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Rep. Lancia to speak at Diwali Fest – Light Your Spirit]]>Fri, 06 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/rep-lancia-to-speak-at-diwali-fest-light-your-spiritPrinter Friendly View
​STATE HOUSE  --  Rep. Robert B. Lancia and the India Association of Rhode Island (IARI) in celebration of “Diwali, the Festival of Lights,” will proudly celebrate “Diwali Fest — Light Your Spirit” on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Park Theatre, 848 Park Ave., Cranston.
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“I am thrilled to be asked to speak at this year’s Diwalifest, where over 100 artists will present variety of multicultural performances featuring graceful classical dances, ethnic folk dances, exciting Bollywood dances and more,” said Representative Lancia (R-Dist. 16, Cranston). 
 
In India, Diwali memorializes the end of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. Diwali represents the final victory of the positive forces, so it is always a time for celebration and jubilation. It is for this reason that Diwali is not just a festival of India, but a festival full of significance for all.
 
The India Association of Rhode Island serves over 3000 families of Asian-Indian origin by promoting and providing an authentic image of India and its culture within Rhode Island and surrounding communities. The India Association of Rhode Island also strives to cultivate understanding and harmony between our Indian & American communities of Rhode Island.
 
For tickets and more information, please visit: www.indiari.org
For more information, contact:
Raina C. Smith, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Representative Sherry Roberts Concerned about GrowSmart in Other Communities]]>Wed, 27 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/representative-sherry-roberts-concerned-about-growsmart-in-other-communitiesPrinter Friendly View
STATE HOUSE – On Tuesday, September 26th, 2017, Chair of the Republican Policy Group, who studies RhodeMapRI issues, Representative Sherry Roberts, (R-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) attended a Public Hearing held before the Town Council of the Town of Exeter, during a Special Meeting of the Exeter Town Council.  The meeting was originally scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Town of Exeter Zoning Regulations concerning Exeter Farm and Forest Accessory Business Overlay.  Plans to consider the ordinance amendment was cancelled after a significant number of farmers and Exeter residents attended, to oppose the plans.
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At the meeting, Representative Roberts alerted attendees that GrowSmart's Scott Millar who had been advocating for this ordinance to pass in Exeter was in fact, part of the consortium of people who originally helped create the controversial RhodeMapRI State Guide Plan.  Similar proposals by GrowSmart in other parts of the state, including Foster, have been shot down recently.
 
Rep. Roberts commented, “This proposal is just one of many proposals initiated by GrowSmart in which they have been and will continue to approach individual towns, seeking to change zoning ordinances incrementally, for the purpose of circumventing residents constitutional rights to their personal property.”
 
“According to the RI Rising's own words, "In order to seize land and create growth centers, ordinances must be changed."  She added.
 
“While RhodeMap purports to farmers that they want to preserve their rural lands, RhodeMap has stated that it seeks to use the land to develop walkable communities where people live in high density, such as in compact high rises but that this would be a challenge to achieve without changing zoning ordinances in municipalities.”
 
At the meeting, Rep. Roberts stated, "Make no mistake, this is an assault on the American dream and I wouldn't trust a representative from GrowSmart for a single second.  In fact, if GrowSmart comes into any Rhode Island town, I advise residents to send them packing."
 
Rep. Roberts urges residents to be on notice and to become informed about what RI Rising/RhodeMap is and to reject GrowSmart if it should show up in any town.
For more information, contact:
Raina C. Smith, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259
]]><![CDATA[Representative Sherry Roberts Alarmed about Exeter Public Hearing]]>Mon, 25 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/representative-sherry-roberts-alarmed-about-exeter-public-hearingPrinter Friendly View
STATE HOUSE – Representative Sherry Roberts, (R-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich, today voiced strong concerns about an Exeter Public Hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Town of Exeter Zoning Regulations concerning Exeter Farm and Forest Accessory Business Overlay.  
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The Public Hearing will be held before the Town Council of the Town of Exeter, during a Special Meeting of the Exeter Town Council on Tuesday, September 26th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Metcalf School cafeteria, located at 30 Nooseneck Hill Road in Exeter.

Rep. Roberts said, “We need to encourage as many people from the public as possible to attend.  This is a proposed amendment to an Exeter town ordinance derived from RhodeMap/RI Rising. While this ordinance allegedly only affects farmers, it will actually affect everyone in that town, and potentially residents statewide.”
 
She added, “I encourage everyone interested to visit the Office of the Exeter Town Clerk, Lynn M. Hawkins, to request copies of the proposed amendments, to read how damaging this could potentially be for all land owners, especially farmers.  What is especially concerning about this Special Meeting, is that prior to the close of the Public Hearing, the proposed amendments may be altered or amended without further advertising, as a result of further study, or because of the views expressed at the Public Hearing.”
 
“Over 300 people attended the Exeter meeting several weeks ago, and that was with short notice.  The public needs to voice its opposition to back door practices, such as these, which could affect every land owner in Rhode Island,” Rep. Roberts said.

The Town Clerk’s Office is located at 675 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, RI 02822.  The phone number is (401) 295-7500. ​
For more information, contact:
Raina C. Smith, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259
]]><![CDATA[House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan to Present Ocean State Job Lot with Citation for Annual ‘Three Square Meals’ Event]]>Wed, 13 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/house-minority-leader-patricia-morgan-to-present-ocean-state-job-lot-with-citation-for-annual-three-square-meals-eventPrinter Friendly View
STATE HOUSE  --  House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan (R-District 26 Coventry, Warwick, West Warwick) will attend the annual Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation’s “Three Square Meals” kick-off event on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. at Job Lot’s North Kingstown headquarters. 
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This is the retailer's 40th anniversary and they will be celebrating it with the Grand Opening of Job Lot’s new 600,000 square foot distribution center. Representative Morgan will present a citation to Job Lot’s owners, Marc and Alan Perlman, in celebration of this year’s events.
 
“Ocean State Job Lot is a great Rhode Island story.  Two brothers, who are U.R.I. grads founded this company, which has been a great corporate citizen for many years.  The company, which relies on trucks to transport goods, deserves a good economic environment, in which it can continue to flourish.  I, for one, want to help this company, and others like Ocean State Job Lot, find a business home here in our state, where all can grow and add well-paying, year-round jobs to our economy,” Rep. Morgan added.  
 
"September is Hunger Action Month.  For years, Job Lot has organized a September truck convoy loaded with tons of nutritious food to help needy families throughout our region.  This is an important and worthwhile event to call attention to hunger in our area and I am excited to participate..  I will be there with the company’s employees, family and friends, cheering on a convoy of 25 Ocean State Job Lot tractor trailer trucks packed with food for hungry families, as they head out to the region’s food banks,” said Rep. Morgan. 
 
According to Ocean State Job Lot, each tractor trailer will be loaded with approximately 40,000 pounds of nutritious, shelf-stable food.  It will be the first installment of nearly 8 million total pounds to be donated throughout 2017-2018 . That is the equivalent of 10,400,000 meals.
 
Three Square Meals is a hunger relief program of the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, whose mission is to alleviate the growing food crisis in the Northeast region. The program provides nutritious, shelf-stable food distributed each year to Food Banks within the states where Job Lot’s 127 retail stores are located: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York and New Jersey.
  
Three Square Meals Program funds are raised annually through a combination of in-store customer donations, contributions from the Job Lot business community, as well as matching funds from Job Lot’s Charitable Foundation. Beginning in January, food items such as pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and fruit, soup, tuna, dried beans, and rice are purchased by Job Lot, warehoused at our Rhode Island corporate headquarters, and delivered by truckload to the Food Banks throughout the year for distribution to local pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, churches and other food-based organizations. 100% of all funds generated are used to purchase food, making the Three Square Meals program the largest and most productive meal assistance program of its kind in the region. 
For more information, contact:
Raina C. Smith, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259
]]><![CDATA[​Rep. Lancia welcomes cyclist from India on American leg of world tour to promote climate change reform]]>Thu, 07 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.rihousegop.org/2017pr/rep-lancia-welcomes-cyclist-from-india-on-american-leg-of-world-tour-to-promote-climate-change-reformPrinter Friendly View
STATE HOUSE — On Wednesday, September 6, 2017, Rep. Robert B. Lancia (R-Dist. 16, Cranston) welcomed Abhisek Kumar Sharma, a 28-year-old resident of India, to the State House to hear of his adventures as he bikes the globe to promote awareness of climate change and peace.
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​“This is an amazing young man,” said Representative Lancia. “I’m always honored when somebody who is doing something to make a difference on such a huge scale comes to visit.”

The United States is the 40th country to be visited by Abhisek — and he’s not even halfway through. From Rhode Island, he will head to New York, then down the East Coast before heading to California then on to Mexico and South America. When he’s done, he will have visited 90 countries and cycled over 60,000 miles.

In the House Minority office at the State House, Representative Lancia spoke to Abhisek of the initiatives Rhode Island has taken to promote renewable energy, including the state’s commitment to solar and wind energy. At the meeting was Dr. Amrut Patel, who is president of the India Association of Rhode Island and a friend of Representative Lancia.

Abhisek chose a bicycle tour to spread the word about climate change, which he says he has witnessed in every country he has toured, because he wanted to also promote the importance of bicycling to live a happier and healthier life. He is also garnering support for his Global Eco Village project which he founded and will complete after 2020. For more information, visit www.abhisekkumarsharma.com.
For more information, contact:
Raina C. Smith, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259
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