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News
State House, Providence – Today, the Rhode Island House Republican Office released its “Minority Report” detailing extensive advocacy and legislative efforts during the 2020/21 Legislative Sessions. Despite COVID restrictions, RI House Republican Office members were relentless in their demands for General Assembly engagement, government transparency in the Governor’s unilateral decision-making and expenditures, and repeatedly called for the end of Executive Power rule. This Legislative Session Recap is published online and details House Republican efforts during the pandemic.
“Legislative success is defined in many ways -- in the dialogues initiated, seeds of change planted, amendments proposed, partnerships created, constituents served -- and the collective work of this Office is remarkable,” said Blake A. Filippi, Leader of the House Republican Caucus. “The 2020/21 Minority Report showcases our tireless efforts and impact shaping during the pandemic. We are proud of our efforts, as detailed in this report, which summarizes the hard work of our membership within the House of Representatives.”
“This report highlights key initiatives championed by our members over the past two years,” said Minority Whip Michael W. Chippendale. “We repeatedly called for government oversight during the Governor’s onerous reign by Executive Order – especially when it came to decisions affecting the most vulnerable dying in in our nursing homes. House Republicans uncovered $800M in overpayments in the IGT/Twin River insider gaming deal; we were watchdogs protecting our civil liberties; called for proper staffing at DCYF; and, proposed legislation for designated family members to be able to safely visit their loved ones in congregate care. Also, under Rep Filippi’s leadership, we took the unprecedented step of suing Speaker Mattiello and State Leadership for their historic abuse in the operations and expenditure of the Joint Committee on Legislative Services (JCLS). That lawsuit is still pending in Superior Court.” In a timeline format, the report underscores Republican efforts during COVID mandated restrictions. It also highlights legislative activities championed during the 2020 and 2021 House Sessions. Overall, Republicans demonstrated that the unsustainable, mismanaged $13B budget (offset with an abundance of one-time COVID related funding) merely kicks-the-can-down-the-road, continues to support failed special interest policies, does not thoughtfully invest in Rhode Island’s aging infrastructure, and does not embrace the free market principles that will enable our state to thrive. Republicans will remain steadfast in their resolve to call out poor investment decisions and will fight for good government policies, and put taxpayers first. 
The Rhode Island House of Representatives Minority Office Membership (Republican) is comprised of the following representatives who were elected by constituents who live in districts throughout the Ocean State: Minority Leader, Blake Filippi, District 36 (Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly, New Shoreham); Minority Whip, Michael Chippendale, District 40 (Foster, Glocester, Coventry); Deputy Minority Leader George Nardone, District 28 (Coventry); Representative Brian Newberry, District 48 (North Smithfield, Burrillville); Deputy Minority Leader David Place, District 47 (Burrillville, Glocester); Representative Justin Price, District 39 (Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond); Deputy Minority Whip Robert Quattrocchi, District 41 (Scituate, Cranston); Senior Deputy Leader Sherry Roberts, District 29 (Coventry, West Greenwich). For more information, please visit our website at www.rihousegop.org
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