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The Latest News and Media From the
Rhode Island House of Representatives Republican Caucus

R.I. House Republicans Seek to Restore the Rule of Law and Representative Government

12/20/2021

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State House, Providence, RI – As Governor McKee’s onerous vaccine and mask mandates in Executive Order 21-116 go into effect today, House Republicans issue the following plan of action:
​“These latest mandates are harmful to individual privacy and our struggling businesses. While some may differ about whether these mandates are good policy, it is indisputable that such mandates must be made under clear legal authority. 
That legal authority no longer exists because in June, 2021, the General Assembly limited the Governor’s emergency powers to 180-days, which only the General Assembly may extend (RIGL § 30-15-9(g)).

Rather than seek General Assembly permission to extend his emergency powers, Governor McKee cynically attempted to bypass the 180-day law by declaring a “new” state of emergency over the Delta Variant. A COVID-19 variant, by its nature, is not a “new” emergency. It remains the same pandemic we’ve dealt with for nearly two years. 

Governor McKee’s move to skirt the General Assembly’s required oversight and approval violates the spirit and letter of the 180-day law. Since it is clear that Governor McKee cannot lawfully issue these mask and vaccine mandates without General Assembly oversight and authorization, House Republicans will submit legislation to further nullify these mandates, unless and until the Governor seeks and obtains the General Assembly’s lawful approval for his continued use of emergency powers.
​

For too long during this pandemic the General Assembly disregarded its responsibilities and our system of checks and balances - until June, 2021, when it wisely limited the Governor’s emergency powers to 180-days. We call on our colleagues to go on the record regarding the Governor’s willful disregard of this law we just passed to impose harmful mandates on our residents and businesses.”
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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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About rhode island house republicans


​In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders.  As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.

​2025 Rhode Island State House Republicans | 82 Smith Street, Room 106 Providence, RI 02903 | 401..222..2259 | Email Us
  • Home
  • Reports
    • FY 2026 Budget and Policy Priorities Report
    • Minority Report >
      • 2023 Minority Report
      • 2022 Minority Report
      • 2020/2021 Minority Report
      • 2019 Minority Report
    • Gaming Contract >
      • Gaming Study Report
    • State of the State >
      • 2020 State of the State
      • 2022 State of the State
      • 2024 State of the State
  • Representatives
    • Michael W. Chippendale
    • David J. Place
    • Richard R. Fascia
    • Marie A. Hopkins
    • George A. Nardone
    • Brian C. Newberry
    • Christopher G. Paplauskas
    • Robert Quattrocchi
    • Sherry Roberts
    • Paul M. Santucci
  • Alumni
  • News & Media
  • Contact Us
    • Media Contact
    • Caucus Staff
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