“I am here to tell you that we can and must change, and it begins with the help of all of you tonight. In these time of crises, I have hope for the future because I have confidence that our citizens can meet any challenge, overcome any obstacle, and make the tough choices if they are just given all of the facts and told the truth.”

In addition to challenging the legislature to spend more time drafting clear and concise laws and denouncing legislative grants used to reward political friends, Marcello vowed to support a law mandating the state legislators to pay the same health care co-pay as the highest paid by any state worker. He also stressed the importance of Rhode Island joining the other 49 sates in adopting a school aid funding formula geared towards supporting teachers and staff, music, art and sports programs, and all other “extras” that benefit students. Marcello believes in fully funding our schools as a means of nurturing a better educated and more enthusiastic and creative generation to fuel economic development and job growth further down the road. Finally, he voiced the need to adopt a comprehensive economic plan to stimulate the economy and attract the high paying jobs Rhode Island “desperately needs.”

Marcello, an attorney at Morrison Mahoney LLP, ran against 3 time incumbent Carol Mumford in 2006 coming within 6 percentage points of defeating her. He is poised in the 2008 election cycle for a big win to take back the seat for the Democratic Party.

Here’s NBC 10’s coverage of Sen. Juan Pichardo’s efforts to protect renters in his district (an idea also supported by General Treasurer Frank Caprio).

Channel 12 has the story on Rep. Jan Malik’s legislation to toughen penalties on high schoolers who get caught with drugs or alcohol.

And finally, here’s more from NBC 10 on Mayor David Cicilline’s new initiative to provide city residents with carbon monoxide dioxide detectors.

From today’s ProJo:

The legislation would require lenders to inform renters of “pending foreclosures” and notify them, in writing, at least 60 days prior to eviction.

There is currently no requirement in state law that tenants be notified before a foreclosure; the law states only that tenants are given “reasonable notice” prior to being evicted. What is deemed “reasonable,” lawyers say, can range from as little as three days to 30 days or longer.

The legislation, which is being drafted, Caprio said, “will provide basic protections to those who have done nothing wrong and are simply trying to find a decent place to live.”

From Jim Baron’s story: This year, Montalbano says he hopes to have more people sitting around that table when the budget is being carved up, particularly Gov. Donald Carcieri and the state employee unions.

“The approach should be a collaborative one between the House and Senate and governor,” he asserts. “But under this administration up to this point, the governor has vetoed three of our first five budgets together and unlike the previous administration there is no dialogue or very little dialogue on the budget before he unveils it in February. It has to be more than he comes out with a plan and we take it apart and put it together this year.”

Rep. Ferri and his team ran an outstanding, grassroots campaign that was centered on the issues that matter to all Rhode Islanders: Improving access to health care, building a stronger public education system and protecting our environment.

Earlier this evening, Rep. Ferri took the oath of office, which was administered by Secretary of State Ralph Mollis. Rep. Ferri also gave brief remarks, which you can watch below.

Best of luck, Rep. Ferri. We know you’ll make your constituents proud.

Yesterday, we learned of the passing of one of Rhode Island’s longest serving state legislators, Rep. Paul W. Crowley. Earlier today, Chairman Lynch sent out the email below inviting people to share a memory of Paul or offer condolences to his family via this site.

From the chairman:

Yesterday, Rhode Island lost a true leader who embodied everything that is good and right with public service. Rep. Paul W. Crowley was a champion and legislative giant in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, serving the people of his beloved Newport for nearly three decades.

Paul cared about the things that were important to all Rhode Islanders. He pushed for reforms, even when they weren’t popular, and passionately pursued efforts to bring increased accountability to our public schools.

He stood up for the people of his community, leading the charge to scrutinize insurance companies who passed outrageous premiums on to coastal homeowners.

Above all, Paul was respected by leaders from both sides of the aisle because of the quality of his character and willingness to never back down from a fight. His warm smile and affable nature drew people to him, and he was always quick to grace the room with a tune from his Irish ancestry.

He was a man of his word, and his presence in the General Assembly with be missed for years to come.

Today the thoughts and prayers of all Rhode Island Democrats go out to Paul’s wife, Diana, his three children and the entire Crowley family.

We’ve dedicated some space at A Blog Called Hope where you can share a memory of Paul, or post condolences to his family and friends.

Our friend Paul has left us far too early, but his legacy will live on through his family, those he cared about, and the good people of his district. Today, we remember Paul’s lasting contributions to our community and say ‘thank you’ for a lifetime of dedicated public service.

Looks like long-time Republican State Rep. Bruce Long has got some explaining to do.

Elaine Spilane of RI’s 12th blog, herself a former State Senate candidate and member of the Middletown Democratic Town Committee, has raised attention to the fact the Bruce’s last campaign finance report doesn’t include any donor information in a quarter where he reports raising more than $10K!

Elaine was first to report on Long’s campaign report irregularities here.

Basically, it’s like this: Instead of filing the appropriate list of who gave how much and when they gave it, Bruce decided to write a hand-written note (see above) saying he “misplaced all of the supporting data” for his campaign finance report.

From today’s ProJo:

MIDDLETOWN — Longtime Middletown Rep. Bruce J. Long raised $10,350 in campaign contributions in the three-month period ending June 30, more than any Newport County lawmaker netted in the same season.

But Long, a Republican, failed to detail who gave him the money.

Instead, he attached a hand-written note to his filing with the state Board of Elections, reading: “I have misplaced all of the supporting data to my campaign report. I am recreating it through my bank and will submit an amended report.”

Long’s note didn’t satisfy Middletown Democratic Town Committee members Eileen Spillane and Richard P. Adams, who have filed a complaint with the state Board of Elections to protest Long’s “neglecting to publicly list his contributors.”

From Rep. McNamara

“Every day, students are confronted by vending machines filled with soda and other sweet drinks. With many schools cutting back on physical education and after-school athletic programs, it’s no wonder there is a significant population of school-age kids who are overweight and even dangerously obese. It’s an unhealthy environment and one that needs corrective action.”

From Sen. Sosnowski

“We need to set a better example for school children. By stocking school vending machines with candy, soda, chips and cookies, how can we expect students to make the right food choices? Replacing soft drinks and junk food with healthy snacks will help students to make better choices and lead healthier lives.”