1/18/23
Rhode Island is Ready: Governor McKee Looks to the Future in State of the State Address
McKee Unveils Plans for tax relief, education and more
WARWICK, RI- Last night, Governor McKee delivered his 2023 State of the State address. He offered a vision of hope for our future, while laying out his plans to help Rhode Island families in the year ahead.
Most notably, the governor announced an almost $100 million tax relief plan– building on the $200 million relief that his administration delivered in 2022. Tax relief measures will include delivering energy bill rebates and reducing the sales tax:
“We know that Rhode Islanders are still dealing with rising prices at the grocery store and the gas pump. And we know that families have been forced to make difficult financial decisions because their dollar isn’t stretching as far as it used to. That’s why the budget I’ll be submitting to the General Assembly proposes more ways to help Rhode Islanders navigate these inflationary pressures, while making our state a more competitive place to do business,” said Governor McKee.
In his address, Gov. McKee also named education and housing as top priorities. He plans to propose an additional $57 million investment in K-12 education, plus $4 million for out-of-school learning programs. He also intends to continue building on last year’s historic investments towards housing, highlighting how crucial it is that we remain focused on addressing RI’s housing crisis..
“I am greatly looking forward to working with the governor to accomplish some of the critical policy matters he laid out on Tuesday evening. The legislative priorities of many of my colleagues and I are unified with the governor’s agenda, so I feel we are well-positioned to have another collaborative and productive session. I’m very excited to see what we’ll be able to accomplish together as a state in 2023,” said RIDP Chairman McNamara.
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11/21/22:
Highlighting Transgender Day of Remembrance
RIDP Chairman honors Transgender Day of Remembrance and condemns Saturday’s LGBTQ+ nightclub shooting
WARWICK, RI- Yesterday, we honored Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day when we reflect on all of our transgender family, friends and neighbors who have lost their lives to hateful violence. Tragically, this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance arrived on the heels of yet more senseless violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
“On a day when we grieve loved ones who lost their lives simply for being who they are, we were reminded that such acts of violence continue to threaten transgender plus all LGBTQ+ people across the country. Every single American, regardless of sexual identity, deserves to feel safe and welcome in any space,” said Chairman McNamara.
Saturday’s shooting at a nightclub in Colorado Springs ended 5 innocent lives and left 25 injured on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to all friends and families of the victims, and to all LGBTQ+ people who continue to have their sense of well-being and security stolen by these injustices.
“I am very grateful that we were able to pass common sense gun legislation in Rhode Island, but these measures are not foolproof. The fight will never be over until we have justice for those whose lives are cut short by hate. We must do more to disarm bigotry and stop rampant gun violence in our communities,” added Chairman McNamara.
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11/18/22:
Democrats Camille Vella-Wilkinson and Megan Cotter Victorious Following House Race Recounts
Vella-Wilkinson re-elected for the fourth time while Cotter beats Republican incumbent
WARWICK, RI- As of this afternoon, the results of requested recounts in Rhode Island House races have been determined, with two of three Democratic candidates confirming victories.
In Warwick, incumbent District 21 Democrat Camille Vella-Wilkinson has confirmed a victory against Republican opponent Marie Hopkins. In Hopkinton/Exeter/Richmond, incumbent District 39 Republican Justin Price– who attended the Jan. 6th Capitol attack– has lost his seat to Democratic challenger Megan Cotter.
“Rep. Vella-Wilkinson is a fierce advocate in our community, especially when it comes to protecting our environment and advocating for our veterans, I’m not surprised that the voters chose to re-elect her. I am also very excited to welcome Rep-elect Megan Cotter into the legislature, whom I already know has the drive and vision to accomplish great things. Congratulations to the both of them and I look forward to collaborating to continue improving life for Rhode Islanders,” said RIDP Chairman Joseph McNamara.
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11/18/22:
Speaker Pelosi to Step Down From Her Role: A Statement From RIDP Chairman McNamara
Longtime House Democratic Caucus leader announced yesterday she plans to retire from the post
WARWICK, RI- RIDP Chairman Joseph McNamara releases the following statement in response to the news that Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not seek re-election to Democratic leadership in the next Congress.
“Thank you to Speaker Nancy Pelosi for your years of service leading House Democrats. Speaker Pelosi not only broke barriers as the first woman to ever hold the position, but helped make our country a better place with her steadfast leadership,” said Chairman McNamara.
Speaker Pelosi has led the Democrats for nearly two decades. Though she is stepping down from that role, she will continue fighting for Americans and serving her San Francisco constituency in Congress.
“Under her leadership, we have seen incredible progress for Americans from all walks of life in critical areas such as healthcare, climate and economy. We are forever grateful and know that yours are big shoes to fill,” added Chairman McNamara.
“Under her leadership, we have seen incredible progress for Americans from all walks of life in critical areas such as healthcare, climate and economy. We are forever grateful and know that yours are big shoes to fill,” added Chairman McNamara.
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11/15/22:
A Statement From RIDP Chairman McNamara on Donald Trump’s Upcoming Campaign Announcement
Former GOP President Donald Trump is expected to announce a 2024 presidential run later tonight
WARWICK, RI- RIDP Chairman Joseph McNamara releases the following statement in response to former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign announcement, expected at 9 p.m. tonight.
“Last week, Americans showed Donald Trump that his failed leadership and gross undermining of democracy is no winning strategy. It is clear that a president constantly entrenched in legal trouble, who denies a fair election, incites an insurrection and abuses his power at every turn is not what Americans want for our future. Donald Trump has shown us time and time again that he’s only capable of serving one person: Donald Trump,” said Chairman McNamara.
“Rhode Islanders are not looking to move backwards, we are looking to keep making progress and remain focused on the issues that matter most. Donald Trump is unfit for office. When the time comes, it is up to us to send him that message at the voting booth,” added Chairman McNamara.
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