Here are some news and event highlights from this week’s conference. For more information on these items, visit rilegislature.gov.
2024 Budget Bill Introduced in House
House receives Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s proposed states
Budget for fiscal year 2024 (2023-H 5200). $13.75 billion plan includes taxes
public and higher education, health care, housing and
environmental program.House and Senate Finance Committees Begin
hold public hearings on the proposal in the coming weeks
State Governor Presents State Address to General Assembly
Senate Speaker Dominic J. Ruggielio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence)
K. Joseph Shekarchi Welcomes Speaker of the House of Commons (D-Dist. 23, Warwick)
Governor Daniel J. McKee
Speak as Rhode Island’s elected governor Tuesday night before a joint session
of the House and Senate. The governor outlined his priorities for his first term.
Tax cuts, improved education, and more affordable housing.
Leader de la Cruz Offers Republican Response to State of the Nation
Senate Minority Leader Jessica De La Cruz (R-Dist. 23, North Smithfield, Burrillville,
Gloucester) filed a Republican response to Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s state government.
State speech Tuesday night. Senator de la Cruz has reached an agreement with the governor.
She solved the problems facing our state, but offered her own solutions, including bigger tax cuts.
Increased oversight and expansion of charter schools.
Rep. Caldwell introduces universal free school meals bill
Rep. Justin Caldwell (District D 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich) said:
Law to make school meals free for students in all public schools in Rhode Island.
The law (2023-H 5141) aims to ensure that all students have adequate nutrition.
Children can focus on learning at school and eliminate discrimination among children.
by family income
Rep. McGaw introduces bill to ban new hot waste treatment facility
40 co-organizers, Rep. Michelle E. McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth,
Tiverton, Little Compton) introduced legislation banning all types of new hot waste treatment facilities in Rhode Island. The law (2023-H 5142) states that
Responding to Rhode Island and National Efforts by the Plastics Industry
Reclassify high-temperature treatment of plastic waste into manufacturing instead of waste
exempt from environmental protection laws,
A story about the environmental impact of the product.
Edwards’ Bill Allows Vehicle Inspections Only at RI Stations
Congressman John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) introduced the bill
(2023-H 5034) Only facilities located in Rhode Island
is eligible for a permit to operate as an official inspection station for the inspection of
vehicle.
School psychological services covered by Medicaid under McNamara bill
Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston, said:
Law Directing Services Provided by School Communities (2023-H 5010)
Workers and certified school psychologists are included as health care related
Services covered by Federal Medicaid reimbursement.
Rep. O’Brien introduces bill to allow retired teachers to help more in schools
Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) introduces bill
(2023-H 5040) Allow retired teachers to substitute in schools
Up to 120 days in one academic year, no reduction in loss, forfeiture, or retirement
advantage.Retired teachers are currently only allowed a maximum of 90 days of replacement teachers
without compromising retirement benefits
Morales introduces bill to expand Medicaid for seniors
Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence) said:
The income eligibility threshold required for seniors to qualify for Medicaid. The bill
Help seniors pay medical costs that Medicare doesn’t cover, such as prescriptions.
Protect dental care and vision by raising the eligibility cutoff to 138% of federal poverty.
line (FPL). Currently, Rhode Islanders age 65 and older are no longer eligible for Medicaid if they have income.
100% FPL or higher ($13,590 for an individual, $18,310 for a family of two).
Annual Celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission in Providence
Raymond A.
Hull (D District 6, Providence, North Providence) held its annual celebration of life.
It is the name of the great civil rights leader of the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Providence.of
Official holiday remembrance included statements by members of the Commission, State and State
There were religious leaders, several musical presentations, and many awards
Presented.
