The Rhode Island General Assembly convened this week to begin its 2025-2026 term, with both chambers re-electing their leadership and welcoming new members. Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio were chosen to continue leading their respective chambers, outlining ambitious agendas for the upcoming session.
Shekarchi, a Democrat representing Warwick, pledged to address the state’s affordable housing and homelessness crises as top priorities. He also committed to tackling a primary care doctor shortage and investigating the failed westbound Washington Bridge.
“We’re making progress, but progress is not enough until all Rhode Islanders have a safe place to live and enough food to eat,” Shekarchi told attendees at the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty’s annual vigil at the State House.
Ruggerio, representing North Providence and Providence, acknowledged the “great challenges” facing the legislature, including a looming budget deficit. He announced the creation of a new Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies to focus on policy related to the legal, societal and ethical implications of these technologies.
Six new senators and six new representatives were sworn into office by Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. The new senators include Peter Appollonio Jr., Andrew Dimitri, Todd Patalano, Brian Thompson, Lori Urso, and Lammis Vargas. New representatives include Jenni A. Furtado, Earl A. Read III, Richard Fascia, Marie Hopkins, Christopher G. Paplauskas, and Paul Santucci.
Senate President Ruggerio appointed new leaders for several committees. Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain will chair the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Melissa A. Murray will lead Health and Human Services, and Sen. Hanna M. Gallo will oversee Education. Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski will chair Environment and Agriculture, Sen. Robert Britto will lead Commerce, and Sen. Jacob Bissaillon will head Housing and Municipal Government.
The start of the new term coincides with the implementation of two significant programs supporting Rhode Island families. The state’s Temporary Caregivers Insurance program has been expanded to provide seven weeks of paid family leave, up from five weeks previously. Additionally, eligibility for the Child Care Assistance Program has been broadened to include families earning up to 261% of the federal poverty level, the highest in state history.
State leaders, advocates, and families celebrated these expansions at the Federal Hill House Early Learning Center in Providence. The changes are expected to provide crucial support for working families and improve access to child care services.
Amid these developments, 46 legislators called on Gov. Dan McKee to declare homelessness a public health emergency. In a statement to the governor, they emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “Your leadership is needed now to protect and save the lives of Rhode Islanders across our state, including our working-class neighbors, our children, and our veterans.”
Aquidneck Island legislators join members of General Assembly calling on Governor to declare homelessness a public health emergency
As the General Assembly begins its work, lawmakers face the challenge of addressing these pressing issues while navigating a tight budget. The coming months will likely see intense debate and negotiation as legislators work to balance competing priorities and find solutions to the state’s most pressing problems.
