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Commission Chair Ruth S. Taylor announced that the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) has appointed Acting Executive Director Jeffrey D. Emidy to serve as Executive Director. The selection follows a nearly year-long search that evaluated 28 candidates from Rhode Island and nationwide.
“Rhode Island’s commitment to history, arts, and culture is vital to our identity as a state and also plays a significant role in the economy of all 39 of our cities and towns,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Jeff Emidy has rich experience in historic preservation and has been a valuable resource to the RIHPHC for the past 17 years. I’m excited to see what he has in store for the future of the RIHPHC and the preservation of our past for the future of Rhode Island.”
“We are very pleased and excited to recommend Jeff Emidy as the new Executive Director of the RIHPHC,” added Taylor. “The Search Committee conducted a national search and met with a significant number of qualified applicants. Jeff won our recommendation by being the strongest candidate; he was able to articulate a vision for the RIHPHC office that looks to the future in productive ways – and this is important even for organizations which focus on the past. The fact that Jeff is already a known and respected figure within our State was an extra benefit.”
The Commission has requested that Governor McKee also appoint Emidy as Rhode Island’s next State Historic Preservation Officer, a federally mandated, unpaid position that is generally filled by the Executive Director.
Emidy has worked in historic preservation for more than 22 years. At the Commission, he advanced from National Register Assistant to Project Review Coordinator, to Deputy Director and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer before being named Executive Director. He has served as interim executive director on two occasions.
Emidy was born and raised in Rhode Island. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont. Prior to joining the RIHPHC, Emidy worked at an environmental consulting firm and a cultural resources management company in Rhode Island. He has taught historic preservation, served on a local historic district commission, and has made presentations on historic preservation and local history at sites throughout Rhode Island.
“I am honored to have been selected to be the next Executive Director of the RIHPHC,” said Emidy. “I look forward to working with the talented staff of the office to address topics and issues identified in the agency’s most recent statewide historic preservation plan, including recognizing the contributions of underrepresented communities, adaptation to climate change, expanding the connections between our preservation and heritage programs, and assisting the public and state agencies to preserve our state’s historic resources.”
The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state agency for historic preservation and heritage programs. The Commission identifies and protects historic and prehistoric sites, buildings, and districts, administers grants, loans, and tax credits for rehabilitation of historic buildings, reviews federal and state projects that affect cultural resources, and regulates archaeological exploration. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to recognize the ethnic and cultural heritage of Rhode Island’s people.
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PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) announced today the launch of a pilot program aimed at addressing the needs of Rhode Islanders who are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness who have acute injuries and illnesses. The program will be managed by Westbay Community Action, together with the State and multiple community partners.
“Last year, my administration and the General Assembly made a once in a generation investment in housing for the State of Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. “People experiencing homelessness with acute medical and behavioral health conditions have unique needs that often cannot and should not be managed while living on the street or in shelters that are not equipped to facilitate recovery. I am thankful to our team and the community partners who stepped up to help us continue building a continuum of housing supports for all.”
The Medical Respite Care pilot will serve community members statewide experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity who are preparing for or recovering from medical procedures, hospitalization, or generally are in need of a safe place to heal from an acute illness or injury. For example, an individual experiencing homelessness with a broken leg, or in need of wound care for a burn or other skin issue would be a potential client for this program. In addition, select beds have been assessed by a team of clinical infection preventionists, and will be available for referral by the Rhode Island Department of Health for individuals required to isolate from an infectious disease such as COVID-19.
“One of our agency’s top priorities is focusing on the root causes and social determinants of health, of which housing is a critical piece,” said EOHHS Acting Secretary Ana Novais. “Medical respite care improves each client’s overall health by providing a safe environment to medically recover, addresses health-related social needs by providing clients with necessary wraparound services, and decreases healthcare expenditures by preventing recurring illness and emergency visits.”
The program, located at the Hallworth House facility at 66 Benefit Street in Providence, will begin with an initial capacity of 20 beds with plans to add an additional 10 beds as need and funding dictate.
“Westbay Community Action is honored to be able to partner with the State of Rhode Island to begin the Medical Respite Pilot Program run out of Hallworth House in Providence, Rhode Island. This opportunity will provide those individuals facing homelessness and housing insecurity an environment to safely recover from their acute medical problems, while also providing wrap around service to assist with housing stabilization, case management services and access to state programs,” said Paul Salera, President/CEO of Westbay Community Action.
Referrals will initially only be accepted through existing pilot partners (RIDOH, Thundermist, Providence Community Health Centers and Lifespan), but will have the potential to expand to other referral sources as the pilot is evaluated and if scale-up plans are initiative.
“We are honored to collaborate with EOHHS on the provision of medical respite services in Rhode Island to provide a necessary bridge in the road to recovery for individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Dr. Barry Fabius, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island. “Medical respite can serve as a safety net for many fragile patients who don’t have a safe and appropriate place to transition to after a hospitalization, leading to overall improved health outcomes and better quality of life.”
Clients will be engaged with a medical provider, who will oversee client care and recovery. Additional services will be offered on site, including connections to social supports and programs, behavioral healthcare resources, housing navigation support, and medication assisted treatment as needed. Clients will be provided with a single room with 24-hour access to an established bed, three meals per day, and cleaning and laundry service. Each person’s length of stay in the program is dependent on their individual recovery period and treatment plan.
“Housing is a public health emergency in Rhode Island,” said Paul George, MD, Thundermist Health Center. “Access to safe, stable housing is directly connected to a person’s overall health. I see the need for this program when taking care of patients every day. Combining housing and health care is an innovative approach that will save lives. This is an important next step in addressing homelessness in Rhode Island.”
People experiencing homelessness have complex social and health care needs and use hospitals at higher rates and for longer periods of time than their housed counterparts. According to Rhode Island’s Point-in-Time Count, from 2021 to 2022, the population of those who are unsheltered and chronically homeless increased 105 percent, and adults experiencing homelessness increased 35 percent.
“A significant number of individuals who are homeless or lack appropriate housing to recover from an acute medical condition also have behavioral health conditions – which means substance use, mental health conditions or both. This makes them one of the most vulnerable populations that our agency is dedicated to serving,” said BHDDH Director Richard Charest. “A Medical Respite program would help these individuals recover from their acute condition, and with behavioral healthcare resources provided along with medical care, this will give many individuals who fall through the cracks due to homelessness an opportunity to be connected to much needed behavioral healthcare after they recover from their medical condition.”
Partners for this pilot include:
– Westbay Community Action
– Thundermist Health Center
– Providence Community Health Centers
– Lifespan
– Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness
– Housing is Health Collaborative
– UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island
– Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
– Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
– Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH)
– State of Rhode Island Department of Housing
“One of our goals as a community health center is to proactively address – and when possible, prevent – conditions that negatively impact a person’s health,” said Ray Parris, Executive Director of the Providence Community Health Centers’ Accountable Entity. “The Medical Respite Program will increase the odds of a successful recovery following a hospitalization while lowering the readmission rates for this already vulnerable group of people. We are proud to partner with the state of Rhode Island and other health organizations on this innovative program.”
This Program is made possible with funding from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Consolidated Homeless Fund through the City of Providence and Office of Housing, Thundermist Health Center, Providence Community Health Centers, Lifespan, and the Rhode Island Department of Health.
“Thank you to the Westbay Community Action Program, the City of Providence, and the RI Executive Office of Health and Human Services for providing support to Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness with acute medical and behavioral health conditions with the Hallworth House Pilot,” said Caitlin Frumerie, Executive Director, Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness. “As the Housing is Health Collaborative lead and fiscal agent for Westbay, we welcome and see the Medical Respite Pilot’s potential as a difference-maker in the health of unhoused Rhode Islanders with needs that often cannot nor should be managed while living on the street or in shelters not equipped to facilitate recovery. Connecting Rhode Islanders with medical providers, social supports, housing navigation support, and other resources help disrupt the cycle of homelessness and provide a brighter future for those in need.”
The Medical Respite pilot will be extended in six-month increments, depending on availability of funding and program performance. For more information about the Medical Respite program, please visit https://eohhs.ri.gov/initiatives/medical-respite-care.
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Expanded program enables victims of domestic violence, other crimes to protect their home address
PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore today announced the launch of Rhode Island’s Address Confidentiality Program, a mail-forwarding program designed to protect the home addresses of victims of domestic violence.
“I am proud to launch the Address Confidentiality Program and offer these critical supports to the members of our community who have survived domestic violence and other crimes,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “This program will help protect survivors’ personal information and enable them to continue to participate in civic life and other essential business. I encourage all eligible individuals who are interested in the program to apply.”??
The Rhode Island Department of State previously offered a similar program for voting purposes only. Through legislation passed in 2022, sponsored by then-Representative Amore and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dawn Euer, the program has now been expanded to provide mail-forwarding services.
“This program will make safe participation in public life possible for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other abuse, supporting these survivors as they build their futures,” said Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown). “I am proud to have sponsored this legislation, and I thank the Secretary of State’s office for their partnership in implementing this program.”
Program participants will receive a unique identification number and the Address Confidentiality Program Post Office Box address, which can be used as the participant’s substitute address. All first-class, registered, and certified mail received through the Post Office Box on the participant’s behalf will be forwarded to the participant by the Rhode Island Department of State.
“The RICADV envisions a future that is free from violence for all, including survivors of domestic abuse in Rhode Island. When survivors spoke out and shared their stories and need for safety, we were proud that Rhode Islanders listened, and legislators acted,” said Lucy Rios, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “The Address Confidentiality Program provides much-needed protections for survivors and their children who need to feel safe and secure in their new homes after relocating.”
The program is available to victims of domestic violence who have had to move or are planning to move to a new location for safety reasons. Other people living in the same household as the victim, such as children, parents, partners, or siblings, may also be eligible to participate.
Full eligibility information and application materials are available online at www.sos.ri.gov/AddressConfidentialityProgram, or by mail, fax, phone, or email from the Rhode Island Department of State. Assistance completing the application is available through the Rhode Island Department of State as well as partner agencies, including the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
To learn more about the Address Confidentiality Program, visit www.sos.ri.gov/AddressConfidentialityProgram.
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El Departamento de Estado de Rhode Island lanza un programa de confidencialidad de direcciones
El programa ampliado permite a las víctimas de violencia doméstica y otros delitos proteger su dirección residencial
PROVIDENCE, RI – El Secretario de Estado Gregg M. Amore anunció hoy el lanzamiento del Programa de Confidencialidad de Direcciones de Rhode Island, un programa de reenvío de correo postal diseñado para proteger las direcciones residenciales de las víctimas de violencia doméstica.
“Estoy orgulloso de lanzar el Programa de Confidencialidad de Direcciones y ofrecer este apoyo fundamental a los miembros de nuestra comunidad que han sobrevivido a la violencia doméstica y otros delitos”, dijo el Secretario de Estado Gregg M. Amore. “Este programa ayudará a proteger la información personal de los sobrevivientes y les permitirá seguir participando en la vida cívica y en otras actividades esenciales. Recomiendo a todas las personas que cumplan con los requisitos y estén interesadas en el programa que lo soliciten”.
El Departamento de Estado de Rhode Island ofreció anteriormente un programa similar solo para fines de votación. A través de la legislación aprobada en el 2022, patrocinado por el entonces Representante Amore y Directora del Comité Jurídico del Senado, la Senadora Dawn Euer, el programa se ha ampliado ahora para proporcionar servicios del reenvío de correo postal.
“Este programa hará posible la participación de forma segura en la vida pública para los supervivientes de la violencia doméstica, agresión sexual y otros abusos, apoyando a estos sobrevivientes a medida que construyen sus futuros”, dijo la Directora del Comité Jurídico del Senado, la Senadora Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown). “Estoy orgullosa de haber patrocinado esta legislación, y agradezco a la oficina del Secretario de Estado por su colaboración en la implementación de este programa”.
Los participantes del programa recibirán un número de identificación único y la dirección del apartado de correos del Programa de Confidencialidad de Direcciones, el cual podrá utilizarse como dirección sustitutiva del participante. Todo el correo de primera clase, registrado y certificado que se reciba a través del apartado de correos en nombre del participante será reenviado a mismo por el Departamento de Estado de Rhode Island.
“La Coalición de Rhode Island Contra la Violencia Doméstica, RICADV por sus siglas en inglés, ve un futuro libre de violencia para todos, incluidos los sobrevivientes de abuso doméstico en Rhode Island. Cuando los sobrevivientes hablaron y compartieron sus historias y sus necesidades de seguridad, nos sentimos orgullosos de que los habitantes de Rhode Island escucharan y los legisladores actuaran”, dijo Lucy Ríos, Directora Ejecutiva de la Coalición de Rhode Island contra la Violencia Doméstica. “El Programa de Confidencialidad de Direcciones proporciona protecciones muy necesarias para los sobrevivientes y sus hijos que necesitan sentirse seguros y protegidos en sus nuevos hogares después de mudarse”.
El programa está disponible para las víctimas de violencia doméstica que hayan tenido que mudarse o estén planeando mudarse a un nuevo lugar por razones de seguridad. También pueden participar otras personas que vivan en el mismo hogar que la víctima, como hijos, padres, parejas o hermanos.
La información completa sobre la elegibilidad y los materiales de solicitud están disponibles a través de nuestra página web www.sos.ri.gov/AddressConfidentialityProgram o por correo, fax, teléfono o correo electrónico directamente desde el Departamento de Estado de Rhode Island. El Departamento de Estado de Rhode Island ofrece asistencia para cumplimentar la solicitud, así como las agencias asociadas, incluida la Coalición de Rhode Island contra la Violencia Doméstica.
Para obtener más información sobre el Programa de Confidencialidad de Direcciones, visite www.sos.ri.gov/AddressConfidentialityProgram.
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January 17, 2023
As Prepared for Delivery
Mister Speaker, Mister President, distinguished members of the Assembly, members of our Congressional Delegation, General Officers, Chief Justice and members of the Judiciary, municipal leaders, members of my cabinet and Rhode Islanders watching at home – good evening.
Just two weeks ago, I had the honor of being sworn in for my first full term as Governor. Governor of a State I love.
During my inaugural address, I told a story about a family looking to move to a new community – one that was kind and caring just like the community they were coming from. That story showed us a simple truth: You often get what you look for. After that story, I said that the majority of Rhode Islanders want to look for the best in their state and in their fellow Rhode Islanders.
That fictional story was told by Hall of Fame basketball coach, John Wooden, someone I have admired since I was growing up with my brothers and sisters in Cumberland. Coach Wooden’s story reminded me of another story from October 2021 – when a flight landed at our airport with some of the first Afghan refugee families arriving in Rhode Island.
Eagerly waiting at the airport was Jonathan – a Rhode Islander who works at Providence College. Jonathan had spent years communicating with a man named Amin, an Afghan translator for the U.S. military, but they had never met in person. Thanks to Jonathan’s help, Amin and his wife and children were able to flee Afghanistan. They are now here in Rhode Island and part of our community.
To Jonathan and Amin – who are both with us here tonight – on behalf of the State of Rhode Island, I want to thank you for being an example of the best of our state.
I also used my inaugural address to highlight that it is Rhode Island’s time, our moment, our turn. That’s why, as I stand here tonight, I’m proud to say that Rhode Island is ready.
We’re ready to raise incomes for families across our state. We’re ready to improve education outcomes for our students. We’re ready to build a healthier Rhode Island. And we’re ready to ensure that everyone benefits from this work.
With $1.2 billion in federal funding flowing into projects across our state – we have an opportunity right now like we’ve never had before.
Over the past two years, we’ve laid a strong foundation by not only making short-term investments in our state’s families, small businesses, and workforce – but we’ve also put into place strategies and investments to ensure Rhode Island’s long-term economic success.
As I look out at this audience tonight, I am more optimistic than ever about Rhode Island’s future. And I hope you feel the same way too. I can say this with confidence because of what we’ve already achieved together, as one team.
We achieved the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history, and our economic recovery was ranked the best in New England. Rhode Island has momentum – I never get tired of saying that. But what I’m most excited about – even more than the progress we’ve made – is the potential that’s still out there for us to reach.
To get Rhode Island ready to reach our potential, we focused on aligning our state behind a vision for how we would emerge from the pandemic and what we want to become in the years ahead. And to get us started, our Administration did what we pledged to do from day one: we brought people together.
We engaged in conversations with residents, municipal leaders, members of the General Assembly, nonprofits, and community groups to create Rhode Island 2030 – our state’s master plan. This is your plan, an interactive working document, and I encourage you to visit RI2030.com to take a look at our goals for the issues that matter most to Rhode Island families – housing, education, health, climate change, jobs, and much more.
These recommendations helped guide our budget last year and how we invested our $1.2 billion in American Rescue Plan funds. Whenever I talk about this federal funding, I have to take a moment to thank our Congressional Delegation. Rhode Island is so fortunate to have Senators Reed and Whitehouse and Congressmen Cicilline and Magaziner. And I also want to recognize former Congressman Jim Langevin for his service.
We’re using these once-in-a-lifetime funds to build housing, stabilize the childcare workforce, support small businesses, create capacity for the offshore wind industry, and train Rhode Islanders to succeed in good-paying jobs. And these dollars are already being put to work.
The budget that this General Assembly passed was truly historic – but passing that budget was just one of the many successes we had in the last session. I want to again thank the Speaker and Senate President for their incredible partnership during my first two years in office.
We worked together to pass and sign legislation to tackle climate change and put Rhode Island on a path to 100 percent renewable energy by 2033. We worked together to pass and sign common sense gun safety legislation. Our work in this area is not done – let’s follow the lead of other states and send a bill to my desk that bans the sale of assault style weapons. I’m ready to sign that bill into law.
Together, we made it a priority to Cover All Kids in Medicaid and extend coverage for new moms. And let’s not forget – with one of the largest surpluses in the history of our state – we provided over $120 million in tax relief to Rhode Islanders. That’s in addition to the $100 million of relief on energy bills our Administration provided to Rhode Islanders.
As part of that relief, 110,000 child tax rebate checks went out to parents like Marisa and her husband who are here with their children tonight. I want to recognize Marisa for advocating for this relief. Marisa, thank you.
As part of our tax relief plan last year, Rhode Islanders no longer have to be burdened by a car tax bill in their mailboxes because, together, we eliminated it. Our seniors received an additional $4 million in property tax relief. Rhode Island Veterans, like Dora Vasquez-Hellner and her husband Dave who are here tonight, no longer have to pay the state tax on their military service pensions – because we ended that tax for good. Dora and Dave – thank you both for your service and for being here to represent Rhode Island’s Veteran community.
While this tax relief was historic – we know that Rhode Islanders are still dealing with rising prices at the grocery store, on utility bills, and at the gas pump. Gas prices are falling but not fast enough. And we know families have had to make difficult financial decisions because their dollar isn’t stretching as far as it used to.
That’s why, the budget I’ll submit to the General Assembly will propose a broad tax relief plan to help Rhode Islanders navigate inflationary pressures and make our state a more competitive place to do business.
Here’s what that plan will look like – first, let’s reduce Rhode Island’s sales tax. Right now, Rhode Island is tied for the second-highest state sales tax in the country. We’re ready to change that. Rhode Island’s sales tax was increased during the banking crisis with the promise that it would be reduced when we were back on solid financial ground. That promise was never kept. Now is the time to make it right.
We’re going to propose a fiscally-responsible, incremental reduction of the sales tax. Let’s start by reducing our sales tax to 6.85 percent – approximately $35 million a year of long overdue relief – and if we continue to have discipline in our budgets and get to the same rate as Massachusetts. we would save Rhode Islanders $173 million annually.
Second, let’s stop the scheduled gas tax increase. Rhode Island law requires us to implement a three cent increase on the gas tax starting July 1. The budget I’ll propose will stop this increase and provide nearly $25 million of gas tax relief to Rhode Islanders over the next two years.
Third, let’s give Rhode Islanders a tax rebate for the gross receipts tax on their energy bills this winter. This will result in over $35 million in relief for Rhode Island families and businesses.
Fourth, did you know that businesses across our state are required to pay a so-called litter tax? Here’s the kicker – the fees collected from this tax don’t even go towards cleaning up litter, and paying this tax is a big nuisance for small businesses. We need to improve our small business climate by doing away with fees like this. Let’s not only eliminate this tax, but let’s also fund an initiative to tackle the litter on our streets, beaches and recreational areas.
In place of the litter tax, we’re going to create a dedicated line item in the budget to Keep Rhody Litter Free – this is a priority for our First Lady Susan McKee, and I encourage Rhode Islanders to join our effort to get rid of litter by visiting: LitterFree.RI.gov and take the pledge.
Our budget will also propose reducing the dreaded corporate minimum tax which affects our state’s smallest businesses the most. I know we have some small businesses in the gallery here tonight – I want to thank you and all of our small businesses for how you stepped up during the pandemic and continued to advocate strongly for the small business community.
As a former mayor, I know how important fiscal responsibility is. That’s why, in addition to having no broad-based tax increases, my budget will focus on maintaining a trend of fiscal responsibility.
We will propose increasing the state’s rainy-day fund as well as setting aside money for future obligations to reduce our reliance on debt.
Potholes are a problem and we all know that they exist. That’s why, I’m putting on my former municipal leader hat and proposing that we launch a new matching grant program to help our cities and towns repair local roads while we continue to do the work to repair state roads across Rhode Island, just like we did on 295, which I drive on every day.
Here’s the bottom line: the budget I’ll put forward this week will continue providing economic relief for Rhode Island families, invest in Rhode Island’s future, and continue making progress toward our Rhode Island 2030 goals.
Housing is one of the most critical issues facing Rhode Island today and over the next decade. That’s why our Administration proposed a once-in-a-generation, quarter-billion dollar investment in creating and supporting more housing at all income levels. And I want to thank the General Assembly for acting on that proposal last year. Since that historic investment was passed, our Administration has worked to put that money into action.
Right now, we have over $90 million in funding from the historic $250 million available for developers. And 39 projects have already been funded that are anticipated to create or preserve over 1,000 units of affordable housing. In addition, the General Assembly created a standalone Department of Housing that went into effect on January 1 of this year.
I am committed to building a capable Department of Housing that is up to the challenge and opportunity that this moment represents. My budget will create a robust state agency, with additional funding to help our unsheltered population and set them on a pathway to housing.
But one person, one department, or even one entire Administration can’t address this problem alone.
Our General Assembly has a role to play. Our cities and towns have a role to play. Developers have a role to play. Nonprofits and foundations have a role to play. Our institutions of higher learning have a role to play. Labor has a role to play. Our business community has a role to play. We must all come together and work as one team if we’re serious about addressing this problem.
Our economic future depends on creating room for population growth and upon providing cost-accessible homes to our workforce. We need to keep our children here in Rhode Island – not price them out of our state. And we need to make homes affordable to families of every income level – including families who are especially cost burdened.
Let’s work together to set and, over time, achieve meaningful but realistic goals for housing production and affordability. I know we can do it – and we will. I don’t believe there is one community in our state that doesn’t want to see this happen.
Now, there’s an old story that I want to share about a painter who sets out to paint the perfect sunrise. He wakes up early, packs up his pickup truck with his canvas, his easel, and his paint brushes and heads to the beach to wait for the sunrise. When it finally happens, he thinks to himself – this sunrise is beautiful – but maybe tomorrow will be better.
So, he packs up his things and goes back home. The next day, he wakes up early and goes back to the beach to wait for the sunrise. As the sun is rising, he again thinks to himself – maybe tomorrow’s sunrise will be even better than today.
When it comes to fixing Rhode Island’s education system, we can’t be like that painter. Instead of waiting for what we think might be better day in the future, we must stay the course, double down on our efforts, and tackle the challenges facing Rhode Island’s education system today.
Rhode Island, we’re ready to put the paintbrush to the canvas, and we’ll give a brush to anyone who wants to do the work with us. But when it comes time for change in education, we’ve waited long enough.
This education movement must happen in all 39 cities and towns and Commissioner Infante-Green is ready to work with each community to raise student achievement. When the State manages school districts it is not a nonchalant exercise. To be successful it must be intentional, it must be supported by state and local leaders. It must be supported by our teachers and union leadership, and it must be supported by parents and the community. Most importantly – it is not forever.
The state has intervened in two local school districts. One for too long and one for not long enough to get the job done. I want to recognize Providence Superintendent Dr. Javier Montanez who is already grabbing his paintbrush and doing the work to deliver results for Providence students. Javier, I know you’re watching tonight at home, thank you for stepping up.
Back in 2019, the Hopkins Report brought to light many issues in the Providence Public School system, including the condition of the buildings which were described with phrases like “dire condition.” Around that same time, there were $900 million worth of building needs for Providence Public Schools – with only $160 million available to fix this problem.
I have personally had my feet on the ground in every single Providence Public School and I’ve seen firsthand that the buildings are in a better condition – we’re no longer talking about all the same physical spaces that were described in the Hopkins Report. This is good news, and the work continues.
In Providence there are already eight new or like new construction projects in progress with additional new schools in the early planning stages. And I’m proud to say that soon, Providence will have 50 percent of its students in new facilities – a tenfold increase from 2017. This is progress and we’re going to stay the course.
And this isn’t just happening in Providence. Statewide, 22 major new school projects are currently under design or construction. I want to thank the leadership at the local level – our school committees and city and town councils – for helping us make this happen. Our students deserve this progress, and we’re using the $300 million that was approved last year by the voters and supplemented in our budget to deliver for them.
We know that the pandemic had a dramatic impact on our children’s education. And while we’re glad that our kids got back into the classroom as quickly and as safely as possible – we know that there are years of recovery ahead.
For the last three years, the state budget has held communities harmless for student enrollment changes during the pandemic. Since the pandemic, overall public-school enrollment has declined by about 5,700 students. If we as a state decide to revert to the regular school funding formula, this would result in a loss of approximately $30 million to traditional public schools.
It is time for us to make a targeted modification to the funding formula to improve outcomes and support students with greater needs. The budget that I will send to the General Assembly will invest an additional $57 million in K-12 education and another $4 million for out-of-school learning programs.
We will fully fund our multilingual learners and high-cost special education to address the needs of these students. And within the first 100 days of my full term, we will be outlining a plan to reach Massachusetts education levels by 2030. And as always, to achieve this, we will work with anyone who is willing to do the work both in and outside the classroom.
Some economists say that our economy may struggle in the coming months and years. That may or may not be true – but either way, Rhode Island will be ready. You’ve heard me say it before: the best way to lessen the impact of an economic downturn is to invest in J-O-B-S, good-paying jobs.
That’s why we’re making key investments in Pawtucket, in Providence, in Galilee – all around the state. We want to build on our momentum and do everything we can to make Rhode Island stronger economically. To that end, our administration has prepared the most significant capital budget in the history of the State.
The budget surplus and economic stimulus funding from the federal government has put us in a position to make a record-setting investment in Rhode Island and in the people of Rhode Island. In addition to economic development projects happening across the state through public and private partnerships over the next several years, we will also have 137 state infrastructure projects totaling nearly $2 billion moving forward.
But having these funds budgeted is not enough and it’s not enough to just have a lot of good ideas in the pipeline – we need to get these projects completed quicker. Accordingly, I have directed my staff to implement an accelerated project delivery strategy that will engage the private sector more comprehensively. This will result in job creation, operationalizing improved facilities, and a stronger economy.
We are making immediate investments to shore up the long-term economic success of our state. For example, this past year we broke ground on a new state health lab and life science facility in Providence’s Innovation District – thank you again to our Congressional Delegation for securing that funding.
We’ve always talked about Rhode Island being a hub of bioscience activity and over the last few years we’ve laid the foundation for this growing sector. It’s time to double down and make a major investment in Rhode Island’s life science sector. My budget will reflect this investment and I look forward to working with the Speaker on this key priority that we both share.
So Rhode Island – it is our time. We have momentum and if we keep up the tremendous determination we displayed during the pandemic, we will be ready to embrace the significant opportunity ahead.
We have the tools. And with all of us working together – we have the team to be successful. Let’s go write our state’s next chapter. Rhode Island is ready
Thank you.
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