Yearly Archives: 2015

Whitehouse, Langevin, and Cicilline Lead Economic Development Administration Head on Tour of Rhode Island

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse hosted the head of the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams, on a day-long tour of Rhode Island. They met with Rhode Island businesses and discussed ways that the EDA could support economic growth and job creation in the state.

SBA Declaration Awarded for Kent County to Aide Those Displaced by Westgate Condominium Fire

On Monday, April 6, 2015, the State of Rhode Island received notification that Kent County was awarded a Non-Stafford Act Administrative Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to assist the victims of the Westgate Condominium fire that destroyed 38 apartments and displaced 56 people on March 11, 2015.

ORA Releases its State 5% Hotel Tax Report for January 2015

The Office of Revenue Analysis released its report on the state 5% hotel tax. The report looks at the collection and disbursement of the state's 5% hotel tax which is levied on the rental of lodging for less than 30 consecutive days at the state's hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts.

Sen. Whitehouse Applauds U.S. Commitment for Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Today the Obama Administration announced the United States’ commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of the global effort to tackle climate change.  The commitment comes in advance of the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Paris in December, where countries from around the world will attempt to forge a new international climate agreement.  U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below regarding the U.S. commitment:

Raimondo Highlights Details of Proposed School Building Authority

Governor Gina M. Raimondo today highlighted the details of her proposed School Building Authority, which will put people back to work modernizing Rhode Island schools so that our students are learning in safe, clean, warm, and dry facilities.

Forsyth Street Home Invasion Defendants Plead Guilty

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that all the individuals involved in a violent home invasion in July 2014 on Forsyth Street in Providence that left two individuals injured have pleaded to their roles.

Delegation Announces $3.3 Million In Federal Head Start Grants for RI

In an effort to provide early learning opportunities for children throughout the state, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced $3,298,277 in federal grant funding for two Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Rhode Island.

RI Communities to Receive $3.3 Million to Support Public Housing

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that 25 Rhode Island communities will receive a total of $3,292,642 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Public Housing Operating Fund. The money will be used to support the operation, upkeep, and management of public housing facilities across the state

Building Skills: Governor Raimondo’s FY 2016 Budget Recommendation

"Helping students build the skills they need to succeed in a 21st century economy is one of the best investments we can make. It's investing directly in people to give them a ladder of opportunity, and it's also an economic driver for our state. My jobs budget will invest in each rung of the ladder - our schools, college affordability, and workforce training for adults." - Governor Gina M. Raimondo

The Ethics Commission held its 3rd meeting of 2015 on March 10, 2015

Issued Advisory Opinion 2015-8 to Robert R. Moreau, a member of the Woonsocket City Council, opining that he may represent himself before the Woonsocket Board of Tax Review in order to appeal the tangible property tax assessed against a business that he owns, based upon a finding of hardship in accordance with Rhode Island General Laws § 36-14-5(e).

Pichardo bill would give housing priority to veterans

Sen. Juan M. Pichardo (D-Dist. 2, Providence) has submitted legislation that would give homeless veterans an edge when seeking public housing assistance. The bill would give veterans a priority for housing rental subsidy and housing retention assistance by amending the Rhode Island Housing Resource Act.

R.I. Officials, EPA Celebrate Successful Climate Showcase Communities Partnership

Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), elected officials, and community leaders to celebrate innovative work accomplished by four Ocean State communities to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in municipal and residential buildings. The communities -- East Greenwich, North Providence, South Kingstown, and Warwick – received a $497,492 EPA grant in 2010 to establish and implement climate change initiatives.

RI Delegation Announces $5.6 Million to Improve Disability Housing Assistance

In an effort to ensure that Rhode Islanders with disabilities and special needs have access to affordable rental housing and supportive services, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that Rhode Island Housing will receive a federal boost of over $5.6 million.

Raimondo Signs Executive Order Strengthening Municipalities for Future Growth and Success

Governor Gina M. Raimondo today signed an executive order strengthening municipalities for future growth and success. This order will help cities and towns reduce costs and property taxes, helping Rhode Island families and encouraging businesses to grow jobs

Popular

Rhode Island Treasury Reunited 8,860 People with $11.7 Million in Unclaimed...

The Office of Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner reunited 8,860 people with $11.7 million in unclaimed property in the fiscal year that ended on June 30

Recent

Langevin, Whitehouse Highlight Bill to Invest $170 Million in Fixing RI...

Congressman Jim Langevin and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today joined with state, town, and labor officials by the Factory Bridge in West Warwick to call on Congress to pass the Strengthen and Fortify Existing (SAFE) Bridges Act. The SAFE Bridges Act was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Whitehouse, and others last month and will be introduced in the House this week by Langevin. The bill would deliver up to $170 million to repair Rhode Island’s deficient and crumbling bridges and create construction jobs