U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) today announced the introduction of the Equality Act – legislation to extend anti-discrimination protections in public accommodations, housing, employment, federal funding, education, credit, and jury service. Cicilline, who is one of seven openly gay members of Congress, announced the Equality Act today during a press conference with Senator Jeff Merkley, who introduced the Equality Act in the U.S. Senate today, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, and Congressman John Lewis

Many Rhode Island homes have outdated underground wastewater systems. These systems, often cesspools, are inefficient and ineffective and contribute to public health and environmental hazards. This legislation replaces outdated systems at the point of sale and improves neighborhoods and local infrastructure.

Lila Delman Real Estate International, the source for exceptional real estate, reports the sale of 609 Beavertail Road in Jamestown, a premier oceanfront property. The sale of this iconic home marks one of the highest residential sales in Jamestown according to data from the Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service. Kendra Toppa of Lila Delman Real Estate International represented the buyers in the transaction of this stunning residence. The gated seven acre property overlooks Newport Harbor with panoramic views from every room

Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced two new public safety grants totaling $143,992 for the Smithfield Fire Department and the Westerly Ambulance Corps.

The Department of Health (HEALTH) recommends the closure of Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick, Goddard Memorial State Park Beach in Warwick, Oakland Beach in Warwick, and Warren Town Beach in Warren to swimming due to high bacteria counts. Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the areas are safe for swimming. Water quality analysis is conducted by the HEALTH laboratory or a state certified laboratory

Lucy’s Hearth has provided shelter and critical human services to women and children experiencing homelessness in the same building for over 30 years. On Monday, June 29th, Congressman David Cicilline, Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, RI Housing Executive Director Barbara Fields and other local dignitaries joined the staff, Board and community supporters of Lucy’s Hearth in launching their new home

Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, joined by House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello and President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed, today signed the Fiscal Year 2016 State Budget. This robust jobs plan begins the process of putting people back to work by rebuilding our schools, attracting and growing companies in Rhode Island, and making it easier and less expensive to do business here.

Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today announced that the state will receive two federal grants to better connect job seekers and employers. The state will receive $1,091,635 through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI). This funding will be used by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) to improve and expand the quality and availability of Rhode Island’s workforce data with linkages to education data.

The Department of Environmental Management announces that Cottrell Homestead in West Kingston has been named Rhode Island's 2015 Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year by the Rhode Island Green Pastures Committee. Winning dairy farmers from each New England state will be honored at an awards banquet on September 18th at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA

Safe boating patrols will be stepped up on June 26 to June 28 in a joint operation conducted by the Department of Environmental Management's Division of Law Enforcement. The effort is part of Operation Dry Water, a coordinated national crackdown on Boating Under the Influence (BUI). It is aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related and drug-related accidents and fatalities, and making recreational boaters aware of the dangers of alcohol and drug use on the water

U.S. Senator Jack Reed is warning that steep cuts to federal funding known as the sequester will take a real toll on America’s economy if the Republican leadership doesn’t take an interest in developing bipartisan solutions.

Senate Majority Leader Dominick J. Ruggerio, House Majority Leader John J. DeSimone and the City of Providence announced today that that will work together to develop a tax stabilization agreement, or TSA, for companies that locate in the I-195 Redevelopment District

Governor Gina M. Raimondo and the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $5.25 million to Rhode Island to support the newly-created “Real Jobs Rhode Island” initiative. Real Jobs Rhode Island, part of the Raimondo Jobs Plan, is designed to improve workforce training efforts in Rhode Island by aligning training efforts with employers and their specific needs.

The Department of Health (HEALTH) recommends the closure of Easton's Beach in Newport to swimming due to high bacteria counts. Officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend re-opening when the areas are safe for swimming. Water quality analysis is conducted by the HEALTH laboratory or a state certified laboratory

General Treasurer Seth Magaziner will join Rhode Island Treasury's Unclaimed Property Division at Burnside Park in Kennedy Plaza tomorrow, June 18, to help residents search and file claims for unclaimed property.