Marc Comtois
The ProJo wonders why there are fewer immigrants showing up at immigrant rallies, but Rev. Robert Beirne, a priest at St. Anthony’s in Providence has the answer: The estimated 300 people in attendance were but a fraction of the participation seen at immigration-rights rallies in years past. “I’m very disappointed,” said the Rev. Robert Beirne,…
Via N4N: Rep. Stephen R. Ucci (D-Dist. 42, Johnston, Cranston) has introduced legislation that would allow voters to decide on a proposal to increase term lengths for and impose term limits upon members of the General Assembly. Under the proposal, elections held after 2010 would be held every four years. Legislators would serve four-year terms…
Not sure if Ian was chumming the waters with his headline, but I’ll bite: Jerzyk looking to sell Rhode Island’s Future. Heh, some of us would agree (ba dum bum). Ian has more from Matt: For me, I have given 3 years of my life to getting RI Future off the ground and I am…
Sure, it may be an easy mark, but just because they make it easy, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be noted: During their marathon House budget-cutting debate last Friday, lawmakers talked again and again about the need to “share the burden” and “share the pain.” But they decided to spare themselves from making any contribution to…
Is this a sign that today’s tough economic times are affecting even the ultra-rich liberal set? That For Sale sign on the front lawn of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s Elmgrove Avenue house in Providence is not an optical illusion. The senator and his wife, Sandra, are selling the house and consolidating their family at their house…
Wake up from ye slumber Laffeyites and Chafeeniks, thar’ be news! I’ve been staying away from the internecine warfare of the RI GOP lately, perhaps because it’s been relatively calm. But it looks like things are about to get roiling again. Ian Donnis has the scoop that Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian (a Chafee protege) will…
So, faced with a reduction in benefits, about 2,500 state workers are expected to retire. Under the new plan, they’d have to be 59 years old, have 20 years in and then would have to pay $1,700 per year for health benefits (20% of the total health package). Currently, retired state workers pay nothing towards…
Here’s the supplemental budget that our legislators are being asked to read, digest and pass this evening. I’m short for time and in a hurry, but here’s what I can gather for “highlights”: Reduction of almost 300 Full-Time Equivalent Positions (ie; jobs cuts) Amendment that essentially kills the future privatization of government services. Makes the…
Rep. Nick Gorham has proposed a bill to let us all know who is getting walking around money from the State Legislature (h/t Ian @ N4N). The legislation (PDF) states: SECTION 1. Chapter 35-3 of the General Laws entitled “State Budget” is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 3 35-3-28. Legislative grants. –…
Some recently discovered documents indicate that the Chicago Black Sox of 1919 may have been “inspired” by the Chicago Cubs of 1918. You know, the team that lost to the Boston Red Sox… [I]n the gambling scandal that never was, the ’18 Cubs just might have laid down for that year’s A.L. champ, the Red…