Latest news with #RhodeIslanders
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
6 candidates are vying to fill Ruggerio's state Senate seat. See who's running.
Six Rhode Islanders − four Democrats, one Republican and one independent − have declared themselves candidates to fill the late Dominick Ruggerio's state Senate seat. The closely watched Democratic primary for Senate District 4 representing parts of North Providence and Providence will feature a town council member, a well-known former member of the House of Representatives, the brother of a former Providence mayor and a three-time challenger to Ruggerio. The primary is July 8 and the winner will go on to the special general election Aug. 5. Candidates have until June 10 to submit nomination papers with the signatures of 100 registered voters to qualify for the ballot. Lenny Cioe Jr. is a registered nurse who in the last three regular District 4 elections has challenged Ruggerio from his left. "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence," Cioe, of North Providence, said in a news release announcing his candidacy. Stefano Famiglietti is a 33-year-old North Providence town councilman and attorney. "This community is my home," Famiglietti said in a news release. 'And while no one can replace Senate President Ruggerio, I believe I can be a strong advocate for the issues that matter most to the people of District 4." Marcia Ranglin-Vassell is a Providence schoolteacher who served three terms in the House of Representatives and is best known for upsetting then-House majority leader John DeSimone in 2016. Ranglin-Vassell, 65, was elected with the support of the progressive Working Families Party and in her final House term passed the Trauma Informed Schools Act. Manny Taveras is the brother of former Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and former City Hall staffer currently working as an account executive for a pharmacy benefits manager. 'Rhode Island should be a place where families can start a small business, buy a home, and sendtheir kids to great local schools,' Taveras said in a campaign announcement. Alexander Asermely, of North Providence, will carry the banner for the GOP in this historically Democratic district. He is an attorney. "I was born and raised in the Fruit Hill area of North Providence, where I have watched the devastating effects of our economy crush families and small business owners not just in our community but across Rhode Island," Asermely said in a campaign announcement. is a multi-time candidate. In 2022 he took 6% of the vote running as a Democrat in the primary against Ruggerio and Cioe. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Senate special election: 6 candidates seek to fill Ruggerio's seat
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Republicans' Chances of Beating Dan McKee for Rhode Island Governor—Poll
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new poll delivered red flags for Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, a Democrat, ahead of his reelection bid next year. Why It Matters The poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire, suggests that a majority of Rhode Islanders are unhappy with McKee's leadership ahead of the 2026 midterms, when Republicans could be eyeing the race as a potential opportunity to flip, despite the state's long-standing record of being solidly Democratic. Although the poll did not ask about specific head-to-head matchups for the election, the results could be troubling for Democrats in the state. The state has not elected a Republican governor since 2006, though it did support independent former Governor Lincoln Chafee in 2011. Newsweek reached out to McKee's campaign via email for comment. What to Know Only 19 percent of Rhode Islanders approve of McKee's job performance, while 71 percent disapprove of him, according to the survey of 653 Rhode Island residents from May 22 to May 26, 2025. The poll had a margin of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. It found that 74 percent of all Rhode Island voters—including 60 percent of Democrats—do not believe McKee deserves to be reelected; only 11 percent said they think he deserves to be reelected. Thirty-two percent of respondents said they want to see Democrat Helena Foulkes, a businesswoman who challenged McKee in 2022, to run again, while 23 percent said they want Republican Ashley Kalus to jump into the race. Only 19 percent said they want to see former Governor Gina Raimondo, who served as Commerce secretary under former President Joe Biden, run. At the same time, the poll found that President Donald Trump is also unpopular in the state. Only 37 percent of respondents gave him positive marks, compared to 61 percent who disapproved of his performance during his first few months back in the Oval Office. Joe Powers, chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, described the poll as a "glaring reflection of the Governor's failed leadership and the growing dissatisfaction among Rhode Islanders" in a statement to Newsweek, pointing to the closure of the Washington Bridge, pay raises for the governor's cabinet and the sanctuary state designation as key issues the state is facing. "The upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race, while traditionally leaning Democratic, is poised to be highly competitive. The Republican Party of Rhode Island is committed to presenting a viable alternative—one that prioritizes transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the genuine needs of our citizens," he said. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee meets with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in Warwick, Rhode Island, on May 5, 2021. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee meets with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in Warwick, Rhode Island, on May 5, 2021. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images While McKee remains unpopular, according to the poll, a Republican victory in the state may not be an easy feat, given the state's Democratic lean. It backed Vice President Kamala Harris by nearly 14 points in 2024 and voted for Biden by more than 20 points in 2020. On the presidential level, Rhode Island has not voted for a Republican since 1984. McKee, who assumed office after Raimondo resigned to join the Biden administration, won his first full term in office in 2022, defeating Kalus by nearly 20 points. What People Are Saying WPRI political analyst Joe Fleming told the Providence-based news station: "The governor has some serious work to do over the next six months or so to show voters that he's doing a good job and deserves reelection. If he can't do that, I think you'll see Democrats lining up to run for the office." McKee told WJAR in March: "I think that we've made a great deal of progress, keeping people safe during the COVID certainly was important, opening the businesses at that time. Keeping people safe when I shut down the bridge, the Washington Bridge, and now we're actually in the process of rebuilding that bridge and have the money in place." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether McKee will face a primary challenge from fellow Democrats or which Republicans may enter the race. The primary is still more than a year away on September 8, 2026. The Cook Political Report currently classifies the race as being Solid Democratic, though Sabato's Crystal Ball classifies it as Likely Democratic.
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
R.I. considers taxing the rich to help offset federal cuts
The Rhode Island Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up Representative Karen Alzate, the Pawtucket Democrat sponsoring the House version of the bill, stood on the State House steps, leading the rally in a chant of 'Tax the rich!' Advertisement 'This is the year to do it,' Alzate said. 'We can no longer wait until next year. We're seeing what's coming out of Washington. And it is important that we get ahead of it before they come for us.' Behind her a countdown clock ticked down, estimating that there were 20 days and 1 hour left in this year's legislative session. " This session is almost over," Alzate said. 'This is our last chance to do something right and let them know that we are done waiting.' The bill would take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Advertisement Top legislators have said the Assembly might need But Alisha Pina, coordinator of the Revenue for Rhode Islanders coalition, said, 'We need our legislators to be proactive, not reactive. We don't want you to come back in the fall and consider it then. We want you to consider it now.' Pina said Massachusetts is using revenue from the rich for priorities such as child care, roads, bridges, and public transit. And she said Rhode Island has needs of its own. 'We've got a bridge that you can walk over faster,' she said, referring to Senator Melissa A. Murray, the Woonsocket Democrat who introduced the Senator Melissa A. Murray, a Woonsocket Democrat, speaks in favor of her bill to raise the income tax rate on the top 1 percent of Rhode Islanders. Edward Fitzpatrick " What could we do with $190 million?" Murray asked during the rally. 'We could fully fund our public schools. We could pay for meals for our kids in schools. We could pay for mental health supports for kids in school. We could bolster health care. We could lift children out of poverty. We could restore the cuts to pensions. We could slash the tax on Social Security.' But during the Senate Finance Committee hearing, Jason Martiesian said the Rhode Island Business Coalition opposes the proposal. He described Massachusetts as 'an outlier' nationally, and said 20 states have lowered their top incomes tax rates since 2020. Advertisement 'We think it's important to get a broader context,' Martiesian said. 'Since COVID, businesses and people can work anywhere. So it's important, we believe, that Rhode Island sets up a measure of attracting businesses and workers so that we can grow our economy, provide more tax revenue and services.' Marc Perlman, CEO of Ocean State Job Lot, said the company formed 48 years ago with three people who had zero take-home pay. 'We put everything back in the business,' he said, and the company became deeply involved with philanthropy. Today, he said, 'We have 1,500 Rhode Island families that depend on us.' But, he said, 'We couldn't do this if we weren't a pass-through organization. We couldn't invest back into our company.' A pass-through entity is a legal business structure that is not subject to corporate income tax because it passes profits onto the owners. Perlman said business people can find more favorable tax environments in states such as Florida. 'Even our former governors have left the state,' he said. '(Donald) Carcieri is in New Hampshire, (Philip) Noel is in Florida. I don't know where Gina (Raimondo) is, but they're not here.' Melissa Travis, chairwoman of the Rhode Island Business Leaders Alliance, objected to the bill, and said, " This doesn't target the wealthy. It's targeting the Main Street business owners. It would increase their taxes substantially." But Alan Krinsky, director of research and fiscal policy at the Economic Progress Institute, said opponents are presenting " misleading information" about the bill's impact. He said about 90 percent of those who claim pass-through income are not in the top 1 percent and will remain unaffected by the proposed tax. Advertisement 'Any suggestion that this bill would directly affect most or even a large majority of small and micro business owners is inaccurate,' Krinsky said. During the rally, speakers said new revenue is needed to plug a state budget deficit of up to $200 million. And they noted Governor Daniel J. McKee " I think it's only fair that those at the very top should share the burden that the rest of us have all the years,' said Tommy Cute, a bus driver who is about to retire after 45 years at RIPTA. 'It's only fair that they pitch in and contribute more to run these operations and to save RIPTA.' The Senate bill to tax the rich is cosponsored by new Senate President Valerie A. Lawson, an East Providence Democrat, and new Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III, a Providence Democrat. When asked on Thursday for his stance on the bill, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, a Warwick Democrat, said legislators have 'no shortage of meritorious proposals that affect state resources' as the session enters its final weeks. 'The magnitude of the uncertainty of the federal funding picture and the numerous holes in the governor's proposed budget complicate both balancing this year's budget and planning for the unknown,' Shekarchi said. 'I continue to keep many options on the table for this challenging task.' The Senate Finance Committee voted to hold the bill for further study. Advertisement Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
RI Republicans propose cutting renewable energy programs to reduce utility bills
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — House Republicans have announced a suite of bills cutting back renewable energy programs they say are driving up Rhode Islanders' energy bills. 'Far too often, the utility is painted as the villain, but many of these cost increases stem from legislative mandates — laws passed by the General Assembly that forced utilities to buy expensive energy or fund inefficient programs,' House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale said at a news conference Thursday. The bills, proposed just before the legislative deadline, would do everything from ending solar and wind projects to eliminating the energy efficiency charge. ALSO READ: RI lawmaker wants to cut back on clean energy to lower utility bills One bill would put a pause on net metering, which offers credits to renewable energy customers. 'Right now, solar customers are credited at the full retail rate for energy,' Chippendale said. 'They produce up to 125% of their usage. That's not market-based. It's an inflated rate that gets passed on to every single ratepayer in this state.' Some Democrats at the State House argue renewable energy costs are not the problem — profits are. Legislation proposed by state Rep. Meghan Cotter instead aims to curb the profit margins of utility companies. A spokesperson for Rhode Island Energy said the company has met with leaders from both parties. READ MORE: Expensive electric bills put RI clean energy policies into spotlight 'We welcome smart legislation that prioritizes a balance between reliability and affordability, and look forward to continuing to work with those members of the General Assembly who are committed to that same goal,' Caroline Prettyman wrote. Conversations have gotten louder in Rhode Island as residents continue to share stories of high utility bills. RELATED: Rhode Islanders shred utility bills at State House to protest rising costs 'The money should come back to Rhode Islanders through the profits that Rhode Island Energy is bringing in, instead of by rolling back green energy initiatives that are aimed to make our state better for, you know, not just right now, but 100 years to come,' said Zach Mezera with the Working Families Party. He believes the conversation about utility reform shouldn't be a partisan issue. 'Rhode Island Energy has a lot of money for marketing,' he said. 'They know that this is an issue that wedges right into the middle of the public. So for our part, we think they're trying to pit us left and right, young and old, pro green and anti green against each other.' 12 RESPONDS: Getting answers to your utility bill questions Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Poll finds McKee's approval rating slides to 19%, while that same number want Raimondo back
Only 19% of Rhode Island voters approve of the job Gov. Dan McKee is doing, according to a new University of New Hampshire poll. The poll of 653 Rhode Island residents was conducted online and through text message between May 22 and May 26. It found 32% of respondents want former CVS Pharmacy executive Helena Foulkes to run for governor, 23% want former Republican nominee Ashley Kalus to run and 19% want former governor and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to run. Of those three, Foulkes has said she expects to run, Kalus has said she is considering it, and there is no indication Raimondo is seeking to return to Smith Hill. McKee's 19% job approval rating in May declined from 23% in a March UNH poll, and 71% of respondents disapproved of the job he is doing. The survey separately asked voters whether McKee should be reelected next year. Only 11% said he should, versus 74% who said he should not be reelected in 2026. The poll said 60% of self-identified Democrats said McKee should not be reelected in 2026, 88% of independents didn't want him to seek another term and 92% of Republicans. By contrast, 54% of Rhode Islanders polled said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed deserves reelection in 2026 and 33% said he does not deserve reelection. The poll also asked whether voters wanted to ban military-style firearms, with 55% of respondents saying they support banning so-called assault weapons and 37% against such a ban. Thirty-seven percent of Rhode Island poll respondents approved of the job President Donald Trump is doing and 61% disapproved. In March, UNH found Trump's Rhode Island job approval rating was 40% with 59% disapproving of the job he is doing. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: In RI, Gov. Dan McKee sees approval rating slide, along with Trump's
