Speaking on the anniversary of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo and Attorney General Peter Neronha said Thursday that imposing new restrictions on guns is a matter of saving lives.During a Statehouse news conference packed with anti-gun violence activists, Raimondo and Neronha unveiled their support for bills to ban what […]
General Assembly
Lawmaker Wants RI To Consider Relaxing ‘Punitive’ Prostitution Law
A Rhode Island lawmaker believes the state’s laws governing sex work are too punitive and she wants to create a 12-member commission to review possible changes. “Certainly, it needs to be talked about simply because – and not only because – women are getting a bum rap and are unfairly being targeted and punished when […]
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For February 8
It’s almost time for spring training, and politics never takes a holiday. Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. The number of voters in House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello’s Cranston district who work […]
Legislative Jobs For District 15 Voters Have Multiplied During Mattiello’s Time As RI Speaker
The number of patronage jobs from House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello’s Cranston district has almost tripled during Mattiello’s time as speaker. Patronage jobs are one of the tools that a legislative leader like Mattiello can use to reinforce his own political power at the Statehouse.
Patronage Jobs From Speaker’s District Almost Triple During Mattiello’s Tenure
The number of patronage jobs from House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello’s Cranston district has almost tripled during Mattiello’s time as speaker. Patronage jobs are one of the tools that a legislative leader like Mattiello can use to reinforce his own political power at the Statehouse.
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For February 1
The early phase of Rhode Island’s legislative session remains busy, with scores of people coming to the Statehouse to sound off on one of the nation’s most divisive issues. That’s part of what we’re looking at, so thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you […]
Political Roundtable: Raia On Raimondo’s Budget & The Abortion Debate
Mike Raia, the departing communications director for Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, joins Political Roundtable this week to discuss the governor’s budget plan and the legislative debate over abortion legislation. (Raimondo was supposed to be the guest, but something came up at the last minute.)
Bonus Q&A: Raia On DCYF, Raimondo’s Profile, Marijuana & Morena
Mike Raia, the departing communications director for Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, pinch hits for her on Bonus Q&A this week. The topics include New York Times’ columnist Frank Bruni’s recent column on Raimondo and problems related to the state Department of Children, Youth and Families.
Supporters, Opponents Set To Sound Off On Abortion Bill In Committee Hearing
The debate over whether the landmark abortion law Roe vs. Wade should be codified in Rhode Island law is heating up once again. A series of abortion-related bills will be the subject of a House Judiciary Committee hearing starting Tuesday afternoon. Scores of abortion-rights supporters and opponents are expected to turn out to offer testimony […]
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics & Media Roundup For January 25
The disruption of natural gas service on Aquidneck Island shows how unexpected events can have a big impact. The fallout from that will continue in the months to come. So thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on […]

