The state of Rhode Island has a new strategy to spur development of housing: a “land bank.” The goal: make it easier for municipalities to identify unused property that can be used for housing projects, while reducing land acquisition costs for developers. The General Assembly created the land bank during the 2025 legislative session. It […]
June Speakman
Posted inLocal, Politics, Transportation
RIDOT head says RI has enough bridge money even with possible Trump block on funds
Even if the Trump administration hangs onto hundreds of millions of federal dollars already promised to Rhode Island, the state will have more than enough money to build a new westbound Washington Bridge, Transportation Director Peter Alviti said Thursday. Alviti said more than $600 million has been allocated for the bridge and a series of […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb. 16, 2024
The more chocolate that can be worked into legislative publicity efforts, the better, I say. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** STORY OF THE […]
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
State Rep. June Speakman on Washington Bridge, the fight for affordable housing, and a political scientist’s view on 2024
This week we’ll hear from House Oversight Committee member state Representative June Speakman. Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti faced four hours of questions during a legislative Oversight hearing earlier this week. But after it was over, some key questions remained unanswered — including how the westbound Washington Bridge passed an inspection last summer and is now considered so damaged that it may need to be replaced. More insight into what happened is expected when additional engineering information becomes available within the next few weeks. So for right now, did the Oversight hearing really accomplish anything? Is Alviti the right person to lead the response to the crisis involving the Washington Bridge? And do state lawmakers have the technical expertise to run an effective Oversight process?
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For February 28
Question of the Week: Will Bernie Sanders run the table on Super Tuesday? 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. 1) All other things being equal, Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung can be expected […]
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Bonus Q&A: Speakman On RI House, Climate Change & Why She’s An Undecided Voter
June Speakman, who won a special election last year for a Rhode Island House seat representing Bristol and Warren, joins Bonus Q&A this week. The topics include the outlook for reform in the chamber, how Warren is being affected by climate change, and why Speakman did not sign on to a letter released by a group of critics of leadership.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Political Roundtable: Speakman On How The Grand Jury Probe Is Affecting the RI House, & The Democratic Presidential Race
Rhode Island state Rep. June Speakman (D-Warren) joins Political Roundtable to discuss the focus on House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and the evolving Democratic race for president.
Posted inArticle, Politics
Speakman Wins RI House Seat In Bristol-Warren Special Election
Progressive Democrat June Speakman cruised to victory over three opponents in yesterday’s special election in the Bristol-Warren House district.
