The Rhode Island House of Representatives used a speedy three-hour debate Tuesday to pass a $14.3 billion budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, amid uncertainty about possible fallout from GOP spending cuts in Washington, D.C. The vote came on a 66-to-9 mostly party-line vote. State Rep. Marie Hopkins (R-Warwick), a nurse who said […]
Mike Chippendale
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
RI House Judiciary Committee approves assault weapon ban bill
In a historic vote, the Rhode House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would ban guns defined as assault weapons as of July 2026, sending the legislation to the House of Representatives for a vote on Thursday. If the measure becomes law, guns purchased before the effective date will still be legal. The […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for April 11, 2025
April vacation week is here for the General Assembly, so prepare for a more active phase of the session once lawmakers return to the roost. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right […]
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
RI House GOP Leader Mike Chippendale on Trump’s tariffs, government accountability and more
For now, it’s unclear if Trump will be able to deliver on his promise to increase prosperity by bringing more manufacturing back to the US. Rodin was a hub of industry 100 years ago, and state leaders have struggled for decades to bolster the state’s economy. So is Trump on the right track by trying to wind back globalization or is his approach a recipe for chaos and uncertainty? Does voter discontent with the status quo offer an opening for Rhode Island Republicans, and is Trump’s overall approach good or bad for the state. This week on Political Roundtable, Ian Donnis goes in depth with the Republican leader in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, Mike Chippendale.Â
Posted inLocal, Politics
Bipartisan push begins in Rhode Island for latest inspector general proposal
State Rep. George Nardone (R-Coventry) is spearheading the latest legislative effort to create an Office of Inspector General in Rhode Island, arguing that the state sorely needs an independent voice for accountability. Speaking during a Statehouse news conference on Wednesday, Nardone said about 20 lawmakers — a mix of Democrats, Republicans, and the lone independent […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb.14, 2025
Spring is drawing closer and — huzzah! — the Sox suddenly look much better. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** 1. STORY OF THE WEEK: Providence is Rhode Island’s […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for March 1, 2024
With the arrival of March, we’re on a glidepath to more daylight and the crack of the bat. 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. *** […]
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
RI House GOP Leader Mike Chippendale on the Washington Bridge, McKee’s budget, immigration & more
This week, Ian Donnis talks with Republican leader in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, Mike Chippendale of Foster.
Posted inPolitics
R.I. GOP backs new effort to create an inspector general
State GOP leaders say the Democrats’ supermajority in the legislature has prevented the issue from moving forward.
Posted inEpisode, Political Roundtable
Bonus Q&A: Chippendale On Ukraine, Board Of Elections & RI House GOP Priorities
Rep. Mike Chippendale (R-Foster), the second-ranking Republican in the RI House of Representatives, joins Bonus Q&A to discuss impeachment proceedings in Washington, questions about a new location for the state Board of Elections, and GOP House priorities in the new session starting in January.
