After losing the support of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson is trying to rally backing from fellow senators to keep him in the chamber’s second-ranking post. Pearson did not respond when asked to identify his level of support from fellow senators. But the Cumberland Democrat reiterated his view that health challenges […]
RI Senate
Posted inLocal, Politics
R.I. Senate President Ruggerio wants to sack his majority leader
After months of speculation, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio has gone public with his support for replacing his number two, Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, with Senate Democratic Whip Val Lawson. “Val is a vital member of our leadership team,” Ruggerio said in a statement. “She has provided valued guidance and leadership on every aspect of the […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Sept. 27, 2024
There is so much pent-up demand for retelling the tale of the secret apartment at Providence Place that it could be a growth industry for Rhode Island (who needs Hasbro?). You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my […]
Posted inLocal, Political Roundtable, Politics
RI Senate Democratic Whip Val Lawson on Washington Bridge, East Providence and the future of the Senate
Valarie Lawson has enjoyed a rapid rise in the Rhode Island Senate. Lawson was first elected in 2018 and she is now the third-ranking member in the chamber. The East Providence Democrat may climb even higher. Senate president Dominick Ruggerio is 75. If he wins re-election this year, Ruggerio is expected to pass the Senate […]
Posted inLocal, Politics
Sen. Miller elaborates on move to not seek re-election
Two days after declining to confirm or deny that he will be leaving the Senate, Rhode Island state Sen. Joshua Miller released a long statement touting his record and saying that he will leave unfinished work for others to tackle. The Public’s Radio reported Sunday that Miller, 70, shared his decision with celebrants at the […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Politics
Nominee to lead RI Health Department wins initial approval
Dr. Jerome Larkin was praised by a series of fellow physicians and other acquaintances Thursday before being endorsed by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee as the next director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. The committee approved Larkin’s nomination on a 5-to-1 vote, with Sen. Eileen Morgan (R-Hopkinton) casting the only one […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for April 19, 2024
School vacation week made for some swift journeys across the Washington Bridge. 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 WEEK: As the […]
Posted inHealth, Local, Politics
Rhode Island Senate touts package to address healthcare needs
The Rhode Island Senate unveiled a package Tuesday of 25 bills meant to boost healthcare access and affordability in the state. A variety of related challenges, ranging from a shortage of primary care doctors to the uncertain future of some local hospitals, have gained growing attention in recent years. The Senate legislation responds by targeting […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Nesselbush joins departures from RI Senate
Rhode Island state Sen. Donna Nesselbush (D-Pawtucket), who was first elected in 2010, has joined the growing number of senators who are not seeking re-election. “It would not surprise me if we still see some others,” Nesselbush told The Public’s Radio in an interview. Nesselbush said she began hearing an inner voice over recent months […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Coronavirus Roundup For April 3
Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. I hope you’re healthy and in good spirits. As always, I welcome your tips and comments, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) As the coronavirus crisis continues, the good news is that Rhode Island remains ahead of the […]
