When I ran for State Representative in 2012, I promised that I would go to the State House and be a strong voice for change and reform for the residents of Cumberland and Lincoln. In my first term, I have tried hard every day to do just that.
In my first term I had the honor of being selected as a House Deputy Majority Leader; as Vice Chair of the House Municipal Government Committee and as a member of both the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee and the House Small Business Committee.
I successfully sponsored legislation to increase transparency in
the public reporting of fire district meetings and records, and
supported legislation which united Cumberland’s fire districts.
I also co-sponsored, supported and voted for legislation to remove the master lever. I have been a longtime proponent of good government, and I was proud to fight to eliminate the straight party option from Rhode Island’s ballots.
I was also proud to advocate for and receive, with Cumberland Mayor Dan McKee, a $200,000 grant from the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for the development of a Valley Falls park including a multi-purpose field and the development of gardens, picnic shelters and trails.
I sponsored and passed legislation to increase Vocational Training for our youth by allowing students to train during
school hours in approved manufacturing career and technical programs.
I also worked with the Attorney General and passed legislation designating the first-ever “child safe zones” in Rhode Island, which aim to shield children from sexual predators. This common-sense legislation prohibits any facility that provides programs or services intended primarily for minors from employing a registered sex offender.
I also sponsored legislation which led to the enactment of a law allowing the state to divest from companies doing business with Iran.
Here are some photos from a great first-term of working hard for our community!
