At a time when news often emphasizes division and negativity, I remain committed to a different approach, one rooted in building community, strengthening relationships, and encouraging respectful, honest dialogue, even when we don’t always agree. Effective representation starts with listening, showing up, and treating one another with dignity.

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So much more unites us than divides us: we work hard, value our beautiful coastline, want the best education for our kids, safe neighborhoods, a roof over our heads and affordable health care. We want a bright future for the next generation here in Rhode Island.

 

2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION WRAP-UP

It's an honor to serve you as your State Representative. I now serve as Deputy Majority Leader for the RI House of Representatives. I also serve on the Corporations Committee and the Innovation and Technology Committees. I’m deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me and for the many conversations I’ve had with residents throughout my terms representing our district. I want to share highlights from 2025 and look ahead to the priorities I will continue to focus on in 2026.

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​Rising costs and uncertainty at the federal level required difficult choices, but the General Assembly ultimately passed a balanced budget that reflects our shared values: supporting families, caring for our seniors, and ensuring our communities have the resources they need to thrive. A major focus was strengthening health care. We invested in increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care providers, hospitals, and nursing homes. These investments help people access care closer to home and support caregivers, the backbone of our health care system.

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​Housing was another top priority. I hear from young adults, working families, and seniors on fixed incomes who are concerned about rising rents and housing costs. This budget increased funding for homelessness services and dedicated new resources to affordable housing. While there is more work ahead, these steps move us forward by recognizing that stable housing is essential to family security, healthy aging, and overall community well-being.

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We worked hard at the State and District levels. We were able to make life in our community better by:

• Fully funding library aid

• Increasing education funding, especially for special education

• Securing funding for the Charlestown Breachway rebuild

• Passing the South Kingstown High School bond

• Advancing legislation allowing New Shoreham to increase landing fees, manage its water district, and better structure its taxing authority. ​

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I am especially proud to have sponsored and passed two bills: 

• The Act on Coasts provides Rhode Island with a roadmap to strengthen coastal infrastructure in the face of rising seas. Rather than debating the causes, I am focused on preparing our communities, particularly in District 36, for the changes we are already seeing along our coastline 

• The Purple Alert establishes an early alert system when individuals with disabilities go missing, making Rhode Island one of a small number of states to prioritize this vulnerable population. In partnership with advocates, families, and public safety officials, we turned a tragic situation into meaningful action that strengthens our public safety response and saves lives.​

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As I look ahead to 2026, I am hopeful and determined. I will continue working to expand access to affordable health care, advance coastal preparedness, support our schools, address the housing crisis, help seniors age in place, and ensure our transportation systems work for rural communities. Above all, I remain focused on what matters most: our community and our shared humanity.

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