Teresa Paiva Weed

After 16-Year Fight, Rhode Island Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Ian Donnis — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:49:49 +0000

To the delight of a crowd of hundreds of people in front of the Statehouse, Governor Lincoln Chafee on Thursday evening signed into law legislation making Rhode Island the 10th state to legalize same-sex marriage. Two companion bills forming the basis for the law sped through the General Assembly in recent weeks, in sharp contrast to how the issue of same-sex marriage languished for the preceding 16 years.

Women hold just 30 of 113 seats in the General Assembly

Ian Donnis — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:36:49 +0000

With the YWCA Rhode Island set to hold its fifth annual Women Holding Office celebration this evening at the Kirkbrae Country Club, it's a good time to revisit the under-representation of women in Rhode Island politics.

Three Top Questions as the RI Senate Is on the Cusp of Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

Ian Donnis — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:48:22 +0000

Tuesday was a remarkable day in Rhode Island politics. First, the five-member GOP contingent in the 38-member state Senate -- including the chamber's low-key minority leader, Dennis Algiere -- offered its unified support for same-sex marriage. Then, and much more significantly, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Ruggerio found himself on the wrong side of a key vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Rhode Island is now on the cusp of legalizing same-sex marriage.

Same-Sex Marriage Supporters Ramping Up Grassroots Campaign in Home Stretch

Ian Donnis — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:07:46 +0000

With a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on same-sex marriage legislation expected as soon as next week, the group leading the campaign in favor of legalization says it plans to deploy more than 300 people this weekend to knock on doors and make phone calls.

Ray Sullivan, the head of Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, says the stepped-up effort is meant to connect constituents in key Senate districts with their legislators "to carry the message and the banner that it's finally time to pass marriage equality."

Intended Grandfathering Language Left out of RI Assault Weapon Bill; Drafting Error Cited

Ian Donnis — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:13:02 +0000

Legislative language that would allow Rhode Islanders who own guns defined as assault weapons to keep them after the July 1 effective date is missing from the relevant bill.

TGIF: 12 Things to Know About Rhode Island Politics + Media

Ian Donnis — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:40:22 +0000

Happy Friday and welcome back. Your tips and thoughts are always appreciated in my inbox at idonnis (at) ripr (dot) org. Let's dive in.

Fox, Paiva Weed Call Broad Gun-Safety Proposal a Starting Point for Talks

Ian Donnis — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:41:48 +0000

A nine-point plan intended to reduce gun-related violence and reduce the threat of a school shooting in Rhode Island was unveiled by leading elected and public-safety officials at the Statehouse Tuesday afternoon. Legislative leaders repeatedly called the proposal a starting point for discussion, raising questions about what exactly will meet with General Assembly muster before the legislature ends it session in June.

Same-Sex Marriage Senate Vote On Horizon

Ian Donnis — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:16:25 +0000

The full Rhode Island Senate is expected to vote on same-sex marriage legislation within the next few weeks. That’s according to the spokesman for Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed.

The first step for the legislation is the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Same-sex marriage supporters want the General Assembly to approve same-sex marriage. Opponents favor a competing bill calling for the issue to be decided through a statewide vote.

The Senate is expected to consider the issue after its spring break next week.

State Leaders Reluctant to Intervene in Coventry Fire District

Ian Donnis — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:04:31 +0000

Legislative leaders signaled Monday that local officials in Coventry should be the ones responsible for addressing the future of a troubled fire district in the town. A Superior Court judge has ordered the Central Coventry Fire District to close April 11^th.

Paiva-Weed, Fox Bearish on State Help for Central Coventry Fire District

Ian Donnis — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:01:30 +0000

House Speaker Gordon Fox and Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed offered skeptical notes in response to requests Monday for state help to preserve the Central Coventry Fire District.

Superior Court Judge Brian Stern last week ordered the district to close April 11. The move came after voters in the district rejected a proposed tax increase.