Tagged: Rhode Island

A Senate committee heard testimony Tuesday on a proposed expansion in the expungement of criminal records in Rhode Island. Supporters call expungement a way for former offenders to overcome past mistakes.

Deacon Jay Parker was one of the people to speak before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Parker says criminal charges from more than 20 years ago have been an obstacle when he’s applied for jobs.

Rhode Island state representative Gregg Amore is proposing a crackdown on drunk drivers.  Under a bill he submitted, drivers with a DUI conviction or those who refuse a breath test would be required to have ignition interlock systems installed in their cars. The device requires a driver to submit to a breath test before starting their car.  

Seventeen other states have similar laws, including Connecticut and New York.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, states where ignition interlock programs have significantly reduced recidivism rates.

The snow will get heavier, the winds stronger, and National Grid is working to avoid power outages.

The latest information on cancelations and closures can be found here.

Some towns have parking bans but no public schools are delaying the start of school this morning as snow falls across the state.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee says he’s having some trouble getting people to serve on the board of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. Seven of the 13 board seats are empty and the agency has no director.  

Chafee says people he’s approached are reluctant to serve because of the high-profile nature of the troubled agency.

Central Falls schools are in for a major facelift thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Central Falls is one of 16 cities across the country to receive generous grants from the Microsoft mogul.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has made a $10 million grant to the Central Falls District-Charter Collaboration Compact. That’s a coalition of Central Falls public schools and five nearby charter schools.  The money will be used to upgrade and build schools. Central Falls superintendent Fran Gallo says the funds will be put to good use.