RHODE ISLAND â New legislation could make the possibility of a more affordable higher education reality for more young Rhode Islanders.Â
Last week, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D â Dist. 23 - Warwick) and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D â Dist. 4 - North Providence, Providence) introduced legislation to permanently enact the Rhode Island Promise program, which provides up to two years of free tuition for eligible Ocean State residents at the Community College of Rhode Island.
Currently, the program is set to expire with the next, incoming fall class. New legislation on the table looks to remove this sunset clause altogether, however, making the program a permanent option for young high school graduates.Â
Senate elects leadership; new committee chairs appointed; eight new members
Sen. Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) was once again elected President of the Senate. Also on the leadership team are Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick), Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and Deputy Majority Whip Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence). Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick) was elected President Pro Tempore, and Sen. Roger A. Picard (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland) was elected Deputy President Pro Tempore. New committee chairs include Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham), who will helm the Commerce Committee; Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) will lead the Education Committee; Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) will chair the Environment and Agriculture Committee; Sen. Ryan W. Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) will chair the Finance Com