Rhode Island State Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) has introduced legislation on behalf of the town of Tiverton that would guarantee the stipend received by communities that host the state’s casinos.
Nourish RI holds rally in favor of sugary drink tax abc6.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc6.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Dr. Amy Nunn speaks PHOTO: GoLocal s Richard McCaffrey
A wide range of public health leaders, elected representatives, children’s health experts, grocery industry executives, and other advocates from the Nourish Rhode Island Coalition gathered at the Rhode Island State House on Tuesday to voice their support for proposed bills that would improve children’s health and alleviate hunger in Rhode Island through a “sugary drinks tax.”
The legislation is opposed by the national beverage industry.
Currently, pending before the Rhode Island House and Senate Finance Committees is H5715 and S0327 that include a proposed 1.5 cent per ounce tax on unhealthy sugary drinks.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Rep. Jean Philippe Barros and Sen. Valarie Lawson
Guest columnists
Rep. Jean Philippe Barros, D-Pawtucket, represents House District 59. Sen. Valarie Lawson, D-East Providence, represents Senate District 14.
According to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, one in four local households will struggle to put food on their tables tonight. This is the highest level of food insecurity we’ve seen in 20 years, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the problem.
If you’ve ever relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to buy food, you understand the importance of seeing a “50% OFF” sticker on an item you and your family need. For many Rhode Islanders, the search for those discounts is the only feasible way they can provide their families with the fresh, healthy food they need.