RIDE, R.I. Department of Human Services announce Summer P-EBT benefits
THE R.I. DEPARTMENT of Education and the R.I. Department of Human Services recently announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service granted approval to the state to extend the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer program for the summer months.
PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Education and the R.I. Department of Human Services recently announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service granted approval to the state to extend the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer program for the summer months.
PROVIDENCE Courtney Hawkins, the director of Rhode Island s Department of Human Services, has resigned, effective May 14.
In a letter delivered to the state s health and human services secretary, Womazetta Jones, on Thursday, Hawkins wrote: Leading the team of hundreds of dedicated public servants at the agency has been the greatest honor and opportunity of my life. Together we have stabilized the department s operations while implementing a number [of] programmatic improvements which have impacted and improved the lives of thousands of vulnerable individuals and families, she wrote.
Governor Dan McKee s spokesman, Matt Sheaff, said: It will be a priority for the McKee Administration to find a candidate to lead this department which plays a crucial role in the lives of so many Rhode Islanders. We thank Director Hawkins for her service and wish her all the best.
2/23/2021
Jennifer and Dennis DeLoach with their daughter, Zoë Rose.
PAWTUCKET – Demand for child care is through the roof, say Jennifer and Dennis DeLoach, owners of Joyful Hearts Childcare Center in Pawtucket, but space constraints at their current location, in rented space from First Baptist Church at 91 Cottage St., is preventing them from meeting the need.
The owners are among those advocating for passage of Question 5 when the state votes on bond questions March 2.
Approval of Question 5 would allow the state to create the Early Childhood Facilities Fund, administered under supervision of the R.I. Department of Human Services, to improve the quality of early childhood facilities. Funding would be distributed through small grants for urgent health and safety needs and provide for quality improvement and reconfiguration of space, as well as a larger pool to address the creation or rehabilitation of vacant or blighted properties for new high-quality spaces.
Joe Rodio, Jr.
Incoming Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced on Tuesday the selection of Joseph Rodio Jr. as Chairman of his transition team.
Rodio is an attorney at the Providence-based law firm, Rodio & Ursillo. Rodio currently serves as legal counsel to the Lt. Governor’s Office and previously worked with McKee during his time as Mayor of Cumberland.
The junior Rodio is a graduate of Penn State and Northeastern University Law School.
McKee’s spokesperson for the transition team is the long-time public relations pro Michael Trainor.
Pandemic Briefing
According to Trainor, on Sunday, McKee received an initial virtual briefing from members of the state COVID response team. The team highlighted the latest updates on the virus management strategy, hospital capacity and vaccination rollout.