If we haven't met yet, I'm your state senator representing Burrillville, Glocester, and North Smithfield.

"We are being asked to rubber-stamp a $900 million increase over last year's budget. ... That's an aggressive 6% spending spike in one fiscal year." Said @JessicaforRI

No truth to the rumor that Senator Thomas Paolino used that Harry Potter wand to cast a spell on the Senate leadership. He just uses it to push the green or red buttons. #ExpectoPatronum

In The News: rhodeislandcurrent.com/ @JessicaforRI @RICurrent

During the break the Senate President cracked the whip.

.@JessicaforRI on the record high $15.2 billion dollar budget that passed the Senate on a vote of 32-6 with zero broad based tax relief for the middle class.

Before Lexington and Concord, before the Boston Tea Party, there was the Gaspee Affair. On June 9, 1772, Rhode Islanders burned the British customs schooner Gaspee in Narragansett Bay—one of the earliest acts of armed resistance against British rule and a precursor to the American Revolution.

What a great weekend as we celebrated Rhode Island Day of Portugal — a reminder of the deep and lasting bond between America and Portugal. Boa festa a todos! 🇺🇸🇵🇹

"Where is the children's union?" Take 5 minutes and listen to this. So proud to have @JessicaforRI standing and fighting for kids in my home state of Rhode Island against union bullies trying to block every exit from the failing system they and their political allies built.

Honored to join Glocester today for the planting of a Liberty Tree — one in every city and town across Rhode Island to mark 250 years of American independence. 🌳 A special thank you to Secretary of State Amore and the Rhode Island 250 Commission for the invitation and for making this initiative possible. Rhode Island has always punched above its weight when it comes to this nation’s founding. Before Lexington and Concord, there was the Gaspee. We were the first to call for a Continental Congress, and the first to declare independence — May 4, 1776, two months before the rest of the colonies. “We hold these truths to be self-evident — that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” 🇺🇸

I’ve heard a lot of people repeat the same talking points — either unaware of the facts, or worse, not being truthful. As Senator Rogers points out charter schools cannot discriminate against students with disabilities or learning challenges. That is federal law.

30,000 applications. 3,000 seats. The demand is undeniable — Rhode Island parents are desperately seeking educational alternatives. But what did the Senate do? They made certain that families who can’t afford to leave a failing school don’t have an exit. This moratorium protects a system — not the kids inside it. 83% of Hispanic voters support charter schools. 88% of Rhode Islanders believe parents should choose the school that fits their child. A lot of those senators talk about equity January through May — but come June, they vote against it.

Senate Bill 2787 imposes a moratorium on new public charter schools, and worst of all, it works retroactively. Pulling the rug out from under students, parents, and educators who followed the rules. Statewide, there were over 30,000 applications for roughly 3000 seats, and the Senate's response is to trap families on waitlists and renege on seats already approved.

Gov. McKee says he had no idea his campaign ad had sex and drug jokes in it. I actually believe him — this is the same guy who didn’t know what happened with the Washington Bridge, or the massive data breach, and apparently has no idea why Zambarano Hospital hasn’t had a shovel in the ground in the five years after the GA appropriated funds.

.@JessicaforRI reacts to proposed $15.2 billion state budget. #HoldMyCoffeeMilk

.@JessicaforRI on McKee Administration abandoning plans for new LTECH hospital in Burrillville after unexplained delays and millions of taxpayer dollars wasted.

$14.3 billion to $15.2 billion…… $1 billion more reasons not to vote for this budget.

Early bird: ✅ Early worm:💀

Senate Minority Whip Gordon Rogers - Surplus tax funds should be returned to the taxpayers. It's the right thing to do. @JessicaforRI

Rhode Island is finally moving toward an Inspector General — and that's a good thing. But not all IG bills are created equal. House Bill 8562 exempts the General Assembly entirely. If you spend public money, you should answer to an IG. A step forward is still a step forward. Even if it's five steps forward and two steps back.