Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation pages provide you with the answers to questions about recycling, household hazardous waste, ewaste, where to get bins, and many others.

http://www.rirrc.org/questions/

Providence Boards and Commissions

The City of Providence is actively seeking applicants for Providence Boards and Commissions, with an immediate need to fill vacancies...

If you are interested in serving on a Providence Board or Commission go to: http://providenceri.com/boards-and-commissions

From the EdVoicesRI Newsletter

From the EdVoicesRI Newsletter
Updates on the Strategic Plan Process

The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education selected 26 Rhode Islanders to serve on the Ambassador Design Team, which will develop and write the next strategic plan for elementary and secondary education in Rhode Island.  There was an amazing response from over 300 Rhode Islanders who submitted applications to participate in this exciting process.

The final Team comprises two groups: a Core Team of 12 members, which will do the research and writing toward development of the strategic plan, and an Extended Team of 14 members, which will engage in school visits, outside research and readings, and other activities to support the thinking and the work of the core team. 

A full press release and list of members can be found here:  www.ride.ri.gov/Ambassador-Design-Team

The Team’s support staff will regularly post resources, materials, and the draft prototypes on the RIDE web site at www.ride.ri.gov/Strategic-Plan. 

Pro Jo article - ACCESS/RI Audit

Please see today’s article by Kate Bramson:  ACCESS/RI Protests Violations of Open-Records Law.  Linda Levin, ACCESS RI chairperson, gives details of our filing of complaints to AG’s office.   Amy Kempe, spokeswoman for AG’s office is quoted extensively as is Linda.  This filing begins the investigation of the individual complaints filed by our board.   Also, on Pro Jo website, Friday, Dec 19 article on ACCESS/RI filings.

The League of Women Voters Education Team blog

Hello Leaguers,

Last June in Dallas, we held an Education caucus to gauge the interest in sharing information about school choice and accountability.  There were 92 League members from 32 states in attendance.  We agreed to form national committees to track legislation and advocacy efforts regarding privatization of our public schools.

We have now launched a League Education Issues blog.  We ask for your help in advertising the blog in your communities.  Please let your membership know that they can subscribe and contribute to a better understanding of what is occurring in each state.

SUBSCRIBE AT:  http://lwveducation.com

Regards,
Sue Legg, Ph.D.
Chair, School Choice Project
Florida League of Women Voters

The Members of the Ambassador Design Team - RIDE

Deborah A. Gist
.
I am pleased to introduce the members of the Ambassador Design Team! These community members will use your feedback to help develop Rhode Island's 2015-2020 strategic plan for education.

http://ride.ri.gov/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/News/Design%20Team%20Members%2012-12-14.pdf

East Side of Providence Rocked by Crime

Friday, December 12, 2014
Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor

Property crime has seen an uptick on the East Side of Providence in recent months, and residents have been voicing their concerns -- and how to address the issue.

http://golocalprov.com/news/east-side-of-providence-rocked-by-crime

Providence City Council Votes to Create Economic Development Planning Commission

On Thursday, December 4th, the Providence City Council approved the second passage of an ordinance establishing an Economic Development Planning Commission...

The Economic Development Planning Commission will consist of 17 members, six appointed by the Mayor, six appointed by the City Council, and five department directors, including the Director of Economic Development, who will also serve as the commission’s chair. Commissioners will be appointed in January and will have until the end of 2015 to complete the economic development plan.

http://council.providenceri.com/ward5/Economic_dev_planning_comm12-10-19

2014 Providence free holiday parking

Shoppers will be offered two hours of free parking from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. beginning Friday, November 28, 2014 through Thursday, January 1, 2015 in the following commercial districts:

• Atwells Avenue – Bradford Street to Knight Street
• Broad Street – Public Street to Montgomery Street
• Downtown Providence – bounded by Fountain Street, Memorial Boulevard, Weybosset Street, Empire Street and Friendship Street (from Dyer Street to Dorrance Street)
• Hope Street – Rochambeau Avenue to Blackstone Boulevard
• North Main Street – Thomas Street to Park Row
• Olneyville Square – Route 10 to Sydney Street and Delaine Street to Atwood Street to Magnolia Street
• South Main Street – James Street to Packet Street
• Point St – From Eddy to East Franklin St
• Thayer Street – Meeting Street to Bowen Street
• Wayland Square – East Angell Street/Angell Street to Gano Street and Wayland Avenue from Angell Street to Pitman Street
• Wickenden/Ives – Wickenden Street at Benefit Street to Ives Street at Preston Street

http://www.providenceri.com/mayor/mayor-taveras-announces-return-of-free-holiday

12 things to know about Medicaid in Rhode Island

By Ted Nesi, WPRI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – When Gov.-elect Gina Raimondo tapped Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts as her secretary of health and human services on Sunday, the state’s incoming leader gave Roberts a clear mission.

“We have to commit ourselves to being the national leader in controlling Medicaid costs,” Raimondo declared, emphasizing that she wanted to “do it in a way that’s creative and innovative, so we don’t hurt people in the process.”...

Why is Medicaid such a big deal, and why is Raimondo focusing on it? Here are 12 facts to help you understand the program, its costs and its importance.

http://wpri.com/2014/12/08/12-things-to-know-about-medicaid-in-rhode-island/

Census survey details gaps in R.I. median income by race, neighborhoods

By PAUL EDWARD PARKER
Journal Staff Writer
pparker@providencejournal.com

PROVIDENCE — From 2010 to 2013, white Rhode Islanders and white residents of Providence saw their median household incomes increase, while their black and Hispanic neighbors saw their incomes decrease.

But numbers made public Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau, which take a detailed look at the city, show a much more complicated picture.

More

Yard Debris and Christmas Tree Disposal

The City's free, yard debris pickup program that began in the spring will end for the season on Friday, December 12th.

The City will begin free, curbside pickup of Christmas trees beginning Monday, January 12, 2015 until Saturday, January 24, 2015.

https://www.providenceri.com/mayor/providences-post-holiday-tree-disposal-schedule

Condition of PVD schools: ‘a kind of slow, horrible violence’

By Aaron Apps on December 3, 2014
RIFuture.org

I recently wrote a short op-ed for Providence Journal about the state of Gilbert Stuart Middle School demanding action be taken with regard to the physical state of our local schools.

A recent RI Future article published pictures from inside of this school, which show – even if only in part – how poor the conditions of the physical school buildings actually are in urban Rhode Island.
More

Volunteer for a Transition Committee

Visit www.transitionpvd.com to join a transition committee or to share your ideas.

Two-Day Symposium to Address Sea-Level Rise

On Dec. 9 and 10, the 13th annual Ronald C. Baird Sea Grant Science Symposium will host a public lecture and a one-day conference at Salve Regina University to educate coastal-area business owners and local decision-makers on how to reduce the impacts of flooding on their businesses and their communities.

The two-day symposium is sponsored by the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography and the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center, in collaboration with Rhode Island Sea Grant and the Pell Center at Salve Regina University.

For more information, click here. To register, click here.

RI Resource Recovery to host Eco-Depot collection in Johnston on Dec. 6

Eco-Depot is a free service provided by Resource Recovery that allows for the proper handling, packaging, storing, transportation and disposal of household hazardous waste.

This upcoming collection in Johnston is one of 45 Eco-Depot collections available throughout the state in 2014. To make an appointment for the collection or to view the entire 2014 Eco-Depot schedule, visit www.ecodepotri.org or call 942-1430, ext. 241.

Full Warwick Beacon Story

9 things to know about Providence’s new zoning ordinance

So what kind of changes can we expect from the new ordinance? Here’s an overview.

Agencies finding it difficult to cut way to balanced budget

By RANDAL EDGAR

Journal State House Bureau
redgar@providencejournal.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — When they met last month to talk about the budget, the message from lawmakers to department heads was find ways to close a projected $34.5-million deficit.
Some department heads, in response, are saying there’s only so much they can do.
More

Rhode Island Colonial Charter of 1663 to Receive State-of-the-Art Encasement

PROVIDENCE, RI -- Governor Lincoln D. Chafee together with Rhode Island Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis announced that the process has begun to provide for a new state-of-the-art encasement system for the Rhode Island Colonial Charter of 1663.

See story

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE OF RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL HOUSES

December 5, 2014 - The East Bay Met School - Newport, RI

 

Did you know that Rhode Island's school construction and renovation criteria-NE-CHPS-was recently updated? Come learn about the latest updates and more at this December workshop. Wrap up the day with an optional tour of the nearby Pell Elementary School.

What: A forum for school construction stakeholders to come together to shape ideas and projects

Who Should Attend: Architects, contractors, school superintendents, business managers, and others with an interest in Rhode Island School Construction

When: 9:00am to 3:00pm

 

Agenda and Registration: HERE

Rhode Island PK-12 Strategic Plan for Education Survey

You can help develop the vision for the future of Rhode Island's public schools! Take the Strategic Plan survey today and share it with your community networks!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2BSZ7L6

League of Women Voters Study of Library Funding‏

An Invitation to Study Library Financing: Join the Providence League Study Committee

 

The organizational meeting of the Providence LWV's library study will happen on

Wednesday, December 3, 10 am, at the home of Maureen Romans.

We plan to do the groundwork that will lead to a report on library funding, including analysis of data and interviews with key people.

 

For directions, or more information, contact mromans1031@yahoo.com

Rhode Island’s PK-12 strategic planning process

Do you want to be part of the team who will develop Rhode Island's next strategic plan for education? The deadline for applications to join RIDE's Ambassador Design Team is Sunday, November 23rd, so don't forget to submit yours!

http://www.ride.ri.gov/BoardofEducation/RI2015-2020StrategicPlanforEducation.aspx#23852-design-team

Aaron Regunberg’s District 4 Community Forum

Notes from newly elected State Representative Aaron Regunberg’s District 4 Community Forum at the Rochambeau Library November 17.

Meetings To Discuss City And State Agendas

From Sam Zurier's newsletter:
Now that the election has concluded, I and your State representatives wish to hear your ideas about the City's and State's priorities.  With that in mind, I have invited Senator Gayle Goldin, Representative Edith Ajello and Representative-elect Aaron Regunberg to join me for a community meeting.  It will take place on Tuesday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Nathan Bishop Middle School.  By having all of us together, we can address your concerns from both a City and Statewide perspective.  If you are interested in discussing State issues before that time, my colleague Aaron Regunberg will be holding a community forum tomorrow night (Monday, November 17) at 7:00 p.m. at Rochambeau Branch Library.  All District 4 residents are invited to come help him to frame his agenda.  If you are unable to come but wish to be part of the conversation, you can join Aaron's Facebook group.   

City Services

The City of Providence now offers 24-hour online assistance through ProvConnex. You will find links to information, forms, permits, applications, payments, and service requests organized by categories.

Free Uber & Lyft rides to the polls

The NAACP and Opportunities Industrialization Center of Rhode Island are teaming up with Uber and Lyft to get people to the polls.

http://www.abc6.com/story/27187047/free-uber-lyft-rides-to-the-polls

PolitiFact Rhode Island

PolitiFact Rhode Island is a partnership of the Providence Journal and PolitiFact.com, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Web site of the Tampa Bay Times.

See what PolitiFact has to say about candidate campaign statements this year.
http://www.politifact.com/rhode-island/

October 9, 2014 Mayoral forum - Video

Providence: October 9, 2014
Mayoral forum: Jorge Elorza, Vincent Cianci, Daniel Harrop 

 

Video                               

Summit Neighborhood Association city council candidates forum

Kevin Jackson, the incumbent member of the Providence City Council, and Marcus Mitchell, the write-in challenger, will appear together at an informal forum to answer constituents’ questions at a forum sponsored by the Summit Neighborhood Association at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, in the main dining hall of Summit Commons, 99 Hillside Ave. Light refreshments will be available. 

HealthSource Rhode Island: Status Updates and Upcoming Policy Decisions

PROVIDENCE – On Monday, October 20, the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) released “HealthSource RI: Status Updates and Upcoming Policy Choices.” The report is intended to provide stakeholders with background information on Rhode Island’s health insurance exchange, HealthSource Rhode Island (HSRI), and outline forthcoming policy decisions. The press release is available here and the full report is available here.

Crumbling Schools - Handouts

Materials from the 10/8/14 meeting with
Joseph Paul da Silva, NCARB, REFP
RIDE School Construction Coordinator,
Architectural Design Reviewer

Assessment Overview Flyer

School Construction Program Overview

Also,
RI School Construction Moratorium

SWMP September 2014 Preliminary Draft

State Planning Council has a preliminary draft of an update to the State's Solid Waste Management Plan out for review - a plan with direct impact on daily life. 

 

State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning: Solid Waste

Public Forums Flyer and Agenda
Public Forum Presentation
Public Forum Handouts
Public Forum Display Boards

 

SWMP September 2014 Preliminary Draft

Why read the SWMP?

At current disposal rates, the Central Landfill in Johnston has 24 years of remaining capacity and will close in 2038. Building another landfill in Rhode Island is unlikely and further expansion at the Johnston location is problematic.

The RIRRC’s financial condition, over time, has deteriorated due to several major factors:

1. The municipal tip (disposal) fee that has been frozen by the Legislature for 24 consecutive years at $32/ton. The tip fee no longer covers the operational costs of landfilling currently at $43/ton.
2. National economic declines in 2008 resulted in a reduction in commercial waste volume and the associated fees by 40%.
3. Regulatory compliance activities required RIRRC to incur a debt of $40 million for infrastructure improvements

Addressing current RIRRC funding shortfalls is a prerequisite to implementing programs to extend landfill life beyond 2038.

VOTE411

Disclaimer:

All statements and videos are posted directly by the candidate, unedited by the League of Women Voters and do not express the views of the League. The League never supports or opposes candidates or political parties.

Rhode Island Candidate Index
Rhode Island Race Index

Rhode Island Voting Information

Constitutional Convention

Some history on the "ConCon" provided by RI Future.org

Reminder - Education Reform Starts with School Buildings 10/17

Education Reform Starts with School Buildings

Foundation for Success: State Infrastructure in Rhode Island

In partnership with TD Securities (USA) LLC and RebuildRI, the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant is pleased to invite private, nonprofit, and public sector leaders to a symposium on the needs and methods for funding Infrastructure in the state of Rhode Island. 

 To Register - Free

Amended information on Funding for School Housing

School Housing Aid Statute

Percentages cities/town are reimbursed

Providence’s troubled city pension fund, in three charts

The sizable shortfall in Providence’s pension system for retired city workers has become a major topic of discussion in this year’s race for mayor, with facts and figures flying fast and furious.

See information on the pension fund prepared by WPRI

Reminder - two Providence LWV events‏

Reminder –Providence League of Women Voters events

1) Tomorrow: A Providence Conversation - Crumbling Schools: Too Awful to Ignore


The Providence League of Women Voters invites you to talk with:
Joseph Da Silva, School Construction Coordinator, RI Department of Education

 

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 

603 Angell St, Providence, 7: 00 pm

For more information, contact
joan.retsinas@gmail.com, (401)272-0422

2) Mayoral Debate, Thursday, October 9, Rochambeau Library, 6 pm (seating will start by 5:30)

With Vincent Cianci, Jorge Elorze, Daniel Harrop

The Providence Community Library has organized this debate; the Providence League of Women Voters is providing the moderator, the time-keepers, the question-gatherers.

Background Materials for Conversation on Crumbling Schools 10/8

RI (School) Housing Aid Formula

What each city/town receives (table)

EDUCATION FORMULAS AND FAIRNESS TO THE TAXPAYERS

Foundation formulas are used by states for two purposes: to calculate how much the education of children costs and to determine how to share those costs between state and local governments. These formulas can have different calculations for determining the local share. The state supplements the local share to reach the total cost of the foundation program. This paper looks at the local share calculation of the current Rhode Island formula and at the calculations of two other types of foundation formulas. Which formula is easiest to understand? Which one is fairest to the taxpayer?

The complete paper together with six tables

Rhode Island Voter Information Handbook 2014

In preparation for November's general election, R.I. Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis wants voters to be on the lookout for the 2014 Rhode Island Voter Information Handbook, which should begin appearing in local mailboxes in early October.

Draft Economic Development Plan for public hearing - 10/27

Members of the public are invited to review and comment on the full draft of the State Economic Development Plan, a product of the RhodeMap RI initiative.

For More information

Accessing Government in RI

ACCESS/RI has outlined the limitations on the public’s access in Access Limited:  An Audit of Compliance with the Rhode Island Public Records Act(2014). http://www.accessri.org/foi-audits.html

Education Reform Starts with School Buildings

Foundation for Success: State Infrastructure in Rhode Island

In partnership with TD Securities (USA) LLC and RebuildRI, the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership at Bryant is pleased to invite private, nonprofit, and public sector leaders to a symposium on the needs and methods for funding Infrastructure in the state of Rhode Island.

Agenda

October 17th, 2014

8:00 a.m.- Registration

8:30 a.m.-Best Practices of State Infrastructure Banks
                       
9:45 a.m.-Rhode Island Infrastructure: Where are we going and how are we going to get there?
                       
11:15 a.m.- Education Reform Starts with School Buildings
                      
12:30 p.m.-What are the Next Steps?

 To Register - Free

National Voter Registration Day‏ - September 23

If you know of anyone who needs to register or update their voter registration, the Providence League will be registering voters at the following places on September 23:

CCRI, Liston Campus, One Hilton St

11:00 am - 1:00pm
There will be a representative from the Secretary of State's office to do IDs if required.

Broad St. Y, Providence

9:30am - 11:30am 

YWCA, Woonsocket

11:00am - 1:30pm 

East Side Y, Providence

4:30pm - 6:30pm

For more information on Voter Registration see:
Providence Board of Canvassers  http://providenceri.com/board-of-canvassers
RI Secretary of State - Elections  http://sos.ri.gov/elections/

 

Conversation, October 8, 7 pm - Crumbling Schools: Too Awful to Ignore

The Providence League of Women Voters 

invites you to talk with:

Joseph Da Silva, School Construction Coordinator,

RI Department of Education

 

Topic: Crumbling Schools: Too Awful to Ignore


Tuesday, October 8, 2014,
7:00pm


603 Angell St

For more information, contact joan.retsinas@gmail.com

 

Too many schools throughout the state are decrepit. A three year-moratorium on state reimbursement for construction, debt-laden cities, a formula for state funding skewed to wealthier communities, decades of deferred maintenance: the roadblocks to fixing the crisis are numerous.

The LWV this year will be looking to advocate for solutions.

Please join us in the first Providence Conversation, geared around the physical state of schools.

Greater City Providence - website

Greater City Providence promotes the growth and development of the Greater Providence region in as urban a pattern as possible. Special focus is placed on the development of more walkable, affordable, and vibrant neighborhoods that are served by more robust mass transit and fueled by greater economic opportunity. We hope to see the Providence of the future is an urban environment and not a city plagued by inconsistent, uninspired, automobile-centric, and suburban-style development.

http://www.gcpvd.org/

RIPTA & riders hold meeting 9/23 to discuss Kennedy Plaza changes‏

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 • 5PM – 6PM Providence Foundation, 30 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and the RIPTA Riders Alliance will hold a community meeting to provide an update to the public on the changes happening in Kennedy Plaza.  

The discussion will include updates on the layout of new bus stops, designs for new shelters and signage, and management of the space. City of Providence staff will be on hand to answer any questions related to the ongoing construction.

http://www.ripta.com/ripta-to-hold-community-meeting-to-discuss-kennedy-plaza-updates

Constitutional Convention conference part one

First half of the "A Constitutional Convention for Rhode Island?" conference co-hosted with the Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership, Roger Williams University School of Law, and the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island.

New Mobile Voter App

The office of Secretary of State is offering a new mobile voter application, called RI VIC. The RI VIC APP is FREE and available for online download for Apple devices at the Apple store, and for android devices at Android Marketplace and Google Play.

With the app voters can learn their voter status, find out where to vote, research district information, get GPS directions, and more.

Instructions for download

LWVRI debate on RIPBS - Lt. Gpvernor - 8/28

Debate - Democratic Primary - Lieutenant Governor
on RIPBS
Thursday, August 28 at 8 p.m.

LWVRI Debates

Missed seeing the LWVRI debates for Secretary of State and Treasurer on RIPBS?

RIPBS has posted them on YouTube!

A Call for Help: Build a School Library in Providence

The new West Broadway Middle School has room for a library, but nothing to put inside, and a limited budget. The library needs bookcases, supplies, books, furniture, and technology.

If you have any of these, staff will move it. 

Contact Bill Black, West Broadway Principal, at (401) 575-8849, or william.black@ppsd.org 

Police Department Assessment Hearing

The team that is visiting Providence to assess the Police Department’s eligibility for voluntary professional accreditation by a national organization (recently won by the RI State Police) is holding a public hearing next Monday, August 18, to receive outside comments.

“As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session at 7:00p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2014.

The session will be conducted in the auditorium of the Providence Public Safety Complex, 325 Washington St., Providence, RI 02903.”

http://www.providenceri.com/police/accreditation-assessment-team-invites-public

LWVRI debates on RIPBS

The first of the League's debates was held last night - Democratic candidates for Secretary of State.

For rebroadcast information:
http://rhodeislandpbs.blogspot.com/2014/07/league-of-women-voters-candidates.html

Photo of the candidates on the set:
https://twitter.com/GDeRamel/status/500067816700403713/photo/1

Debate - Democratic Primary - General Treasurer:
Thursday, August 21 at 8 p.m.

Debate - Democratic Primary - Lieutenant Governor
Thursday, August 28 at 8 p.m.

Help us wth VOTE411

Providence and North Providence people ask your City and Town Council candidates if they have their Contact information on VOTE411. http://www.vote411.org/

Track who’s buying politicians with “Greenhouse” browser add-on

Greenhouse pulls in campaign contribution data for every Senator and Representative, including the total amount of money received and a breakdown by industry and size of donation. It then combines this with a parser that finds the names of Senators and Representatives in the current page and highlights them. Hover your mouse over the highlighted names and it displays their top campaign contributors.

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/08/track-whos-buying-politicians-with-greenhouse-browser-add-on/

Re:Zoning Providence

The Final Draft of the proposed Providence Zoning Ordinance and Map are now available online for review. 

by rezoningpvd

The Final Draft of the proposed Zoning Ordinance and Map will be discussed at the August 19th meeting of the City Plan Commission at 444 Westminster Street. Those interested in commenting on the Final Draft may either attend the August 19th meeting or may submit their comments in writing prior to August 19th to Choyon Manjrekar via email at cmanjrekar@providenceri.com.

To view the Final Draft of the proposed Providence Zoning Ordinance please click here.

To view the Final Draft of the proposed Providence Zoning Base Map please click here.

To view the Final Draft of the proposed Providence Zoning Overlay Map please click here.

To view the Summary Spreadsheet of proposed map changes please click here.

To view the Zoning Map Footnotes please click here.

Voter ID

To vote in Rhode Island you will be asked to show a current and valid photo ID.

The State will provide a free Voter ID to voters who don't already have a current and valid Photo ID

No eligible voter will be turned away at the polls. Voters who do not bring an acceptable ID to their polling place can vote using a standard Provisional Ballot. The ballot will be counted if the signature they give at their polling place matches the signature on their voter registration

Mail ballots do not require ID

For more Information:
List of Acceptable IDs
How to Obtain a Free Voter ID (required documentation of residence)
Where to Obtain a Free Voter ID (schedule of location and events)

August 10 Deadline to Register to Vote - Primaries

Who may register to vote in Rhode Island?

• a citizen of the United States,
• a resident of the Rhode Island city or town where you wish to vote, and
• at least 16 years of age. You must be at least 18 years of age to vote.

*If you are a convicted felon and not in prison and you are a US citizen at least 18 years of age on election day, you may restore your right to vote by notifying your local board of canvassers in writing that you have completed your prison sentence or by submitting a new voter registration form.

For more information:
http://sos.ri.gov/elections/

Governor's Candidates Forum on Senior Issues

The Senior Agenda Coalition of RI is sponsoring a Governor's Candidates Forum on Senior Issues, Monday, August 4, from 1 to 2:30 pm, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick. To register, go to http://tinyurl.com/SeniorForum, or call 401-351-6710. Seating is limited.

Extra Info for LWV re: School Building Conditions

The 2013 RI Dept. of Ed report by Joseph DaSilva, RIDE School Construction Coordinator. The report, Schoolhouse Report, was a 3 year study on the conditions and capacity of RI school buildings.

The 2014 Senate Task Force on School Housing Aid. This committee was charged with examining school facilities-funding for upgrades, repairs, closing buildings, etc. NOTE the members on the task force.

Providence City Council 2014 resolution (introduced by Solomon) asking for a Master Plan to assess/upgrade school buildings.  NOTE:  This resolution hinged on the state moratorium on construction/repairs ENDING this summer.  The General Assembly extended the moratorium.  NOTE the 80% reimbursement the city hoped for from the state.

Moratorium on School Repairs, Renovations, and Construction

The 2014 General Assembly extended 2011 3 yr. moratorium on school repairs, renovations, and construction for another year.
Cities cannot get state reimbursement for part of their school costs. (See Article 1). The moratorium is a state/RIDE budget issue.

*Fact: Due to moratorium, building upgrades and needed repairs are on hold in Providence and other RI cities/towns.
*Fact: Providence schools are mostly older buildings in need of major repair/upgrades. Prov. Councilman Sam Zurier has stated repairs needed are in the $700-$800 million range.
*Fact: State, City, School, Union officials are aware of repairs needed. With the moratorium, the minimal is done to save money.

Please read/scan the 3 articles. Links are below.

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140711-general-assembly-extends-moratorium-on-new-school-construction-for-another-year.ece

http://motifri.com/are-your-kids-warm-safe-and-dry-at-school/

http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140118-r.i.-school-officials-get-education-on-building-costs.ece?click=RB

Full Report by Sandy Riojas

Police Staffing

Here is some info for us as Providence residents:

1. City’s police force is now at 399 officers, down from 498 in 2001 (according to Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare).

2. A new crop of around 50 officers are expected to join the force later this year (October) when the Providence Police Academy graduates.(The article below says 60 recruits --but remember the numbers go down once the academy starts.)

Providence Police begin largest training academy in city’s history

SNA 2014 Candidate Forums

Summit Neighborhood Association is pleased to announce our 2014 Candidate Forums for the upcoming primary elections!

 

Tuesday, July 22
Providence Mayoral & Rhode Island State Representative

 

Wednesday, July 30
Rhode Island Gubernatorial

 

Both evenings will be held at Summit Commons from 7pm to 9pm.  Summit Commons is located at 99 Hillside Avenue in Providence.

 

Come a few minutes early for refreshments and elbow-bumping. We hope to begin the program at 7pm sharp.

Building on our tradition of presenting candidate forums from a uniquely Summit-centric perspective, we ask that you submit your questions that you would like answered at the forums. Please do this ahead of time by emailing questions to SNAProv AT gmail.com. (Please indicate which set of candidates you would like your question presented to – Gubernatorial, Mayoral or RI State Rep.)

Re:Zoning Providence - Drafts and Public Meeting

The revised public release draft of the City of Providence Zoning Ordinance is now available for download. The public release draft of the City of Providence Zoning Map is also available for download. For more information regarding specific proposed zoning changes by Neighborhood, click here.

A Public Meeting will be held Wednesday, June 11th at 6:00pm (meeting location: 444 Westminster Street, first floor) where City of Providence staff and consultants will present the key changes proposed in the third draft of the proposed zoning text and zoning map. Following a presentation of the key changes, staff and consultants will be available to gather your feedback and comments, and respond to questions and concerns regarding the draft zoning ordinance.

Adjusting the Property Owner Tax Rate

Excerpt from Sam Zurier's newsletter
              At its June 5 meeting, the City Council deferred consideration of a measure to adjust the relative property tax rates of owner-occupied and rental property.  As described in my June 1 letter, the measure, which was introduced on May 1, seeks to adjust the proportion between these two tax rates in 2015-16.  The normal procedure for this type of legislation is to refer it to committee for vetting, and then for the City Council to review it for passage at two separate meetings.  In this case, the City Council invoked a rarely-used rule to pass the ordinance for the first time prior to referring it to committee.  I opposed this vote, because the measure does not take effect for more than a year, and it raises significant financial issues for taxpayers.  Last week, the Ways and Means Committee scheduled a public hearing to take place Monday, June 16 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.  This hearing will allow the public to offer its input on this measure.  Among other things, I am interested in learning (1) how the recent revaluation affected the tax burden and rental market, and (2) how this ordinance, if enacted, will affect tax rates and the rental market.

Graffiti

Residents are urged to report graffiti to 1-800-TAGGERS or online at http://www.providenceri.com/PROVCONNEX. 

E-Waste

State law prohibits the disposal of e-waste (computer monitors and hard drives, laptops, TVs, including CRT, LCD, and plasma, and similar video display devices in your regular trash.

Call Waste Management Customer Center at 800-972-4545 to make an appointment for free pickup of e-waste, or dispose of e-waste in marked containers in the parking lot of the Department of Public Works at 700 Allens Avenue. E-waste collection events are also hosted by the RI Resource Recovery www.rirrc.org.

Good government groups call on Rhode Island Senate to withdraw ethics resolution

Common Cause Rhode Island, along with the Rhode Island Taxpayers, and the League of Women Voters of Rhode, ask the Rhode Island Senate to withdraw Senate resolution 2824 Sub A as amended. This resolution, which would put a constitutional amendment regarding the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission over the General Assembly on November’s ballot, has been hopelessly compromised. The groups remain committed to future efforts to fix the loophole created in 2009 by the Rhode Island Supreme Court’s decision in Irons v. Rhode Island Ethics Commission.
Read the editorial in today's (June 4, 2014) ProJo.
http://www.providencejournal.com/opinion/editorials/20140604-ethics-trojan-horse.ece

More

Reminder - Three upcoming events‏

1)    June 11, Wednesday, 4:30 pm, Governor’s Reception Room, State House
Celebration of Susan B. Wilson Award winners, a competitive award given to social studies teachers for excellence  (see www.lwvri.org for more details)

2)    June 12, Thursday, 6 pm, Wanskuck Library, 233 Veazie St,  Providence.  Mayoral candidates debate, sponsored by Friends of Providence Community Libraries, conducted by Providence League of Women Voters

3)    June 19, Thursday, 5:30 – 8 pm.  603  Angell St, Providence, Annual Meeting/Barbecue/potluck desserts. RSVP: emhead603@hotmail.com

Providence - Zoning, Brown Master Plan

Neighborhood email lists and newsletters are a good source of information.

A recent Wayland Square newsgroup email provided information about proposed changes to East Side zoning and Brown University's Institutional Master Plan.

Providence - Budget, Tax Rates, River Road

This is not a candidate endorsement, but for anyone interested in Providence Issues, Sam Zurier's Ward Letters are a wonderful source of information about what is going on in the City.

June 1, 2014 Ward Letter

Excerpts
Last month, the City Council reviewed the City budget in the Ways and Means Committee, and the School Department in the Education Committee.  Those reviews will conclude this week.  The Ways and Means Committee holds a public hearing and possibly a vote on Monday, June 2 at 5:30.  The Education Committee will hold a hearing the next day at 5:30, and likely a vote on the School Department budget that evening.  If that occurs, the City Council may review the budget this Thursday night, June 5. 

On May 1, a group of City Council members introduced legislation to narrow the spread between tax rates between homeowners (which currently is at $19.25) and owners of rental properties of 1-5 units (currently $33.75), a differential of 75%.

A week from Thursday (June 12) at 6:00-8:00 p.m., I will host a community meeting at Nathan Bishop Middle School to discuss a neighborhood group’s proposal to reconfigure River Road. The group wishes to restrict vehicular traffic on the road to benefit visitors on foot and bicycles. 

Action Alert - Energy

Distributed Generation Growth Program bills (H7727/S2690). The Senate will vote on their version on June 6, but the bill is still in committee in the house, being “held for further study.”  This program will expire in 2014 unless reauthorized by the RI Legislature.   Please read the explanation below, and then call or email your representatives in the Legislature. Senate House

Developing renewable energy is our best way to fight climate change, as well as to protect ourselves from rising prices for natural gas.

Per an article in the ProJo of May 30, 2014, the distributed generation pilot program created in 2011 to develop the clean energy industry in RI has been very successful. “It created 175 jobs in the first 18 months of the program and the cost of solar power generation dropped more than 50%...Renewable energy companies …lined up in droves to vie for the wind, solar, anaerobic digestion and small-scale hydro projects awarded through the 2011 program.” 70 projects proposed so far, but program only big enough to accommodate 28.  16 have been built or scheduled to be built, with more on the way.

This program will expire in 2014 unless reauthorized by the RI Legislature.  Distributed Generation Growth Program bill (H7727/S2690).The Senate will hear their version on June 6, but the bill is still in committee in the house, being “held for further study.” 

“According to a May 20143 report commissioned by the state Office of Energy Resources, a new distributed generation program along with Renewable Energy Fund investments would result in nearly 250 net jobs and an average annual net economic output of more than $30 million.  Over the next 25 years, the state could expect to see more than a half-billion dollars in economic output if the bill were enacted.  With an expanded renewable energy market, the state’s solar businesses would no longer have to cross state lines to do business. “  By Peter Rothstein, president of New England Clean Energy Council.  John Marcantonio, Exec. Director of RI Builders’ Association, and Michael Daley, business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local union 99.   

This is an area in which we have not been active for a while, so we need help.  If you have time to research these issues or help us cover what is happening and plan ways to inform legislators and the public, please let us know.  See lwvri.org for contact info and to see what we are doing so far. 

The Susan B. Wilson Civic Education Merit Awards Reception

You are cordially invited to

 

The Susan B. Wilson Civic Education Merit Awards Reception 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014, @ 4:30pm

Governor's Reception Room

Rhode Island State House

Providence, RI

 

Keynote Speaker: Deborah A. Gist, RI Commissioner of Education

 

The LWV of South Kingstown/Narragansett is proud to announce this year's recipients of The 7th Annual Susan B. Wilson Civic Education Merit Awards. The 2013 - 2014 merit awards recipients are: Kimberly Rawson, social studies teacher at North Smithfield High School, North Smithfield, RI, who will receive the Grand Prize of $1,000; James Gemma, 5th-grade teacher at Edward Rhodes Elementary School, Cranston, RI, who will receive the Jury Prize of $500; and Deborah Marcello & Gregory Quirk, teachers at Portsmouth Middle School, Portsmouth, RI, who will receive the Honorable Mention Prize of $250.

With funding from the LWVRI Education Fund, The LWV of South Kingstown/Narragansett bestows this annual award in Rhode Island to encourage teaching of civic education, pre-Kindergarten to Grade-12, and honor teachers who have exhibited exceptional work in this area through remarkable ability and innovation.

 

You are encouraged to extend this invitation to others. Please RSVP via email to sknarr@lwvri.org and let the league know if you will attend the ceremony.

 

More information

LWV West Bay - Dinner/Roast in honor of John Hazen White, Jr.

Dinner/Roast in honor of John Hazen White, Jr.

Friday, June 27, Ballroom, Providence Biltmore, 7 pm

The League of Women Voters of West Bay honors John Hazen White, Jr.  as its “man of the year.”

For more information, contact Helen Taylor, lizzytaylor29@aol.com   

2014 LWVUS Convention

2014 LWVUS Convention As many of you know, Convention 2014 will be held  in Dallas, Texas from June 6-10, with the theme of "Power: Our Voices, Our Votes". This is your official notice that materials traditionally found in the Convention Workbook (information on the budget, bylaws, program and nominated leadership) for the LWVUS 2014 Convention are ready and available on the LWVUS Web site.  Hard copies will be available at Convention for all attendees.

Convention is the opportunity for us to come together as one organization to plan for the next two years and even beyond. There are so many important issues facing our nation and our communities that finding the most productive focus is always a challenge. The LWVUS Board contributes to that planning process by making recommendations, based on member input, with regard to program, bylaw amendments and by proposing a budget for the biennium.

Other material for Convention sent by State and Local Leagues:

Bylaw Proposal - Concurrence Process

Campaign Finance - Caucus
Climate Change
Equality of Opportunity
Human Trafficking
Inequality-Living Wage
LWV 20/20: evaluating the LWV for the future
Partisan Primaries - Proposal
Prison Gerrymandering caucus
Reducing Carbon Emissions - Caucus
Restoring Voting Rights to Ex-Felons

LWV of Providence - Annual Meeting/Backyard Barbecue

Thursday, June 19
5:30 pm
603 Angell Street
RSVP: 401-351-2269, emhead603@hotmail.com

Agenda: Election of Conveners, Prologue, Epilogue, Voter Service, Programs
For specific details, see www.lwvri.org, lwvriprov.blogspot.com/

Come enjoy each other’s company over dinner (potluck desserts are welcome – we’ll supply the rest) as we plan for 2014-15

Budget
Bylaws
Report to State Council
LWVRI Providence documents

LWVRI Education Fund - Report to State Council 2014

LWVRI Education Fund - Report to State Council 2014

Save the Date: June 11, REZONING PROVIDENCE public meeting‏

PUBLIC MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT‏

LWV – Providence Report to State Council

LWV – Providence Report to Council

Conveners‏

The Providence League names Conveners rather than officers. Current conveners are Liz Head, Hollie Courage, Barbara Feldman and Joan Retsinas. Maureen Romans, Sandy Riojas and Judy Dorian have been attending the Conveners' meetings and will continue to do so during the coming year. If others in the Providence League are interested in participating  officially in the Conveners' meetings as a named conveners, please contact Liz Head or Joan Retsinas

RhodeMap Virtual Open House

RhodeMap RI is a coordinated and forward-looking effort by the state to make Rhode Island a better place to live and work by mobilizing state and community assets in a whole new way.

Join the discussion by taking a survey!

This is the culmination of an extensive outreach and research effort. Since August 2013, hundreds of Rhode Island citizens have participated and shared their ideas through 23 regional workshops, over 30 focus groups and meetings, as well as online. Now, we need your feedback on ideas for growing Rhode Island’s economy and providing for healthy homes and great communities.

Police Staffing and Budget

Councilman Sam Zurier's April 29, 2014 Ward letter discusses the issue of crime and crime prevention, covering (1) the level of property crime on the East Side, (2) the Police Department resources available to address crime, (3) work in the City Council on this issue and (4) a community meeting to be held on May 21 to promote the formation of neighborhood crime watch groups.

Convener's / Annual Meeting for LWV-Providence‏

May 12 at 10:30 

HOW TO DISPOSE OF OLD FURNITURE, BULK ITEMS, MATTRESSES

From the Waste Management:

Furniture & Bulky Items Pick-up Progream

Mattress & Box Spring Pick-up Program

LWVRI Council 2014 Registration

LWVRI Council, May 10 from 10:00 – 2:30, at the Jamestown Philomena Library

To register, use this form or download one from the LWVRI Web site. The registration fee is $20 and includes coffee and lunch. More information.

Please make your check payable to LWVRI and mail to Rosemary Forbes-Woodside, LWVRI Treasurer, 23 Skysail Ct., Jamestown, RI 02835 or register online at www.lwvri.org. Deadline is May 7, 2014.

Please print clearly as we will use this for your name tag

Name ________________________________________________________________________

League _______________________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________

Phone____________________________________________

E-mail ______________________________________

Women Holding Office: A Seat at the Table - 6th annual celebration

Monday, April 28, 2014 - 6pm to 8pm
Kirkbrae Country Club - Lincoln, RI

keynote speaker: Rosie Hidalgo
director of public policy, Casa de Esperanza, Washington, DC

emcee: Arlene Violet
Rhode Island Attorney General 1985-1987

reception - complimentary hors d'oeuvres - cash bar

tickets: $25
must be reserved in advance - limited seating

YWCA Rhode Island has partnered with DuoPictures to create a documentary about women in politics. This film is the second in a series entitled 'Women Holding Office.'

The documentary will premiere at this year's Women Holding Office Celebration.
For more information. - To purchase tickets for the event click here.

To preview the documentary, click here.

Rhode Map RI

Mark Your Calendars: During the first two weeks of May, there are 6 opportunities across the State to learn about and provide feedback on ideas for growing Rhode Island’s economy and providing for healthy homes, neighborhoods and communities.

See the attached flyer for the schedule of events.

Call to Council

Every even numbered year, the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island calls delegates to Council to hold elections and conduct the League’s business. (In the alternate years, the League holds its Convention.)

The 2014 LWVRI council will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Jamestown Philomena Library, 26 North Road, Jamestown.

Dana Chisell, the co-director of the Center for Civic Design, will be the guest speaker and will discuss ballot design.

About Council: Program, Nominating, Budget, Registration

FLASH! LWVUS President Elisabeth MacNamara will attend Quad State

The 8th Annual Quad States Leadership Conference will be held on May 3 and 4, once again at the
Hampton Inn in Wells, ME.

With energy production and distribution currently “hot topics,” this year's subject will be Energy and
Energy Efficiency.

Tentative Agenda and Registration

LWVUS Program Recommendation for 2014-2015

For the biennium the LWVUS Board recommends:

Retaining all our current positions in the areas of representative government, international relations,
natural resources, and social policy.

A Concurrence on the convention floor with the position of the LWVNJ on human trafficking. and

A comprehensive three-part program combining study and review of key, specific structures of
American Democracy   -   More

Meet the Candidates for Mayor of Providence

The mayoral candidates are participating in a series of three forums sponsored by PCL Friends groups and moderated by the League of Women Voters.

• Hear what the candidates for mayor of Providence have to say about neighborhood issues.
• Ask questions and tell them what you think they need to know about schools, libraries, safety, and other issues of concern to you and your neighbors.

Come to one of our forums—or come to them all!

http://www.provcomlib.org/news-events/calendar/2014/meet-candidates-mayor-providence

Street Sweep Schedule for 2014

Street sweeping will be done according to Police Districts to better monitor the alternate side parking requirements. A map of the Police Districts can be found here.

Sweeping will be performed both during the day and during overnight hours. Please respect the posted parking restrictions.
See more here.

To help keep Providence beautiful, please sweep debris from your sidewalks into the street before City street sweepers come to your neighborhood.

An interview with LWVRI President Jane Koster and Past President Hollie Courage.

GoodNEWS RI
This Cable Access Television show highlights the people, places and events that make Rhode Island a great place to live. Juliana Anderson; Host and Executive Producer

League of Women Voters
Wednesday April 23rd and 30th Cox 18/Verizon 38 Prov. 9:30PM
Sat. April 26th and May 3rd Cox 13/Verizon 32 Statewide 6:30PM...
Monday April 28th Cox 18/Verizon 38 Prov. 5:30PM

Facebook Links:
GoodNEWS RI
League of Women Voters of RI

Education Article to be Heard on Wednesday, 4/9, 4:30 PM‏

The League board voted to join the Right to an Education Coalition which has put together a bill to change the RI Constitution education article, see the bill attached.  A hearing is scheduled for the house bill in the House Committee on Health, Education & Welfare on Wednesday, April 9th, at the rise of the House, approximately 4:30 PM, in the State House Room 101.  The list of bills being heard is long so the wait to hear this one may be too. 

It is very important for League members to contact members of the House Committee on Health, Education & Welfare;  see the names and contact information below.  Please say that as members of the League, you support this bill.

Regards,  Joanne, 247-3004

House HEW Agenda
House HEW Committee Members
H 7896
S 2397

Agricultural Consensus Meeting: April 7, Providence, 7 pm‏

This is a fascinating study to update the national agriculture policy position.  Several short articles pertaining to the Agriculture Update study and the consensus meeting:

• Agriculture Glossary
• Agriculture Policy (LWV-US's)
• Consensus questions
• Economic Health (summarized & annotated)
• Food Labeling (summarized & annotated)
• Research and Development
• Food Safety
• Animal management discussion
• Interaction of Federal Agencies with Food Safety Missions
• The Healthy Farm (Union of Concerned Scientists)

Just read as much as you can, but DON'T look at the list and think I can't possibly contribute to the consensus.  This is overwhelming for Congress.  Just come and learn and contribute.  The Healthy Farm is very informative and a short interesting read.

If you really get into it, other study documents can be found on the LWV website.  Use this link to go directly to the study documents http://www.lwv.org/search/content/Agriculture%20Study?page=1   They include articles on nanotechnology as it pertains to agriculture, water management and tons of source material.

 

And finally, since the study in part is about feeding people, I thought it would be nice to bring a non-perishable item for the Camp Street Food pantry which longtime league member Mary Hazeltine is a co-director.

 

Magistrates and Ethics bills up for Hearings‏

The magistrates bill is up for a hearing today in the House Judiciary and the Ethics amendment is posted for tomorrow(Thursday) in Senate Judiciary.  It's really important that we have our League members and friends of Good Government there. 

John Marion, Executive Director Common Cause RI;  Derry Riding, LWVRI Advocacy chair and I are hoping to see you.  Please wear your League buttons or name-tags.  LWVRI will be submitting testimony. 

Time:  Rise of the House 4:30

For more information on bills and amendments go to:   www.rilin.state.ri.us
Find out time and place meetings are scheduled and links to bill texts click on Committee Agendas
For Bill Text search by bill number for either house or senate or both.

Jane W Koster
President
LWVRI
janewkoster@gmail.com
mobile (401) 339 2351

Providence Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works does street cleaning, road maintenance, trash pick-up, and snow removal - and a LOT more. Find out more about what else the department does -, and how to get rid of anything else you want gone.

http://www.providenceri.com/DPW/about-us

http://www.providenceri.com/DPW/environmental/trash-pickup-schedule

Healthy Farms, Healthy Families

Town Hall Forum 

Thursday, April 3rd
 
7:00 - 8:30 PM

First Unitarian Society of Providence
1 Benevolent St
Providence, RI 02906

- the event is free and open to the public - 
-REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED!-

RSVP by clicking here!
"Like" our event on facebook and share with friends!
[For more information, contact Gus at gfuguitt@fwwlocal.org or 608-354-2036]

Come join us for an evening of food, education and empowerment and show your support for Food & Water Watch’s Healthy Farms, Healthy Families Campaign! Learn more about the issue of antibiotic resistant bacteria from guest speakers and experts, and enjoy some great food!

For too long, Big Ag has gotten away with prioritizing profit over public health. We need our senator, Sheldon Whitehouse, to be a public health champion and hold a senate committee hearing on the Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act, which would end the overuse of antibiotics in livestock feed, and safeguard their effectiveness in treating you and your loved ones.

 Guest speakers at the Forum, including Dr. Louis Rice, physician and chair of the department of medicine at Brown, farmer Pat McNiff from Pat's Pastured and Rachel McNally, a "Supermom against Superbugs" with PEW Research  will address the issue of antibiotic resistant bacteria and explain what can and must be done to counter this growing threat. The panel will conclude with a question and answer period and information on how you can get involved in this important campaign.

You can rsvp here!

This event is co-sponsored by Food and Water Watch, First Unitarian Social Justice Ministry, Rhode Island Sierra Club, RI State Nurses' Association, NOFA-RI, Chipotle, Rogue Island and Viva Mexico