RI lawmakers debate more power for ethics watchdog

Submitted by Chris Boardman on Sat, 2010-03-20 21:29

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Legislation being debated at the
Statehouse would give Rhode Islanders a vote on whether to allow
the state Ethics Commission to prosecute lawmakers for their votes.

On Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee will discuss
authorizing a referendum to amend the state constitution to give
the commission that extra authority.

The measure is sponsored by House Speaker Gordon Fox, a
Democrat.

The state Supreme Court decided last year that Rhode Island's
constitution shields lawmakers from civil or criminal prosecution
when they propose, debate and vote on bills or otherwise do their
legislative jobs.

That ruling dismissed an ethics complaint against former Senate
President William Irons. He was accused of having a
conflict-of-interest when he voted against legislation opposed by a
business client.

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Langevin Announces Support of Health Care Reform Bill

Submitted by Chris Boardman on Fri, 2010-03-19 13:24

WARWICK, RI – Congressman Jim Langevin today announced he will support H.R. 4872 – the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010. Earlier in the week, he began the final push for health insurance reform as a member of the House Committee on the Budget.

“After months of discussion, analysis and meetings with my constituents in Rhode Island, I have decided that it is time to put an end to the rhetoric and seize this historic opportunity to solve our nation’s health care crisis. That begins with passage of a final comprehensive health reform bill.
 

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Unemployment Insurance Relief and Waivers Available to Flood-Damaged Businesses

Submitted by Chris Boardman on Fri, 2010-03-19 10:00

Rhode Island employers forced to lay off workers temporarily as a direct result of last weekend's flooding may be able to help their employees connect to unemployment insurance benefits sooner if the employers apply for a waiver with the Department of Labor and Training.

Rhode Island Law 28-44-14 waives the usual one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance if a worker's unemployment is caused by a natural disaster or state of emergency.

Also, employers whose storm-related property damage resulted in worker layoffs may be granted relief from related unemployment benefit charges if their businesses are deemed eligible under another weather related law, § 28-43-3. Under ordinary circumstances, employers are charged against their unemployment insurance account every time one of their employees draws on unemployment insurance.

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Colon Cancer Alliance Voices of Rhode Island Balloon Launch

Submitted by Chris Boardman on Fri, 2010-03-19 09:54

Colon Cancer Alliance Voices of Rhode Island

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VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: W. Warwick Residents Outraged Over Town Flood Reaction

Submitted by Chris Boardman on Thu, 2010-03-18 17:47

Residents of a West Warwick condo complex were shut out of their homes with no where to go after the weekend's flooding, and demanded answers and help from town officials. They got both. ABC6 Reporter John Guice has more...

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Rhode Island Musicians Band Together in Benefit for Haiti

Submitted by BenSienko on Wed, 2010-03-17 18:02

Cranston, RI - Rhode Island’s most popular musicians from every corner of the state are donating their time and talent to organize a major benefit for The Providence Haiti Outreach, a local 25-year-old organization dedicated to helping the children of Haiti.  Open to the general public, the event will feature ongoing performances, special guest emcees, and refreshments. 
Event:             Rhode Island Rocks 4 Haiti
Where:            Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, RI
When:             Sunday, March 28th, 1 pm to 7 pm
Tickets:          $20 tax-deductible donation
 
 

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RI State Trooper to be Laid to Rest

Submitted by Chris Boardman on Wed, 2010-03-17 17:32

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island state trooper killed when his car crashed on wet roads will be laid to rest.

Detective Sgt. James Dougherty Jr. died early Sunday in West Greenwich when his car hydroplaned in water left over from a weekend storm and struck a utility pole.

Gov. Don Carcieri plans to attend a funeral Mass for Dougherty on Thursday at Saints John and Paul Church in Coventry. Burial will be private.
      
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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Warwick Man $100,000 Keno Winner

Submitted by Chris Boardman on Wed, 2010-03-17 08:59

Cranston, RI (March 16, 2010)  A Warwick man cashed in a $100,000 Keno ticket at the Lottery Validations office today.  He played a one dollar wager on a 10-spot game to win his big prize.  The winner said he was on his way to Providence when his wife called to ask him to pick up the paper, so he got off the highway and decided to buy his Keno ticket while he was out as well.  He said he plays those same 10 numbers every day.

The winner went to tell his wife they won while she was at work and said she couldn’t stop crying.  She had a pile of work on her desk, so she couldn’t join him when he claimed his ticket.

Colbea Enterprises at 2563 South County Trail, East Greenwich, sold the winning ticket.

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Special RI Commission Endorses Decriminalizing Ounce or Less of Pot

Submitted by Chris Boardman on Tue, 2010-03-16 18:08

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A special Rhode Island legislative commission has endorsed a proposal to decriminalize the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.

The commission voted on Tuesday to endorse a report recommending a more lax approach to having small quantities of the drug. The report said the state would save money and avoid unnecessary arrests through the law change.

Though few people are jailed for marijuana possession alone, current state law makes it a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine and up to a year behind bars.

Senate spokesman Greg Pare said the commission voted 11-2 to approve the report.

The issue now goes to the full Senate.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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WEST WARWICK: Wading Through the Aftermath

Submitted by Chris Boardman on Tue, 2010-03-16 18:02

It's clean up time in Rhode Island after the massive rainfall that soaked the state for 3 days. ABC6 Reporter Paul Mueller has more...

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