Woonsocket Radio News Room

Economic Progress Institute honors RIBLIA Caucus as Legislative Champions for Progress

Screenshot 2024-10-01 150819

From the left - Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, executive director of EPI, Sen. Tiara Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence), Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence), Rep. Jennifer Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket), and Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) at EPI’s 13th annual Policy and Budget Conference in Providence.

 

            STATE HOUSE – The Economic Progress Institute (EPI) honored the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA) as Legislative Champions for Progress on Sept. 30 at EPI’s 13th annual Policy and Budget Conference that was held in Providence.

            The caucus is chaired by Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) and Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket).

            RIBLIA was honored for their dedication and advocacy to lifting up the downtrodden, defending the marginalized and ensuring a fair and equitable society for all Rhode Islanders.  Four bills from RIBLIA’s 2024 policy agenda became law this past legislative session, with the new laws relating to rent increases, minimum wage for domestic workers, temporary caregiver insurance, and legal protections for health care providers.

            “It’s an honor to be recognized by EPI because for decades, they have been leading the fight to ensure that all Rhode Islanders are supported and included in our state.  RIBLIA will continue to advocate for all of Rhode Island’s residents and their quality of life, and we look forward to continue our work and partnership with EPI to ensure that our state works for everyone,” said co-Chairs Acosta and Felix.

            “The members of the RIBLIA Caucus challenge and inspire us to think and act boldly in advocating for a just society where all Rhode Islanders can thrive,” said Economic Progress Institute Executive Director Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies. “EPI is honored to recognize them with our highest awards because they are helping to build a better Rhode Island — one that works for everyone.”

            The RIBLIA Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of disadvantaged people throughout the State of Rhode Island. It seeks to increase a diverse participation and representation in all levels of government. The goal is to close, and ultimately to eliminate, disparities that still exist between white and non-white Americans in every aspect of life.

            The Economic Progress Institute – formerly The Poverty Institute – is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders.

The FAA has ended its flight reduction order at airports across the U.S. A reduction in flights at dozens of major airports began a week ago to help address fatigue and staffing issues among air traffic controllers during the record-long government shutdown. As a result, there's been just over 80 cancellations today, with around 41-hundred delays at last check.        President Trump is continuing to promote affordability as consumers navigate high prices. The president delivered remarks Monday to an audience of McDonald's owners, operators and suppliers during its Impact Summit in Washington, DC. Trump touted the fast-food giant during his speech, along with praising the economy.        Reverend Jesse Jackson is being transferred out of intensive care after receiving treatment for progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurological disorder he was diagnosed with in April. Jackson remains in stable condition and will continue receiving care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. His family thanked the medical team, as well as those who have prayed for him in a statement.        Democratic lawmakers are calling for the Trump administration to immediately halt plans to sell or transfer responsibility of the government's student loan portfolio to the private market. More than 40 Democrats being led by Senator Elizabeth Warren issued a letter warning "this sale would be a giveaway to wealthy insiders at the expense of working-class borrowers and taxpayers." The lawmakers argue that selling student loans would cause borrowers to lose important protections, and it would come at a loss to taxpayers.        Millions may feel warmer than normal temperatures in the southern Plains and Southeast to begin this week. Some places will get temperatures in the 80s for most of the week, with record highs possible through Thursday. Cities like Abilene, Texas could get its warmest day in November since 1938.        Ariana Grande and Cher headline the guests for Saturday Night Live's December episodes. Grande will serve as host for a third time on the December 20th episode. She'll be joined by musical guest Cher, who will perform on the show for the first time since 1987.       

Old News Archives