RIBLIA Caucus holds first meeting; welcomes new members and elects new chairs
STATE HOUSE – The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA) held its first meeting of the 2025 legislative session yesterday. Two new members of the caucus were welcomed and two new co-chairs were also elected.
The caucus was chaired by Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) and Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket) during the 2023-2024 legislative sessions.
“It has been a distinct honor to chair the RIBLIA Caucus over the past two years and both of us are extremely proud of what has been accomplished during this time,” said Senator Acosta and Representative Felix. “The caucus has made some notable policy gains and I know that it will continue to be a voice for the vulnerable and downtrodden during the current session. As we see policy after policy coming from the federal government that chooses to attack and scapegoat our most vulnerable populations, the RIBLIA Caucus will always choose to defend and uplift the community against such attacks, and we are ready to continue this mission during the new year.”
The caucus also welcomed two new members, Rep. Jenni A. Furtado (D-Dist. 64, East Providence, Pawtucket) and Sen. Lammis J. Vargas (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence). Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 5, Providence) and Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence) were elected as the new co-chairs of the caucus.
“Seeing the RIBLIA Caucus grow over the past several years is another proud moment for us and we whole-heartedly welcome Representative Furtado and Senator Vargas into the fold. We know they believe in RIBLIA’s work and we are certain both will do great things for Rhode Islanders. We also congratulate Senator Mack and Representative Morales for being elected co-chairs of the caucus. We are certain the caucus is in good hands with their election and that they will lead the caucus with dedication and integrity, particularly in light of the challenges Rhode Island’s community of color will face currently and into the future,” concluded Senator Acosta and Representative Felix.
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.
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