Orientation Day for 18 New Members of the Rhode Island General Assembly
Twitter: @markcurtisABC6
There was applause all around as the newest members of the
They are ready to get to work and the priorities are many.
“Creating jobs and the economy is basically my number one priority. I don’t want to see CVS moving out of our state. I want to see them into our state,” said State Sen.- Elect Elaine Morgan, (R) Charlestown-Hopkinton.
“My priorities are education, to make sure that we have a good solid education system,” said State Sen.- Elect Cynthia Coyne, (D) Barrington-East Providence.
But attracting news jobs to the 195 land and elsewhere, and fixing our schools will be challenging,
The state faces an estimated 60 million dollar deficit, but critics warn it could be a lot more.
ABC6 Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis said, “If there is one significant change in the General Assembly this year, it’s that House Republicans have nearly doubled their membership.”
“We all want to succeed; we all want a great economy; we all want tremendous jobs,” said House Speaker Nick Mattiello, (D)
The Democratic House Speaker promising more cooperation with the five new Republicans, and one independent elected this year.
“Having twice the numbers gives you – I wouldn’t say leverage – but certainly more influence in the process. And so far we have a good relationship with Speaker Mattiello, certainly better that his predecessor,” said Rep. Brian Newberry, (R) Minority Leader.
The new lawmakers include several members of local city and town councils and school committees.
“I want to try to continue – now that I am the rep – to work with my Town Council and my School Committee, and make sure they are heard up here at the State House,” said Rep.-Elect Kathleen Fogarty, (D)
All new House and Senate members will be sworn–in January 6th.
