Blog

This morning I met with RI Business Group on Health to discuss what we can do in Rhode Island to address the urgent need for health care reform and cost containment.

This local discussion happens to coincide with President Obama’s health care summit today, when all eyes will be on Washington as he brings together Democratic and Republican leadership to hammer out a path to passage of federal health care reform.

I’m glad to see the president tackle...

Read More »

As part of my Buy Local RI initiative, this week I kicked off a month-long, statewide tour of small businesses focused on arts and culture—businesses that create entrepreneurial growth and jobs as well as boost the quality of our lives here in Rhode Island.

From small jewelry manufacturers, to on-stage performers, to high-end graphic designers and so many more, the small businesses of the arts and culture sector are a key component of the state’s economy.

...

Read More »

Over the last few days, I have been humbled by the support of many Rhode Islanders who have encouraged me to enter the race to succeed Congressman Kennedy representing Rhode Island’s first district in Washington. While it would be an honor to have the opportunity to be a member of congress, my place right now is here in Rhode Island.

As I declared last July, I will run for re-election as lieutenant governor. Rhode Islanders need an advocate - someone who...

Read More »

Health insurance commissioner Christopher Koller yesterday approved a 7 percent rate hike for Blue Cross Blue Shield direct-pay plans—a reduction of both the original 10.2 percent request and the 9.5 percent increase agreed to by the attorney general and Blue Cross last week.

While I am encouraged that the commissioner further lowered the rate hike to address affordability issues, the approved 7 percent hike will still be a tremendous financial burden for struggling Rhode Islanders. From my press release:

...

Read More »

I’m encouraged that both the president and the governor have shown recognition this week that small business needs governmental support during this economic downturn—an encouraging beginning but we can’t stop there.

President Obama has proposed using up to $30 billion of repaid bailout loans to encourage community banks to lend to local small businesses and giving small businesses a $5,000 payroll tax credit for each new hire—part of a larger federal effort...

Read More »

Earlier this week, the RI Attorney General and Blue Cross Blue Shield reached an agreement for approval of a 9.5 percent rate increase for individual, or direct-pay, health insurance plans—the original proposed rate increase was 10.2 percent.

I don’t think the 0.7 percent reduction is a good agreement for the people of Rhode Island, and in written testimony on the proposed rate increase, I requested that the application for the increase be rejected entirely....

Read More »

Yesterday I voiced my vigorous opposition to another request for a double-digit insurance rate hike by Blue Cross—this time for direct-pay plans, or those bought by individuals directly from an insurance company. A 10.2 percent rate hike would affect those who can afford it least—those who don’t get insurance through their work and the unemployed—and again underscores the pressing need to find meaningful ways to curb health-care costs.

Early last summer, a broad...

Read More »

How often do you get something vitally important for free?

Rhode Island adults can obtain the H1N1 flu vaccine free of charge at a series of public clinics around the state, beginning tomorrow (Saturday) at 10 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant High School in Providence. The only requirement: that you must be 18 or over. You don’t have to live in the community where the clinic is held, and no insurance or ID is needed.

The clinics come at a key time. Though the...

Read More »

This week I’m expanding my Buy Local RI message to include the state government: I’m introducing legislation today that would make Rhode Island companies first among equals when bidding for Rhode Island state contracts and prevent out-of-state companies from receiving unfair competitive advantages.

At the Rhode Island Economic Summit last week, a man who owns a small business told the audience about his frustration...

Read More »

As 2010 gets under way, Rhode Islanders know that we all must commit to making it a year of rebuilding our economically troubled state, with the creation of jobs our highest priority.

Yesterday we took an important step forward with the appointment of Keith Stokes as interim director of the RI Economic Development Corporation.

I’ve had the privilege to work with Keith on a number of occasions, and he’s an excellent choice. With his background as...

Read More »