City Councilor Providence Ward 13 serving Federal Hill and the West End | Comms @goapprenticeRI | Tweets, however inconsistently posted, are mine
Providence, RI
- Tweets 1,419
- Following 1,039
- Followers 1,701
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I was always a fan of the Orwell quote, “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act,” I just never thought the truth in question would be basic constitutional rights.
ALT Libs of tiktok came at me because we sent out a mailer reminding everyone their rights under the law
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Wow- honored to have National DSA’s endorsement!
DSA is proud to endorse @RachelRI for Providence City Council (Ward 13) and @Fiedler4Philly for Pennsylvania House of Representatives (District 184). Rachel and Elizabeth have dedicated their lives to fighting for economic, social, racial, and environmental justice.
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Miguel is a wonderful colleague whose voice is widely respected. That is made clear by our having unanimously passed his resolution on this matter two weeks ago.
On Friday, I was fired by Governor McKee for my public position on the atrocities occurring in Gaza. Since Oct. 7, I have used my voice as an elected official to condemn all violence against any innocent civilians.
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Tonight’s meeting was unacceptable. I will not let that be the only opportunity for public input on the Providence budget
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Looking forward to working with everyone on the council and in the city to Providence forward
The partnership between progressive Rachel Miller and Igliozzi ally Jim Taylor may seem an unlikely pairing. But both told me they bonded years ago on the late Miguel Luna's campaign, and have had a good working relationship on the council
wpri.com/news/local-news/pro…
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Cognitive dissonance = knowing how bad our numbers are and having to go to work/school etc. We need to pause, stay home, and get our Cares Act money into the hands of workers, small businesses, and ppl left out. It shouldn’t have come to this. Take care of yourself and each other
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It’s done! Second passage tonight of the ordinance that bans discrimination based on source of income in Providence! On its way to the Mayor’s desk. Grateful to my colleagues for joining this effort council.providenceri.gov/202…
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So many people testifying about the need to shift money from the police budget to new trauma informed intervention programs, to housing, to jobs- to broad scale community investments and to end our role in mass incarceration. Thank you Providence- you’re powerful tonight
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I do not support the resolution on public safety in front of council tonight. I am looking forward to continuing the public conversation that started in June about diversion programs and policing as part of our city budget decision. 1/thread
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Providence’s Source of income ordinance is headed to the full council for a vote! Many thanks to the people and organizations who have championed this issue. Stay tuned for a vote at our council meeting next week
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Tonight council approved the country’s first Overdose Prevention Center - I’m grateful and moved by the work of @WeberRenew and Sen Josh Miller to get us here. The opioids epidemic impacts all of us - Providence is finding a new way to save lives
Council Approves Opening of Nation’s First State-Regulated Overdose Prevention Center council.providenceri.gov/202…
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Some of the pushback on the various efforts to codify roe in RI law over the years was that it was unnecessarily alarmist. Grateful for the folks who introduced & sponsored it year after the year and for the ones who ultimately got it passed. Angry is too small of a word tonight
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I’m grateful to all of my colleagues on council for an in depth discussion and first passage tonight on Providence’s source of income ordinance. Thank you always to the many residents and organizations that have shared their experience and expertise to see this through
Providence City Council Ordinance Banning Housing Discrimination Has First Passage: bit.ly/36FMYRh
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Forcibly removing people who have no alternative is not a solution for the city or for people without a home. Advocates are asking for 30 days to help people make a plan and stay connected to life saving resources. Echo village has been delayed, there are no shelter beds,
Advocates plan to protest the upcoming removal of two unhoused encampments in Providence. Community organizers say removing these encampments will displace nearly 70 people from much-needed resources.
turnto10.com/news/local/advo…
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There will be a real public hearing on the Providence budget. @pvdcitycouncil is working with the clerk’s office to ensure there is an actual process to deal with white supremacist trolls.
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Tonight we passed for the first time an ordinance 20 years in the making. The TSA Investment Act will ensure that when public money supports private investment, city residents benefit in the form of access to good wage, career building jobs- 1/
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I’m grateful to my colleagues for coming together for our city and against budget cuts when so many are struggling. We’re all in this together- RT if you’re in this fight: no cuts to our cities and towns. @GovRaimondo @brettpsmiley
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Thank you @jorge_elorza & @Sabina_Matos you have both championed this effort from day 1
Today, joined by Council President @Sabina_Matos and Councilwoman @RachelRI, I signed the Ordinance Banning Housing Discrimination in Providence into law.
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Sponsored on the floor and passed by all 15 Councilors!
Today I and my council colleagues @KatKerwinPVD, @CouncilHelen, @RachelRI, @SethYurdin & @DavidASalvatore will introduce a resolution in support of the RI Reproductive Health Care Act, because government should not have the right to tell someone what to do with their body.
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Tonight I was happy to support the effort to update our zoning laws to prohibit new self storage facilities in Providence. Thank you @MSanchezPVD @justinroias @AnderBois (short 🧵)
1/ The self-storage industry is exploitative, thriving in times of disruption and desperation. In the midst of the current housing crisis, marked by high eviction rates, soaring living costs, and increasing rents, people are downsizing their living spaces and…
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I am proud to join @AnderBois @CouncilHelen @MackDistrict6 @CotterforRI @ConcernedRIer @LeonelaFelix @SegalforRI & over 2 dozen state & local officials to endorse @AaronRegunberg for Congress!
So honored to be endorsed by Providence City Council President Rachel Miller @RachelRI and to be surrounded by so many RI leaders as we fight to build a fair economy and a government that works for everyone!
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No one should find out their apartment has poisoned their family. I’m grateful to @PeterNeronha - but Providence, we can do better. *There is no safe level of lead for kids*
Children living in an apartment building on Smith Street were poisoned by lead in the last two years due to hazardous amounts found in the children’s bedroom, kitchen, and living areas, and in the soil surrounding the property, according to a new lawsuit. trib.al/dNkyHax
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1 amendment done - more to come, see you at the continued hearing on 10/9.
BREAKING: Providence City Council Ordinance Committee just adopted an amendment striking RIPTA bus hub language from the proposed Comprehensive Plan. City Council continues to vehemently oppose the proposed relocation of Kennedy Plaza.
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🔥 74 Willow St voted! Providence - early voting is at 444 Westminster St- which is actually at Empire & Westminster on the plaza. @gonzaloque @DavidSegalRI Let’s go!!
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I was proud to stand with @j_f_batista today- we have your back
.@PERAProvidence Director @j_f_batista unilaterally releases Providence Police Sgt Hanley video
upriseri.com/2020-11-10-pera…
@UpriseRI
@Jorge_Elorza
@pvdcitycouncil
@PvdPublicSafety
@RachelRI
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I had a great afternoon in Cranston canvassing for @SethMagaziner, @AnieceG and @Sabina_Matos - thanks to folks who talked to us today about what’s at stake this November and how we can fight back.
We’re kicking off our #Cranston canvass from Budlong Pool this afternoon with @AnieceGermain @SheldonforRI @DavidSegalRI and @BrandonPotterRI!
If you see us, stop by to say hi 👋👋
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All we want for Christmas is safe staffing @ W&I hospital - with @RISEIUCouncil and the members at 1199 NE
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We are ready - umbrellas and all. Happy Pride!
ALT Providence city council members ready to March in the pride parade
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👏🏻 Shut it down.
Councilman Pedro Espinal, Senator Tiara Mack, and Representative released a joint statement on the fire at Rhode Island Recycled Metals. @pedrojespinal @MackDistrict6 @jfbatista12
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Unfortunately, I have COVID, and so will miss the Council meeting tonight, here is what I was hoping to share around the resolution sponsored by @justinroias 🧵
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I’m so excited Asthenis Pharmacy and @urbangreensprov got to be part of Rhode Island’s showcase for @VP today! Cranston Street is representing us well. Also- the small but mighty Asthenis Pharmacy has vaccinated 20k Rhode Islanders 👏😮
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It is shameful for an institutional nonprofit to not contribute financially to support the city services they count on. “Voluntary” on not, Lifespan stands alone among Providence’s universities & hospitals in not pitching in - we’re all in this together,
Telling statement from @pvdcitycouncil President @RachelRI.
The council got an update on PILOT negotiations w/Lifespan in executive session.
Miller says Lifespan has been “unwilling” to make payments, and that as the state’s largest hospital system, “this is shameful.”
@wpri12
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Thank you for your service to the city. Thank you for standing by city residents and doing the right thing. Your actions took great heart & great courage and it was needed and just
Dear Providence community:
Your testimony tonight brought tears to my eyes. I love you. And I will never stop fighting for you.
Jose
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Crosswalks are coming to Westminster Street - it’s great to have such a strong relationship between Council, Rep, and Senator in our neighborhood to collaborate on city/state issues
Update: RIDOT tells us (me, @RachelRI, and @JohnJLombardiRI) that ADA ramps are done, and crosswalks should be on Westminster in a few weeks. Thank you so much to everyone who has been advocating for these crosswalks for so many years.
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If you wanted to provide actual testimony tonight and were not able to please dm me and please share this
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Can’t think of better company 🫡💜 we lead with a pretty sweet combo of reason and empathy here in the Ocean State. @JenStewartRI @MSanchezPVD
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Great news! Union power ftw
Congratulations to our friends at Seven Stars for their first union contract!
ufcw328.org/seven-stars-empl…
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@JohnGPVD great thread on South Water bike lane - completely agree- and thank you @PVDStreets
I’m not a big tweeter but mark my words: an attempt to remove the South Water Street Bike Lanes would be worse/dumber than moving PVDFest from Downtown. Here’s why:
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Today’s attempted coup was white supremacy in action, was spurred on for many months by Trump and others. I have been to countless demonstrations in DC- I have seen militarized police act brutally in full riot gear against protestors
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Under 4 months ago @pvdcitycouncil passed a historic increase in school funding. According to #’s @pvdschools shared then, increased funding + PPSD’s rainy day fund significantly narrowed the gap. Now PPSD is threatening cuts in core funding to students - the numbers don’t add up
Council Leadership Joins Mayor in Supporting Conditional Increased Funds for Providence Public Schools council.providenceri.gov/?p=…
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I don’t know Dan- it’s my job to put forward the best option I can and then listen. My neighbors opposed this - nearly 150 residents contacted me since - politicians don’t change their mind publicly because folks are unwilling to admit their way might not be the only way.
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“Last year, 360 students responded favorably at above-average rates when compared with all other high schools in Providence AND all high schools across the Urban Core.”
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Had a hoot (I’m so sorry) at @WBNApvd and @hausofcodec’s Halloween fest + LGTBQIA market 🎃
ALT Me in an owl mask
ALT Mom & baby + horseshoe crab artist and celebrater
ALT People dancing to live music
ALT Jurassic park themed family photo
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No one should have to live in conditions like this. Rents are skyrocketing, housing is tight, some landlords are taking advantage. I am grateful to have a neighborhood landlord who 💙’s our city- everyone who rents should have safe, warm, up to code homes.
West End tenants say they've faced dangerous mold, leaks, cold temperatures and rotting wood. One resident called the situation "completely humiliating." One who opted to leave called it "maddening." providencejournal.com/story/…
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Thank you to Councilor Peterson and Roias for bringing this forward tonight
Some @pvdcitycouncil members are presenting a resolution this Thursday "Advocating for Transparency in School Closures, Assessing Charter School Impact, and Urging a Fiscal Impact Study."
More: providenceri.iqm2.com//Citiz… @wpri12
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Last night I introduced an ordinance that restricts special tax breaks to low-income restricted apartments. We all lose when wealthy developers take advantage of loop holes in programs designed to protect low-income residents.
The City Council voted 12-0 tonight in favor of a city ordinance to restrict the controversial "8-Law" tax breaks to actual low-income housing. The legislation has to pass twice and was referred to committee first
Here's what the ordinance would do:
bostonglobe.com/2024/04/02/m…
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Very exciting news! Go David, Go!
NEW: A prominent progressive Dem is joining the crowded field of candidates to succeed Langevin - former Rep @DavidSegalRI
Segal confirms he's establishing an exploratory committee for the 2d District race to start raising money, but isn't committing yet wpri.com/news/elections/form…
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Yay to the Providence folks figuring out a zoom version of a sign at tonight’s meeting. I support climate justice! Thank you for joining us tonight
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This is a wild misinterpretation if the intent of the 8% law- which was intended to support housing affordability. Thank you @UpriseRI for shining the light on this
As taxes rise, the @Jorge_Elorza Administration gives a huge tax break to one of the richest property owners in PVD
@UpriseRI
@pvdcitycouncil
@DarrowEverett
upriseri.com/elorza-gives-ta…
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So great to see everyone last night - thank you for joining to share your ideas for our city! And thanks to @ProvPlanning, @WBNApvd, @mkearney55 and the Providence Urbanist Network, @JohnJLombardiRI for the 🎃 help, & the dedicated staff at Zuccolo for their support
Council President @RachelRI hosts more than 60 neighbors tonight at Zuccolo Rec for an interactive Comp Plan session w @ProvPlanning. Learn how you can help the city during this once in a decade process ⬇️
plan.providenceri.gov/en/
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Door to door with @DavidSegalRI is up- campaign hit hundreds of doors this weekend. Very fun talking to folks in Federal Hill this afternoon- thanks to everyone who took a minute to speak with us. Come volunteer! secure.ngpvan.com/4rGkjC_aOU…
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So many people coming out tonight for people centered roads with moving & comprehensive testimony. Thank you @DavidASalvatore for leading on the green & complete streets ordinance, & thank you to everyone who testified and wrote letters
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Council will be taking public comment tonight before our meeting where we’re taking up a resolution against S Water bike lane removal from @JohnGPVD - see you there
📣Share your thoughts on Mayor Smiley's proposed removal of S. Water St. bike lanes! Council welcomes public comments TONIGHT at 5:15PM in the Council Chamber. The public is allotted 30 minutes of speaking time with each person given 1 minute to speak.
➡️providenceri.iqm2.com/Citize…
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Good going @Sabina_Matos!
Today, I am proud to announce I will be donating $1,300.00 I have received in campaign contributions from the Providence Police Union to the following local youth empowerment organizations:
Providence Student Union, Young Voices, and Youth in Action
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Thank you Col. Clements for coming by the Council meeting tonight to say goodbye and for everything you’ve done for Providence
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Happy #LaborDay! Thank you @IBEW 99’s Joe Walsh for the rally cry - corporate greed works to divide and conquer working people but #solidarity wins the day. @RILaborHistory @riaflcio
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We are failing by not getting vaccines where they are most needed. We need to prioritize equitable distribution in hardest hit neighborhoods
The hardest effected areas for Covid 19 are 02909 and 02908. Will someone finally get those neighborhoods the vaccines so badly needed. Please be mindful that bilingual notices are a requirement.
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Gonzalo knows & loves all of our neighborhoods, has proven his leadership on policy & quality of life, and has the ability to bring lots of folks together to get this stuff done. So excited to vote for him (I did a few weeks ago!) and to support his campaign. Let’s go!
Tomorrow is a big day! But first, I want to take a moment to say thank you - to every person who volunteered to make phone calls or knock on doors, put up a yard sign, contributed to my campaign, or collected signatures. Cities are people and so are campaigns. Lots of people. 🧵
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I don’t think we can have a conversation about street violence and safety without also having a conversation about non-police violence intervention, and about dramatically expanding economic opportunities. I’m looking forward to that conversation in committee 3/
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There will be a committee meeting Sept 9 at 5 pm (over zoom) to discuss resolution opposing DOT plans for Kennedy Plaza
Councilwoman Helen Anthony Leads Council Colleagues in Opposition to Proposed Multi-Hub Bus System in Downtown Providence: conta.cc/3brkpZm
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With @SEIU1199_NE at Women and Infants- today & every day! @DavidSegalRI @MackDistrict6 @MaryKayWard11 @DavidMoralesRI
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The ProvPort TSA and bond question were tabled tonight to allow for more time to consider the impact & work with community - grateful to my colleagues for working together tonight - more to come
@pedrojespinal and @RachelRI meeting and informing community members concerned about ProvPort legislation tonight that the matters will be continued as further talks between the parties take place
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I’m with @Nirva_LaFortune. I did not attend the finance committee meeting last night. Watching it this morning I am not ok with how my colleague was muted and silenced.
.@Nirva_LaFortune accuses Chair Igliozzi of appropriating her work on police accountability at @pvdcitycouncil hearing
upriseri.com/2020-06-17-pvd-…
@UpriseRI
@CouncilHelen
@JoannRyanPVD5
@MaryKayWard11
@KatKerwinPVD
@RachelRI
@DavidaSalvatore
@PedroJEspinal
@Sabina_Matos
@JohnGPVD
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Providence, today is the day! Get out and vote. Here I am doing it bright and early. Tell your friends and let us know if you can volunteer or if you need a ride to the polls. #RIPrimary #Ward13 #providence
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How would you spend $1M to improve health & wellbeing in 02909 & 02908? Thank you @1_neighborhood for today’s participatory budgeting project fair! Voting on these incredible projects starts June 6 -learn more: decideri.org/processes/cpo
ALT Project leaders and elected officials at the participatory budgeting project fair
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Tonight’s the night - New Year’s Eve without a car? Sounds amazing - have an excellent New Year & call 833-PVD-RIDE from 10pm-3am for a ride anywhere in the city
Councilor @RachelRI talks to WPRI's @JoeNews42 about this year's Safe Ride Program in collaboration with @ProvFirefighter. Starting at 10pm tomorrow night, all Providence residents can call (833)PVD-RIDE for a free ride anywhere in the city. Stay safe this New Year's Eve!
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Federal Hill and DePasquale Square is an economic engine for our city- I’ll work with the city and the state to get our fountain repaired and support the businesses in getting up and running for the season despite this setback. facebook.com/197313437594144…
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Thank you @WeberRenew and everyone in the peer community - so inspired always to tap into the work you are doing.
Council President @RachelRI & Dep. Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris supporting #OverdoseAwarenessDay with @WeberRenew and so many community partners at the Southside Cultural Center @PVDFireDept
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Join me on Monday for a community meeting about the comprehensive plan and neighborhood issues.
Ward 13: Join Council President @RachelRI for a community meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Plan, public safety with the @ProvidenceRIPD, and quality of life issues!
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We did it! Thank you to everyone who was part of Wednesday's victory (and there are so many of you to thank!), from volunteers who stood out in the rain yesterday to the volunteers who helped get me on the ballot back in July
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Thank you to all the volunteers and folks who donated that helped make City Hall a safe sanctuary from dangerously cold temperatures last night. More opportunities to volunteer tonight and tomorrow at Da Vinci Center as the temps continue to drop
Hello to this amazing community,
I want to provide an update. The city has agreed to move forward with the Da Vinci Center, located at 470 Charles St, as a warming shelter with a similar setup to what we had last night in the City Council Chambers. This is a huge win for our unhoused neighbors, and we will not have to spend a second night at the City Council Chambers. Thank you to members of the Smiley administration, such as Dennis Gonzalez, Housing Resources Coordinator; Emily Freedman, Director of Housing; and Courtney Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Providence, who helped make this possible.
If you would like to volunteer to help these efforts tonight and into Friday morning, please see the information below:
What We Need:
- Food
- Sleeping bags
- Water
- Toilet paper
- Blankets
- Narcan
- Sweaters
- Socks
Volunteers Needed:
- People trained to administer Narcan
- Individuals with shelter management experience
- Outreach workers
- Nurses and doctors
- Compassionate people
Shifts Needed for Tonight, Thursday, and Friday Morning:
- 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM (highest priority and need right now)
- 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM (highest priority and need)
Sign up here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F…
Multiple volunteers have already committed to these shifts, but we will not turn anyone away. Greater capacity allows us to give volunteers breaks throughout the night.
Thank you for your continued support and compassion!
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Thanks @SamuelWBell for bringing this home - improvements to Westminster have been slow but steady - very happy to see this happen
Thank you to the State Traffic Commission for approving our request for a traffic light at the corner of Westminster and Dexter. Thank you to @EnriqueForRI for testifying with me before the Commission, and thank you to @JohnJLombardiRI and @RachelRI for your support.
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So excited to welcome our colleague back to the Council Chambers tonight
NEW: More than 4 months after a life-threatening crash in California, Councilwoman Helen Anthony is returning to the Providence City Council tonight
She sat down with me earlier this week to recount the story of what happened and her journey to recover:
bostonglobe.com/2023/10/19/m…
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I believe this resolution will go to committee, and I’m really looking forward to a full public conversation about it in committee. 2/
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I am joining hundreds of thousands of others in calling for an end to violence in Gaza, a safe return of hostages and cease fire now.
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Thank you @AnderBois for your leadership - carbon neutral city buildings by 2040 - for our students, for the public, and for our efforts to build Providence’s clean energy workforce
Council Sets Energy Efficiency Timeline Requiring All City-Owned Buildings Go Carbon Neutral by 2040 council.providenceri.gov/202…
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At the start of this term Senator Goodwin reached out to share her support and ideas for Providence students with the same warmth and passion she approached so many issues over the years. All my love and condolences go out to her family and all of us who mourn her loss.
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Looking forward to celebrating with you next week! Thanks to @gonzaloque @tomweyman @DanielDenvir @SegalforRI
ALT Fundraiser & birthday celebration 10/11/23 5:30-7:30 at Revival Brewery 50 Simms
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Food & Water Action, @CenterForBioDiv, @billmckibben, and now Friends of the Earth Action - + Green New Deal Champ & @NoFossilMoney pledger - @DavidSegalRI is the climate candidate in cd2. David will push back on corporate power on multi issues on our behalf as he has for 20 yrs
Thank you for your endorsement, Friends of the Earth Action! Together we will continue to advocate for the environment and environmental justice — even when it means overcoming corporate special interests and other powerful opposition. @foe_us
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Some powerful community testimony tonight at PERA. Part of the problem: we collectively don’t know how badly we need an independent investigative body truly empowered to investigate police actions because we don’t have such a body.
Justice - we have seen that police only keep certain community members safe. PERA needs to recognize its power (REVIEW POLICE CONTRACTS, CALL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON POLICE POLICY) and demand more
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My heart is broken for our city today- holding the family and friends of the young person murdered today close. And loving the students, parents, and teachers too.
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Happy Friday - this week I had a great time talking with @StephMachado about the exciting possibilities for our city in working with the new Council and Mayor-elect Smiley next term. wpri.com/news/pulse-of-provi…
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Providence vaccine info: There is a lot of misinformation circulating. Right now the city is booking appointments for 65+. Share widely with your 65+ friends and fam & if you see info that says something different, please chime in to correct it. #checkthefactsforequity
The @CityofProv is currently booking vaccine appointments for those 65 & older. You can make an appointment at vaccinatepvd.com or dial 311 during business hours: cc @pvdcitycouncil @Jorge_Elorza
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Praising protestors and then putting up barricades. Interesting take on encouraging campaigns for racial justice
This is overzealous. @GovRaimondo , please direct RISP and Cap. Police to take them down. The Statehouse should be accessible to all. @RISpeaker and @SenatorRuggerio please take note.
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