Rhode Island Senate

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Hanna Gallo, Senator District 27 and other members of the Senate joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Rhode Island - ACS CAN for its 13th annual Research Breakfast.

Today, Senate Finance Chairman Lou DiPalma joined the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island for its 2026 Annual Conference at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston.

Watch here: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/12409

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Hanna Gallo, Senator District 27 and Rep. David A. Bennett joined leaders of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and University of Rhode Island for the announcement of a new, fully online registered nurse to bachelor of science (RN-to-BS) program.

This collaboration provides CCRI nursing alumni with an accessible and adaptable route to achieve their Bachor of Science degree at URI, all while maintaining the high academic standards and clinical focus required by Rhode Island's medical facilities.

“I am fortunate to be one of the thousands of Rhode Islanders whose experience at CCRI and URI paved the way for successful and rewarding career. The exciting RN-to-BS partnership between these institutions will open new avenues of opportunity for so many dedicated professionals while strengthening our state’s healthcare workforce. On behalf of the Rhode Island Senate, I am grateful to everyone whose vision and hard work has made this possible,” said Sen. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick).

Watch: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/12408

Learn more: https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376867

On Monday, Senate President Valarie Lawson and other members of the Senate took part in The Economic Progress Institute's 15th annual Policy & Budget Conference.

Watch: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/12406

On Monday, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Lou DiPalma and State Representative Megan Cotter joined the RI Green Bond Initiative at the Crescent Park Carousel in East Providence for the kickoff of the campaign to gain voter support for this year's $55 million Green Bond.

“From the conservation of open space and farmland to investments in resiliency, recreation and critical infrastructure, the important initiatives supported through this year’s $55 million Green Economy Bond will help us continue to harness Rhode Island’s strengths while preserving and protecting the physical landscape that defines our state, said Senator DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton). “I urge all Rhode Islanders to support Question 5.”

Learn more: https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376864

Watch: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/12405

Today, current and former members of the Senate took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village's new Conservation Education Center. The event included a dedication to the late Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin in recognition of her commitment to the zoo and its mission.

Watch: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/12396

On Monday, members of the Rhode Island Senate took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the University of Rhode Island's new Fine Arts Center, which includes a choral room dedicated to the late Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio. Other civic leaders and members of President Ruggerio's family were also on hand.

Learn more: https://www.uri.edu/news/2026/09/curtain-rises-on-new-era-for-uris-fine-arts-center/

Watch: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/12389

Today, Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone and RI State Senator Bridget Valverde joined other state and federal leaders to help celebrate the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's addition of 50 new Model 1 Frontrunner vans to replace aging paratransit fleet vehicles and expand capacity for RIde and Flex On Demand service.

Learn more: https://www.ripta.com/node/1262

Watch here: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/12386