Legislation That I’m Working On...
Photo by adamjt, available under
a Creative Commons license.
H7449- Keep Sakonnet River Bridge Free from Tolls
This proposed law would keep the Sakonnet River Bridge free of tolls
and maintain the status of the bridge under the RI Dept of Transportation.
The hard working people of Rhode Island and especially the East
Bay already pay enough money in taxes and fees! I am working hard
with the legislature to protect the interest of all District 70
residents, as well as those in surrounding areas - We do not need
another tax or fee increasing our day-to-day living expenses.
H7xxx- Reduce Sales Tax from
7% to 3%
Rhode Island is plagued with one of the highest sales taxes in New
England. In order to be more competitive with our neighbors, we
need to reduce our sales tax back to the initial level instituted
in 1968. Because our district is so near to Massachusetts, which
has a lower sales tax rate, many of our residents go across the
state line and purchase goods and services. If those same items
were purchased in Rhode Island – at a reduced tax rate, the entire
state would benefit along with the taxpayers. This innovative legislation
will phase in the required changes over the course of 4 years,
with each progressive year adding more revenue back to Rhode Island,
and leveling the tax “playing field” with each step. In this plan,
food, clothes and medicine will continue to be exempt from tax,
ensuring we keep essential items affordable for all Rhode Islanders.
H7045—Post Foreclosure Eviction of Tenants
Preventing the eviction of tenants who live in properties going through
foreclosure is the right thing to do. This bill would allow these
tenants who are current with their rent, and in compliance with
their agreement, to stay in their home. Without this bill a large
number of families will continue to be forced out onto the streets
through no fault of their own. Additionally, the banks who got
us into this economic mess should find this bill to be beneficial
by maintaining the property’s cash flow and keeping up the value
of the property.
H7046—Sex Offender Registration
This bill would close the loophole that allows sex offenders to be
free from registering with local police departments while they are
appealing their classification. Currently, dangerous sex offenders
can appeal their status and thus not register with the local police
while their appeal is under consideration allowing them to live in
close proximity to children and schools.
H7047- Gas Station Attendant
This bill would allow 16 year olds to work in a gas station that
provides full service gas pumping. Teenagers can pump their own gas
at self serve stations so they should also be able to be employed
at this task. Our district has several full-service stations, and
this bill helps support those businesses.
H7317-Decriminalization of Marijuana
This legislation would take away the criminal penalties for simple
possession of small amounts of marijuana (under 1 ounce) and impose
a civil penalty. Currently there are 40 inmates in the ACI who are
incarcerated for simple possession. This costs the taxpayers of RI
on average $44,000/year/inmate. Twelve other states already have
decriminalized marijuana and have not encountered any issues. This
bill will reduce the number of criminal cases before our courts,
allow our police to concentrate on more serious criminals and lower
the expense to RI taxpayers.
H7351-Prevailing Wage Reporting
This bill would require contractors working on publicly funded projects
to forward their prevailing wage reports to the local awarding
authority rather than the Dept of Labor and Training (RIDLT). The
RIDLT is already overburdened and understaffed and cannot accurately
review and enforce the prevailing wage laws in our state. The local
awarding authority is already on site and aware of any contractors,
subcontractors or suppliers who are on site. This will help identify
sooner those contractors who are attempting to circumvent the prevailing
wage laws.
Jay on House Labor Committee
For details, see the press release issued by the Legislative Press & Information Bureau.
Edwards bill would increase fines for industrial polluters
For details, see the press release issued by the Legislative Press & Information Bureau.
Thanks to the Voters of District 70
Jay sends his thanks to the voters of his district.
