Adam Kinzinger and Jim Langevin join for provocative discussion with students at URI

Democracy at stake

Kristen Curry 

Self-described renegade Congressman Adam Kinzinger made his first visit to Rhode Island this week. Despite the state’s notable blue streak, its appreciation for the occasional Republican politician (see Chafee Hall) and noted independent streak made it a welcoming spot to hear Kinzinger’s message, shared most recently in his book, Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country, published last year, and on his substack.

On Tuesday, the former U.S. representative visited the University of Rhode Island, where students and community members have been mulling and debating the meaning of democracy this fall.

Kinzinger’s visit was a warm one—at times humorous—with little talk of blue or red and more discussion of the impact of the political on the personal and what recent and current events mean for young people today. 

The candid conversation was hosted by his former colleague and friend James Langevin, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001-23 known for reaching across the aisle in both his political work and post-legislative life.

The wheelchair repair system is broken

For example, why should a wheelchair-bound person need an insurance pre-authorization to get their chair fixed?

By Jim Langevin, Rhode Island Current

I have been a power wheelchair user for over 40 years. My chair is custom configured to my specific needs, and I rely on it for my mobility and independence.

It helps me do my job effectively, to socialize with colleagues, friends, and family, and to live more actively in my community. When my wheelchair needs repairs I want it, no, I need it, repaired as soon as possible.

Many of the organizations involved in the process of providing repairs on complex power wheelchairs have been under fire by consumers for long wait times and insufficient customer service when it comes to repairs on their wheelchairs. 

As I have dug into this issue, I have come to learn of the tremendous complexity and bureaucracy built into the system and the need for reform of this broken process to allow repairs on complex power wheelchairs to happen more quickly.

First, we must eliminate the burdensome administrative requirements in place delaying wheelchair repair, such as insurance prior authorization, duplicative documentation, and other unnecessary hurdles. 

Reps Cicilline and Magaziner discuss first days in Republican-controlled House

"Working" with the right

By Steve Ahlquist for UpRiseRI

On Thursday January 19th Uprise RI alongside other local journalists sat down with Rhode Island’s United States Representatives David Cicilline and Seth Magaziner, both Democrats. Representative Cicilline has served since 2011, Representative Magaziner was recently sworn in for his first term, after a long delay as Republicans in the House, who hold a small majority, struggled to elect Kevin McCarthy to the Speakership.

This conversation was held in Representative Cicilline’s Pawtucket office with a small number of local journalists. It was rather informal, with a good back and forth in questions. The transcript has been edited for clarity, you can watch the full interview here: United States Reprepresentatives David Cicillini and Seth Magaziner Press Conference - Jan 19 2023 - YouTube

Former US Rep. Jim Langevin lands gigs at both URI and Brown University

University announcements

1. Former Congressman James Langevin to serve as visiting scholar at URI

By Tony LaRoche 

The University of Rhode Island announced that former U.S. Rep. James Langevin has been appointed a visiting scholar in the Department of Political Science.

Langevin retired this month after more than 20 years representing Rhode Island’s 2^nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was a senior member of House Committees on Armed Services and Homeland Security. The one-year appointment, which begins Jan. 23, continues Langevin’s long commitment to the state and the University while in Congress.

“I was proud to represent the University in the 2nd Congressional District all these years and am excited about this opportunity to continue to serve Rhode Islanders through my work with the state’s public research university,” said Langevin. 

“As a member of Congress, I’ve enjoyed working with URI leadership to support higher education, science and research, including programs to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity. I look forward to engaging with faculty and students this spring on new initiatives.”

“I am so pleased that URI has the opportunity to host Congressman Langevin as a visiting scholar this year,” URI President Marc Parlange said. 

“His remarkable career and his dedication to initiatives that have bolstered the work we do here and improved the lives of all Rhode Islanders is truly impressive and our community is fortunate to have his insight and expertise on campus.”

Each semester during his appointment, Langevin will host a symposium on a topic related to national security or U.S. civics and democracy, lending his expertise in both areas to attract national and international experts. He also will maintain an office on campus and attend select events, interacting regularly with URI students, faculty, and staff.

“I am excited to welcome Congressman Langevin to the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Dean Jen Riley. “I’m looking forward to the programming he will lead in conjunction with our faculty in cybersecurity, international studies and diplomacy, and international relations. I know our students will benefit greatly from the experiences and knowledge he will share with us.”

Langevin’s appointment at URI coincides with a similar announcement at Brown University, where he will serve as senior fellow in the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, starting this spring. He will also run a study group, hold office hours, and host a public event during his time at Watson.

CHARLESTOWN: Get out and vote tomorrow

Important local Senate race, plus Congressional District 2 and crucial state offices on the line

By Will Collette

There are 6,748 registered voters in Charlestown – 100 new registrations just in the past week! Many of those voters have a stake in the Democratic or Republican primaries which are being held tomorrow, Tuesday September 13. You can vote in person at Town Hall.

As of this writing, 237 of Charlestown’s voters have already sent their primary ballots in by mail or voted early at Town Hall (116 by mail, 131 in person).

The final step in the process to choose the slate for the November 8 election takes place tomorrow when you can turn out at Town Hall to vote in person.

The main local race is the choice of which among three qualified Democrats will become the Party nominee for the Senate District 38 seat that became open upon the retirement of long-time Senator Dennis Algiere.

All three Democrats – Victoria Gu, Michael Niemeyer and Sharon Ahern – strike me as serious candidates who would make good senators, but I favor Victoria for her positions on sensible gun legislation and a woman’s right to choose. Her main opponent Sharon Ahern is backed by the gun lobby and Right to Life.

The winner will face long-time Westerly politico Caswell Cooke, a former Republican who is running as an independent and maybe Westin Place representing the Republicans. Place has yet to file required campaign finance reports (CF-1) as required by law, so it’s unknown whether he is running any sort of campaign. 

Also on the ballot is Congressional District 2 being vacated by Rep. Jim Langevin. Leading in all the polls is term-limited state General Treasurer Seth Magaziner. There are four other active candidates: Joy Fox, Sarah Morgenthau, David Segal, and Omar Bah. The winner will face Trumplican Allan Fung in November.

All of the Democrats running for state General Offices have primary challenges, except for Attorney General Peter Nerohna. 

However, some races are hotter than others. The Governor’s race is red-hot with our hapless accidental Gov. Dan McKee facing strong challenges from term-limited Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and former CVS executive Helena Foulkes.

I’ve already voted for Nellie.

The winner will face a carpetbagging Trumplican Ashley Kalus Weinzweig who may also be registered to vote in Florida and Illinois – that’ll take some serious investigation.

The Lieutenant Governor race also features a toss-up among three contenders. Sabrina Matos is running as Dan McKee’s running mate (nuff said); Cynthia Mendes is running as Matt Brown’s running mate and may be polling better than Brown’s single digits in his second bid for Governor. Then Deb Ruggiero is running by actually campaigning on her long and impressive legislative history.

General Treasurer is also a pitched battle and toss-up between former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa versus a stuffed shirt narcissist Stefan Pryor who is, according to himself, the single-handed savior of every mess he’s gotten into. James Diossa simply saved Central Falls after everybody had written it off, but is too modest to claim the full credit he deserved. Obviously I’ve voted for James.

Finally, the Secretary of State opening left when Nellie Gorbea was term limited has East Providence school teacher and long-time legislator Greg Amore versus virtually unknown novice Stephanie Beaute.

As a progressive Democrat, I will probably support the whole Democratic ticket that is chosen by the voters tomorrow, but obviously I have my favorites, as I’m sure you do too.

But as the saying goes, if you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain.

Big decision for US House District 2

Who’s the best Democratic candidate to hold on to it?

By Will Collette

It’s only two weeks until Rhode Island’s party primary on September 13. For those of us voting by mail or taking advantage of early voting at Town Hall, we can make our choices before then.

For Charlestown Democrats, we have a hot race for the Senate District 38 seat being vacated by Sen. Dennis Algiere. Statewide, there is hot competition in the Democratic primary races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and General Treasurer.

But from a local, statewide and national perspective, the most vital primary of all is for the Democrat who will run for retiring Representative Jim Langevin’s seat in Congress. The winner of the September 13 primary will face Trumplican Alan Fung, former mayor of Cranston in the General Election on November 8.

In the battle for control of Congress, Democrats MUST hold on to this seat in the epic battle to stop fascism from advancing in America. I’m not exaggerating – that’s what is at stake.

Six Democrats have qualified for the September 13 primary ballot, although South Kingstown’s former state rep Spencer Dickinson has suspended his campaign and political comeback attempt reportedly due to poor health.

The five active candidates are (in the order they appear on the ballot): term-limited General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, David Segal, Omar Bah, gazillionaire carpetbagger Sarah Morgenthau and former Langevin aide Joy Fox.

All five have very similar positions on all the big issues so I think the way to decide who deserves your vote depends on (a) their record and experience, (2) the likelihood they can do the job well and (3) their ability to beat Alan Fung in November to keep Congressional District 2 blue.

My choice is Seth Magaziner. While you can read his campaign bio just about everywhere or read GoLocal’s trash talk against him, I urge you join me in voting for Seth for a lot of good reasons.

For the past eight years, Seth has done a terrific job as General Treasurer. He’s balanced the books, changed our investment strategy away from Gina Raimondo’s hedge funds to more solid, dependable ones, including local banking institutions, and boosted the office’s projects like returning lost money to their rightful owners and compensating crime victims. His innovations include the major school construction and rehab initiative and the Green Bank to finance environmental initiatives.

Seth is smart and creative, a genuinely nice guy and he can win. He’s won handily in District 2 twice now running as Treasurer, while Alan Fung has lost in District 2 twice in his two failed attempts to become Governor.

If we had “ranked voting” in Rhode Island (we don’t), I would pick Joy Fox as my second choice, just edging out my third choice David Segal. Joy is a Rhode Island native and certainly knows the job, having worked as aide to Rep. Langevin. She too is smart and personable and I hope to see her in Rhode Island politics in the years to come. The same holds for progressive David Segal.

Then there’s Omar Bah, described in the Providence Journal as “an African refugee with a compelling personal story.”

While he certainly does have a “compelling personal story,” unfortunately that seems to be the only actual concrete information we have about him. I went through his campaign website to try to understand his campaign points. What I found were very general progressive talking points (pro-choice, pro-Green New Deal, etc.) but nothing specific.

I respect his history and commend his courage but really don’t understand why he decided to run for Congress as his first time ever attempt at electoral politics.

To me, the most controversial candidate is Sarah Morgenthau. She’s deliberately running as a Washington insider perhaps because she’s not much of a Rhode Islander having only just moved here. She was called out for collecting a homestead tax credit on her DC residence. Hint to Charlestown: Isn’t it time WE had a homestead tax credit too?

She’s a blue-blood establishment aristocrat. Her grandfather served as Franklin Roosevelt’s Treasury Secretary. Her great-granddad was Woodrow Wilson’s Ambassador to Turkey. She had several political appointments under President Obama, did work for Gina Raimondo and fund-raising for Joe Biden.

She says that because of all her DC connections, she will be instantly ready to call on all her friends to help her deliver for Rhode Island. Plus, she’s a woman.

But looking through her resume, you won’t find much experience with Congress – which is the job she’s actually seeking. I can tell you from 25 years of working in Washington myself that Congress is a very different animal than the Executive Branch.

She may be able to get the Prime Minister of Great Britain to answer her phone call but that doesn’t mean she can provide quality constituent services to the people of the Second District. We’ve been spoiled by Jim Langevin who excelled at constituent service. And her grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s blue blood friends won’t be much help in getting legislation passed in a sharply divided Congress.

I don’t understand why she’s running except maybe to tick another box on her list of lifetime achievements. Maybe she’s just anxious to move back to DC.

Wood River Health Services grows and changes

Group celebrates all those who helped

Photo by Seth Jacobson Photography

On Monday, June 27, Wood River Health Services (WRHS) hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony to mark the commencement of excavation work for its new building and to celebrate the donors who have made the expansion possible. The new building is an addition to its 823 Main Street property and is projected to cost $5 million. It was designed by Vision 3 Architects and A/Z Corporation has been secured to oversee construction. 

The expansion will enable the federally qualified health center to better serve its current patient base and expand its community’s access to medical, dental, behavioral and social services and supports. It will increase its clinical space by 57%; increase dental patients by 1,200 visits per year; and expand behavioral health services access for individuals, families and groups. The expansion will also enable WRHS to offer Radiology, Physical Therapy and Specialist services. 

There were over 100 attendees at the Groundbreaking Ceremony. Event speakers included The Honorable Jack Reed; The Honorable James Langevin; The Honorable Dennis Algiere; Nadia Duvilaire, MD, Associate Medical Director at WRHS; Ruth Morgan, Vice Chair, Capital Campaign Committee and WRHS Board Member; Peter Marino, President & CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island; WRHS patient Chris Hedenberg; and Alison L. Croke, President & CEO of WRHS. 

New funding to help survivors of sexual assault

Almost $600,000 to expand the quality of service to Rhode Island survivors 

Sierra Shelton

Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline  announced that Rhode Island Hospital will be receiving $599,966 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Victims of Crime to establish Rhode Island’s first SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) program. 

This federal funding will enable Rhode Island to provide equitable access to quality, trauma-informed medical and forensic care for survivors of sexual assault, and support community resources that prioritize healing and justice.

URI Research Foundation awarded Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant, will lead regional coalition to grow ‘blue economy’

$500K phase one planning grant makes Rhode Island eligible for up to $100M in challenge next phase

By Linda A. Acciardo 

The University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, in conjunction with Rhode Island Commerce and a regional team focused on the growing blue economy, has successfully competed against hundreds of regional teams across the country to be selected by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as a finalist in the nation-wide Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

The award is designed to help communities revitalize their economies through the development of new industry clusters or by scaling up existing clusters. 

The URI Research Foundation’s proposal focuses on Rhode Island’s natural advantages and the density of cross-sector excellence to advance a variety of new “blue” technology capabilities while addressing historically excluded populations and proposing strategies to address economic disparities across the state. 

Rhode Island is now one of 60 finalist applications out of 529 total that were submitted to receive a phase one planning grant of $500,000 to develop and support three to eight distinct and meaningful projects to grow the cluster.

Rhode Island to receive $300,000 Federal Grant Aimed at Strengthening Local RI Seafood Market

Will this do anything to sharp rises in seafood prices?

Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has launched a new, year-long seafood marketing and promotion campaign aimed at increasing the consumption and value of Rhode Island seafood in Rhode Island. 

The campaign will be undertaken by DEM on behalf of the RI Seafood Marketing Collaborative, a public-private body whose objective is to support local fishermen and seafood farmers and increase awareness and consumption of locally harvested species by the public. 

It will be supported with a $300,000 Saltonstall-Kennedy grant awarded to DEM by NOAA Fisheries and begin in January 2022.

The campaign focuses on the enormous benefits to be derived by steering more RI seafood to RI markets, for sale by RI seafood retailers and consumption by RI consumers, including residents and visitors/tourists. 

Rhode Island's commercial fisheries have long been an economic powerhouse. Annual wild harvest landings total over 80 million pounds, valued at over $100 million (ex-vessel). 

These landings yield a total economic output valued at over $400 million and support over 4,000 jobs. In addition, shellfish farms in RI waters produce more than 8 million oysters annually, with a farm-gate value of nearly $6 million.

It is striking to note that most seafood landed and grown in RI is exported out of state and most seafood sold and consumed in RI is imported into the state. Exports of RI seafood are important and valuable and will remain so. However, the relatively small amount of RI seafood sold in RI calls attention to the need and opportunity to grow the in-state market and render it more secure.

Hey, kids! Work for free!

Congressman Langevin Seeking Spring Interns

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) is accepting applications for interns in his Rhode Island and Washington offices for the upcoming spring semester. 

The program will run from January through May 2022 and is open to civic-minded college students. 

A qualified candidate will be well-organized, responsible, and have good oral and written communication skills, as well as at least 10 hours of availability per week. College credit is available. Rhode Island ties are preferred but not required. 

Protecting the coast from climate change

URI leads team of researchers awarded $1.5 million NOAA grant

Dawn Bergantino

Realistic 3D visualization for Eastham, Mass. along the Cape Cod National Seashore using Advanced Circulation (ADCIRC) modeling results of the March 2018 Nor'easter with 1.0 m sea level rise.

Researchers at the University of Rhode Island and Penn State University have been awarded a four-year, $1.5 million grant through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study the effects of sea level rise and how it may exacerbate the impact of extreme weather. 

The project will draw on expertise from researchers at URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography, its College of the Environment and Life Sciences, the Department of Ocean Engineering within the URI College of Engineering, and the URI Coastal Resources Center.

Other collaborative participants include the Schoodic Institute and the National Park Service. The overall goal of the project is to help communities, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adapt and improve their resilience as climate continues to change and extreme weather such as hurricanes and nor’easters continue to increase in terms of frequency and severity.

According to NOAA, the rate of sea level rise is accelerating. Since 1993, the average global sea level has increased by 3.4 inches. By the end of the century, it is likely to rise at least one foot over 2000 levels. 

Sea level plays a role in flooding, shoreline erosion, and other hazards, affecting nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population living in high-population density coastal areas. However, despite what is known about sea level rise, there is a lack of research available when it comes to how the impacts of nor’easters and hurricanes may be amplified as a result.

“There are a number of studies that have been done looking at just sea level rise or just extreme weather, but what we’re really lacking in terms of clear understanding is the combined impact of these two phenomena,” said Isaac Ginis, professor of oceanography, who is leading the study. 

“This is especially important to us on the East Coast and in New England, where we’ve seen significant coastal flooding produced by waves and storm surge during nor’easters and hurricanes. How these effects are amplified by sea level rise has been largely unexplored. This information gap inhibits our ability to properly plan for the future and is likely to lead to under-informed and ineffective adaptation measures.”    

The project will expand the body of research related to the effects of extreme weather and sea level rise on five New England national parks and two wildlife refuges – Cape Cod National Seashore, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in Massachusetts; Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, and Roger Williams National Memorial in Rhode Island; and Acadia National Park in Maine – as well as their surrounding communities.

RI Delegation Secures $1.1 Million in American Rescue Plan Act Funding for ServeRI Programs

More money for public service jobs

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that ServeRI will be receiving $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to strengthen national service in Rhode Island and provide relief for organizations and communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. 

Specifically, this federal funding will provide Rhode Island with additional flexibility and resources to boost living allowances for AmeriCorps members, stabilize Rhode Island’s AmeriCorps programs, and expand ServeRI opportunities over the next three years. 

“This federal funding will provide a significant boost to community service efforts throughout Rhode Island. Through their dedication and sacrifice, AmeriCorps members help build stronger communities and I am glad Rhode Island is finally getting these additional American Rescue Plan funds to help AmeriCorps support its service members and expand its reach in the Ocean State,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and a champion of AmeriCorps funding. “From education to conservation, this federal funding will help AmeriCorps members in Rhode Island tackle important challenges and make a positive difference.” 

“AmeriCorps members and volunteers are on the front lines of helping their communities recover from the pandemic,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This American Rescue Plan funding will create more opportunities for Rhode Islanders to make a difference through national service.” 

“AmeriCorps members and volunteers are among the very best of us, and I’m so very grateful for the selfless work they do to strengthen our communities and improve the lives of Rhode Islanders every day,” said Rep. Langevin. “I’m proud that this American Rescue Plan Act funding will help bolster ServeRI and those who devote themselves to national service. As our state recovers from this pandemic, we must ensure that our frontline organizations have the necessary resources to continue serving our communities.”

In a rare victory, Congress passes Langevin bill to protect schools from cyber-attacks

The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law 

The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Rick Scott (R-FL) to enhance cybersecurity assistance to K-12 educational institutions across the country. Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI-02) led the House companion bill. 

Schools are responsible for securing a considerable amount of sensitive records related to their students and employees, including student grades, family records, medical histories, and employment information. 

The bill will help educational institutions bolster their cybersecurity protections by instructing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to examine the risks and challenges that schools face in securing their systems. 

Using their findings, CISA is charged with creating cybersecurity recommendations and other voluntary resources for schools to use when implementing their cybersecurity solutions. The bill passed the Senate in August and now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. 

“Throughout the pandemic, criminal hackers have ramped up their attacks on our nation’s schools, disrupting entire school districts and jeopardizing the personal information of students and educators alike. This legislation will help shore up our schools’ cyber defenses and protect our students and educators against those who wish them harm,” said Rep. Jim Langevin, co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus. 

Langevin, Cicilline Secure $3.2 Million to Help Eliminate Youth Homelessness in Rhode Island

Tremendous gap in aid for homeless kids in Rhode Island

Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that the Rhode Island Continuum of Care (RICoC) will be receiving $3.2 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). 

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, youth homelessness in Rhode Island has increased 23% since last year, according to RICoC. 

The YHDP funds awarded to RICoC will be used to improve housing efforts focused on youth, with the goal of eliminating youth homelessness in Rhode Island. 

Specifically, the federal funding will go towards building a constituent-informed response for youth experiencing homelessness with focused attention to prevention and diversion. 

The grant will help RICoC expand categorical eligibility for existing programs, institute direct cash support, create safe spaces for subpopulations at disproportionate risk, and create youth-specific emergency shelter, diversion, and crisis services.  

Jim Langevin steps up

Rep. Langevin Votes to Codify Roe v. Wade Protections into Federal Law 

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) voted for H.R. 3755, the Women’s Health Protection Act, to codify the rights and protections guaranteed in the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision into federal law. 

The bill’s passage comes as Republican-controlled state legislatures seek to impose extreme abortion bans like Texas’s S.B. 8, which does not include exceptions in cases of rape or incest.

“As the right-wing Supreme Court appears to be on the verge of overturning Roe v. Wade -- which has been settled case law for decades -- I will not stand idly by as extremist state legislators around the country empower vigilantes to prevent women from accessing constitutionally-protected reproductive care,” said Rep. Jim Langevin. 

“Although I remain personally opposed to abortion, as a matter of public policy, I do not believe that the government should interfere with a woman’s most intimate decisions. At the end of the day, we must put our trust in women to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.” 

After the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Texas abortion ban (S.B. 8) to go into effect, Rep. Langevin wrote an op-ed in the Providence Journal announcing his decision to co-sponsor the Women’s Health Protection Act. The full op-ed can be found here.

Cash aid to sea-faring RI businesses who took pandemic losses

Congressional Delegation, DEM Announce Availability of 2nd Round of COVID-Related Fisheries Assistance Funding

The Rhode Island Congressional Delegation and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM)  announced that commercial fishing and charter/for hire businesses, qualified aquaculture operators, seafood processors, and dealers are eligible to apply for an additional $255 million in assistance funding provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

The application period opened Sept. 13 and will close Sept. 27. 

The funding will support activities previously authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

DEM's Division of Marine Fisheries is administering this second round of fisheries disaster relief in response to COVID-19. Businesses in four sectors – commercial fishing, commercial aquaculture, seafood processors/wholesale (dealers), and charter/for-hires – may be eligible for assistance in the form of direct payments if they can quantify direct and indirect COVID-19 losses.

"Our fishing industry took a serious hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Congress quickly responded by delivering more than $250 million in disaster relief to cover the losses suffered," said Rep. Jim Langevin. "We cannot fully recover from the pandemic until the fishing industry is made whole again. I'm committed to doing just that, and I'm proud to join my colleagues in delivering this crucial federal assistance."

Anti-War Group Blocks Entrance to Portsmouth RI Raytheon Facility to Protest US Killing of Civilians Worldwide

Activists block entrance to Raytheon’s Portsmouth facility

By Steve Ahlquist

Two people attached themselves to automobiles to block the main entrance. Other activists stood nearby holding banners and signs, and chanting. The two people were detached from the vehicles after about four hours. One person was arrested still attached to a large concrete block.

Activists from the FANG Collective and RAM INC (Resist and Abolish the Military Industrial Complex) blocked the entrance to Raytheon‘s Portsmouth, Rhode Island Facility around 6am Thursday morning to protest the company’s weapon sales to Saudi Arabia and Israel, and their involvement in enforcing the United States / Mexico border.

UpriseRI arrived shortly after the protest began. 

Two people attached themselves to automobiles to block the main entrance. Other activists stood nearby holding banners and signs, and chanting. The two people were detached from the vehicles after about four hours. One person was arrested still attached to a large concrete block.

A second person was attached to a separate vehicle from underneath. It took the use of a forklift to extract him from the vehicle.

“Raytheon profits from the killing of civilians, families and children in Palestine, Yemen and elsewhere,” said one of the people who blockaded the entrance to the Raytheon facility. “We can’t sit idly by while Raytheon engineers new and more destructive ways of killing innocent people, Raytheon must be stopped and held accountable.”

The groups also used the protest to raise concerns about the influence that weapons contractors like Raytheon have over elected officials.

“Raytheon spends millions of dollars a year lobbying politicians to escalate global conflicts and inflate the Pentagon’s budget just so that their profits can grow,” said RAM INC in a statement. 

“Right here in Rhode Island Raytheon is the second highest donor to both Senator Jack Reed and Representative Jim Langevin. We can no longer allow rouge corporations like Raytheon to determine our foreign policy.”

Video from UpriseRI was used by DemocracyNow! in their daily newscast.

In a press release, the groups write:

“Raytheon, which is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, is second largest weapons contractor in the world and is the largest global producer of guided missiles. In recent years they have faced growing scrutiny for their involvement in Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen, and Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

“A 2018 report by CNN directly linked Raytheon produced missiles with several attacks that killed civilians in Yemen. This includes an air strike that targeted a wedding in which 21 civilians were killed and another 97 injured, many of whom were children. Raytheon also has close ties to the Israeli military and supplies them with missiles, bombs and other equipment, including the “Iron Dome” system. These weapons have been linked to dozens of attacks that have killed and injured civilians. This past spring, during an Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, protests erupted around the world condemning the ongoing violence.

“In addition to its weapons divisions, Raytheon has received contracts from United States Customs and Border Protection and has supported border security programs around the globe.”

Sources:

https://investigate.afsc.org/company/raytheon-technologies

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/16/us/arms-deals-raytheon-yemen.html

https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2018/09/world/yemen-airstrikes-intl/

https://www.tni.org/files/publication-downloads/more-than-a-wall-report.pdf

https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/clients/summary?cycle=2021&id=D000072615

https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/jack-reed/summary?

South Kingstown wind power tech company gets federal funding

RI Delegation Announces $1.15 Million Grant for Rhode Island Wind Energy Company

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that Arctura Inc. in South Kingstown will be receiving a $1.15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop an innovative wind turbine blade coating to reduce damage caused by lightning. 

Lightning damage to wind turbines is one of the largest expenses for wind farm operators. An innovative blade coating is being developed in this project to reduce blade damage caused by lightning that can be applied to both existing and future turbines. 

Arctura Inc. was one of 110 small businesses selected by the DOE in recognition of their work on advanced scientific tools and clean, secure energy for the American people in support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s clean energy goals. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of American communities, representing some of our best opportunities to make the clean energy innovations our country needs to meet President Biden’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. 

“These funding awards will help small businesses take their work to the next level, expand their operations and create new jobs, and be part of the fight against the existential crisis of our time – climate change.” 

“This is an example of federal dollars helping a local small business do important work that could reduce the cost of wind energy by improving the resilience and effectiveness of wind turbines,” said Senator Reed. “I will continue working to deliver federal funds to accelerate research into new technologies that could power our clean energy future and help grow jobs and opportunities in Rhode Island.” 

“Clean energy leadership requires big investments in emerging technology,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I’m thrilled to see this federal funding headed to an innovative Rhode Island company.  This award will bolster the Ocean State’s leadership on offshore wind, and help us to develop an advanced and resilient energy grid primed for growth.”  

“Now is the time to invest in sustainable energy, so that we can protect our environment and deliver affordable, clean power to Rhode Island homes and businesses for generations to come,” said Representative Jim Langevin. “This federal funding will help prevent costly lightning damage to wind turbines, reducing downtime and enabling the Ocean State to continue leading the way on innovative wind energy solutions.” 

“Rhode Island is a leader in the clean energy industry,” said Representative David Cicilline. “This federal grant will allow Rhode Island and it’s small businesses to be the gold standard when it comes to reaching our country’s clean energy goals.”

RI Delegation Secures $546,710 to Defend High-Risk Nonprofits Against Violent Attack

 Funding for seven Rhode Island organizations will be used to harden physical security, bolster preparedness 

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that seven high-risk, Rhode Island nonprofit organizations will be receiving funding to harden and upgrade their physical security to defend against violent attack. 

Funded by the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, these grants will help nonprofits support and integrate preparedness activities with broader state and local efforts and coordinate emergency preparedness among public and private community representatives. 

The Rhode Island organizations receiving funding are: 

• Providence Hebrew Day School - $100,000
• Temple Emanu-el - $100,000
• Phillis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Facility - $95,336
• Jewish Alliance of RI - $78,889
• Brown RISD Hillel - $68,000
• Jewish Community Day School of RI - $55,650
• Congregation Beth David of Narragansett - $48,835