Rep. Cherie Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $10 million in funding for Rhode Island's Community Health Worker Initiative, administered by the Department of Health. It directly affects community health workers and the programs they support across the state. The key provision is a one-time appropriation to expand or sustain these workforce programs, which connect residents with health resources in underserved areas. The bill was introduced to the House Finance Committee on February 27, 2026, and remains pending.

Amends current law so that private side lead service replacement costs, financed by the water supplier's customers that may be eligible for reimbursement from the state, would no longer be subject to appropriation by the general assembly.

Maddy summaryHR 8209 is a joint resolution that authorizes the federal government to provide $250,000 in direct funding to the Refugee Dream Center (RDC). This bill directly affects the RDC, a nonprofit organization supporting refugees, by providing it with a specific sum of money for its operations. The key provision is a one-time appropriation of $250,000, which the RDC would use to support its refugee assistance programs. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.

Establishes a child tax credit in the amount of six hundred fifty dollars ($650) for eligible taxpayers adjusted for inflation annually commencing January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 8192 imposes a 2% tax on the portion of a private college's endowment exceeding $1 billion. It directly affects private institutions of higher education with endowments over $1 billion, requiring them to pay this tax on the amount above that threshold. The bill's key provision is the specific tax rate applied to the excess value, creating a new revenue source for the state. Introduced on February 27, 2026, it is currently under review by the House Finance committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes imposing a sales tax on digital advertising services, such as online display ads or social media promotions. It directly affects digital advertising companies that sell these services to businesses, requiring them to collect the tax from buyers and remit it to the state. The key mechanism is adding digital advertising to the state's existing sales tax framework, treating it similarly to other taxable services. The bill is currently in the introduction phase, having been referred to the House Finance committee on February 27, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Rhode Island House resolution designates May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" to honor the role of critical thinking in scientific and social progress. The bill encourages citizens to focus on reason, the scientific method, and free inquiry when addressing issues like climate change and civil liberties. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to two specified individuals, John Mertus and Joe Burgio.

Expands the patient-centered medical home program to all Medicaid-accepting independent primary care practices and nurse practitioners and increases reimbursement rates to match Massachusetts and Connecticut rates.

Requires Rhode Island Medicaid to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives and to collect utilization and cost data, while allowing limits consistent with Medicaid rules.

Requires Medicaid to cover services by licensed certified lactation counselors and EOHHS to oversee and implement the program and track related costs and use. It also ensures reimbursement consistent with similar providers.