Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Rhode Island. The bill aims to honor the historical contributions and cultural diversity of these communities within the state by encouraging residents to participate in educational programs and activities. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to individuals who have promoted AANHPI culture and history during a specific ceremony on May 19, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from the state treasury to Onward We Learn for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are designated to support the Rhode Island GEAR UP program, which helps middle and high school students prepare for college and provides scholarships to cover postsecondary education costs. This money serves as the state's required matching contribution to a larger federal grant received by the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner. The resolution authorizes the state controller to issue payment orders to Onward We Learn once proper financial documentation is submitted.

Amends State funding calculations for special education, revising extraordinary cost calculations for FY 2028-2029, and providing additional funds for excess costs when special education students move into a district after the budget is approved.

Provides that a student's enrollment in Medicaid would be included in calculating and determining the student success factor for use in the foundation education-aid formula.

Amends the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act to set the regionalization bonus at 2% of the state's share of foundation education aid for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026, and for each year thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the Rhode Island Medical Society for organizing the 2026 State House Advocacy Day event. It formally recognizes the physicians who participated in the gathering for their work in patient care and healthcare policy advocacy. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the medical society as an official acknowledgment of their contributions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates RIPIN, a Rhode Island nonprofit, on its 35th anniversary and recognizes its 35 years of supporting families with children who have special needs. The bill highlights how RIPIN provides peer-to-peer guidance, advocacy, and resources to help individuals navigate healthcare, special education, and aging services. By acknowledging RIPIN's role as a federally designated center, the resolution formally commends the organization's leadership and staff for their ongoing contributions to the state's safety net. Ultimately, this legislative action serves as a formal expression of appreciation rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Hospital Week" in Rhode Island to honor the state's hospitals and healthcare workers. The measure acknowledges the vital role these institutions play in providing essential services, supporting the local economy, and employing thousands of residents. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the President of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, recognizing the group's leadership in the field.

Allows teachers, state and municipal employees to retire upon the earlier of reaching age sixty (60) with thirty (30) years of service or the employee's retirement eligibility date under present state statutes.

Authorizes an annual two and one-half percent (2.5%) escalation for all active and retired police and firefighter's retirement pension allowance, compounded each year on January 1 following the year of retirement and continuing yearly, on that date.