Sen. Gordon Rogers

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2024 as Portuguese American Heritage Month in Rhode Island to honor the state's Portuguese community. The bill recognizes the group's historical and ongoing contributions to the state's economy, culture, and public service, particularly in cities like Providence and Newport. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to state officials, the government of Portugal, and local organizations. This measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of Portuguese heritage rather than a change to laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts the responsibility for maintaining sidewalks along state highways from local towns to the state government. It explicitly assigns all upkeep duties to the state, with the specific exception of snow and ice removal, which remains a local task. The legislation also grants the director of transportation the authority to build new sidewalks and curbs on state roads where they are deemed necessary for pedestrian safety. These changes directly affect state transportation agencies and local municipalities that currently manage sidewalk care near state routes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the state's deepest condolences for the passing of Eileen M. Rao, a lifelong resident of Providence and the co-founder of the local business Mr. Lemon. The document highlights her legacy as a dedicated business owner and family matriarch, noting her significant role in growing the lemonade stand into a family venture over nearly fifty years. It formally directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this sympathy resolution to her three children, Janice Valedofsky, Joseph Rao Jr., and Colleen Rao-Sales.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the death of Thomas Conroy Boyle, a longtime funeral home president and former Providence City Council member. The bill formally acknowledges his life and public service, noting his family connections and community involvement. It directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to Boyle's wife, Helen, and her family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates the family-owned Mr. Lemon business in Providence on its 50th anniversary of serving frozen lemonade treats to Rhode Island residents and visitors. The bill recognizes the company's history, which began in 1974 by founders Eileen and Joseph Rao and continues today under their three children, while also noting the brand's expanded flavor selection and a recent tribute flavor change. By passing this resolution, the Rhode Island Senate formally expresses gratitude for the business's long-standing role as a local staple and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the current owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new tax credit for individuals and businesses that donate safe, edible food to qualified nonprofit organizations. Starting in 2025, donors can claim a credit equal to 75% of the food's fair market value, up to a maximum of $5,000 per year, while those who arrange transportation for the donation may also receive a 50% credit on those costs. To qualify, the donated food must be fit for human consumption, and the receiving nonprofit must use it to provide meals for people in need. The legislation requires nonprofits to issue certificates confirming the donation details and the intended use of the food, and it mandates annual reporting to the state legislature on how the credit is utilized.

Mandates that any surplus state tax revenue received in any fiscal year be refunded to the taxpayers of this state on a proportional basis in relation to the personal income tax liability incurred by the taxpayers in that fiscal year.

Prohibits total education aid paid to any local education agency from being reduced by more than one percent (1%) of the municipal education appropriation in the previous fiscal year.

Establishes office of inspector general which would be charged with preventing fraud and mismanagement of public funds, regardless of their source and would oversee all state programs and operations.

Prohibits the state, municipalities, or courts from attempting to collect any motor vehicle violation fines or costs, after more than seven (7) years of the fine becoming final.