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Votes at a glance: Senate adopts Taiwan friendship resolution, Black Maternal Health Week, several local bond measures and appointments
Summary
At its April 11 session the Rhode Island Senate adopted a Taiwan friendship resolution, declared Black Maternal Health Week, confirmed Carol Lombardi to the Convention Center Authority, approved several local school bond authorizations and elected Matthew LaMountain deputy president pro tem; most measures passed unanimously or by lopsided margins.
The Rhode Island Senate on April 11 adopted a series of resolutions, confirmations and local bond authorizations during a single-day session.
Key outcomes
- Taiwan friendship resolution: The Senate adopted a resolution reaffirming friendship with Taiwan, highlighting bilateral trade and urging state branches to explore a trade office and educational exchanges. President Gallo introduced the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston delegation; Director General Charles Lo thanked members "on behalf of the people and the government of Taiwan" for longstanding support.
- Black Maternal Health Week: Senator Tiara T. Mack moved and the Senate adopted a resolution celebrating Black Maternal Health Week (April 11'024 to April 17'024) and urging policy attention to racial disparities in maternal morbidity and workforce development.
- Appointment: Carol A. Lombardi was confirmed to the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority for a term expiring June 30, 2027, by recorded vote 30-0 after Chairwoman Sosnowski recommended the nominee's experience in event planning and related industries.
- School bond authorizations: The Senate passed local authorizations for Providence school projects: SB 2858 (authorization up to $400 million, passed 30-0) and SB 2859 (authorization of $125 million, passed 30-0). It also approved SB 2862, authorizing Burrillville to issue $6.4 million in bonds for school facilities (30-0).
- Leadership election: Senator Matthew LaMountain was elected deputy president pro tem unanimously, 31-0.
Most items were noncontroversial and passed either by voice or unanimous recorded votes. The Senate recessed at the close of business and planned to return April 23.
