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Rhode Island House proclaims Food Insecurity Awareness Day, honors first responder and marks Holocaust Remembrance Day
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Summary
On Jan. 27, 2026, the Rhode Island House adopted a package of House resolutions declaring Food Insecurity Awareness Day, commending Warwick Police Captain Charles Boisso for a July rescue, congratulating Warwick Police Chief Michael Lima, recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and celebrating physician anesthesiologist week.
The Rhode Island House of Representatives on Jan. 27, 2026, adopted multiple resolutions addressing hunger, public safety recognition, Holocaust remembrance, and a medical profession observance.
Representative Slater introduced a resolution proclaiming Jan. 27, 2026, “Rhode Island Food Insecurity Awareness Day,” saying rising inflation and housing costs have left “too many children and families going hungry” and thanking House leadership for last year’s increased allocation to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Slater introduced guests from the food bank and partner pantries, including Melissa Kearney, identified in the record as CEO of the Rhode Island Food Bank, and Deborah Thurston and Arlene Bingani of local food pantries and the food bank board. The resolution text cited the 2026 annual status report and stated that “nearly 1 out of every 5 or 34% of Rhode Island households are unable to meet their basic food needs,” listed 2025 distribution of 18,500,000 pounds of food through a 137-member agency network, and said the food bank served an average of 85,000 individuals per month (Jan.–Sept. 2025), a 5% increase from the prior year. The resolution also noted the food bank planned to spend $7,000,000 on food acquisition in fiscal 2026.
Representative Reed introduced a resolution commending Warwick Police Captain Charles Boisso for actions on July 5, 2025, that rescued a homeowner’s wife and three children after a house fire. Reed described Captain Boisso as a 30‑year veteran and Bronze Star recipient; the resolution's text credited the Cranston Fire Department’s investigation showing the fire was caused by improperly discarded fireworks and said no one was injured.
Chairman Solomon offered a resolution congratulating Colonel Michael Lima on his selection as the fifteenth chief of the Warwick Police Department and cited Lima’s 21 years of service and stated intent to emphasize community engagement and officer wellness.
Deputy Whip Ackerman spoke on the House floor in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, recounting his family’s survival story and urging members to remember victims and prevent bigotry and antisemitism. Chairwoman Fogarty presented a resolution celebrating the 12th annual physician anesthesiologist week (Jan. 25–31, 2026) and described the role and training of physician anesthesiologists.
The resolutions were adopted by voice vote after the House clerk transmitted the measures; the Speaker called for approval (“All in favor, please say ‘aye’”) and declared, “The ayes have it.” The measures directed the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies to relevant officials and organizations as specified in each resolution.
The House adjourned after memorials and a moment of silence.
