Rhode Island Senate adopts ceremonial resolutions, honors retiring RIPTA HR chief and late Pawtucket leader; consent calendar passes 33-0

The Rhode Island Senate met Jan. 15 and adopted a series of ceremonial resolutions, approved its consent calendar unanimously, and adjourned in memory of the late Thomas E. Hodge.

Leader Chacon moved passage of a resolution honoring Kathy Nadeau on her retirement from state service; the resolution, read into the record, said Nadeau worked 33 years for the state, served as chief of human resources at RIPTA and led initiatives to address bus driver shortages, including paid on-the-job CDL permit training and advocating for higher starting wages. The chamber adopted the resolution by voice vote after the motion was seconded.

Senator Paolino moved and the Senate adopted a resolution designating January 2026 as Rhode Island Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month; the motion was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote with no recorded discussion.

The body also considered and adopted a resolution extending condolences on the passing of Thomas E. Hodge of Pawtucket. The clerk’s reading summarized Hodge’s community service: more than 30 years operating Tom Tucks, nearly three decades on the Pawtucket City Council, a term as a state representative, leadership roles on the Pawtucket Arts Council and Pawtucket Water Supply Board, and work with the Arc of Blackstone Valley. Senator Erso delivered an extended tribute, saying, “Tom was dedicated to family, successful in business, and also served our city as an elected official with distinction,” and noted Hodge’s work improving the city’s water system and initiatives to assist vulnerable residents, including introducing a mobile shower system.

Leader Lita Chacon moved approval of the consent calendar; the clerk recorded 33 votes in the affirmative and 0 in the negative, and the chair announced the consent calendar adopted.

An announcement advised members that the Rhode Island Foundation would present blue-ribbon commission recommendations on the school funding formula in the Senate Lounge at the rise, with nourishment provided.

Before adjournment, the Senate ordered transmission of the adopted resolutions to the secretary of state, the House of Representatives and the governor. Whip Takoyan moved that the Senate adjourn in memory of Thomas E. Hodge; the motion was seconded by the full chamber, and the Senate adjourned.

Attendance and procedural notes recorded in the transcript include a prior-session attendance roll of 29 and today’s attendance of 31 when the session began; the consent calendar vote was recorded at 33–0. No bills or substantive policy measures were debated or voted on during this brief sitting.