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House offers condolences and honors staff, proclaims Maternal Health Awareness Day
Summary
On Jan. 22, 2026, the Rhode Island House offered a condolence resolution for former Representative Anthony DeLuca, honored longtime staff and retiring employees, congratulated Deborah J. Piasecki on a promotion, and proclaimed Jan. 23, 2026, maternal health awareness day; several speakers shared memories and asked the House to leave resolutions on the desk for signatures.
The House paused its legislative calendar on Jan. 22, 2026, to present a series of condolence and recognition resolutions and a proclamation for maternal health awareness.
Representative Craven, with the permission of the majority and minority leaders, introduced a resolution expressing condolences on the death of former Representative Anthony DeLuca, who died Jan. 17 at age 88. Craven recalled DeLuca's years of public service, his teaching career and involvement in marriage-equality advocacy, saying, "Tony was the most passionate person I ever met in all my years in politics." The resolution was left on the desk for additional signatures.
Speaker pro tem Kennedy introduced a House resolution honoring Jackie Hersey for more than two decades of service in the House staff; members applauded as Hersey and her daughter were recognized. Chairman Solomon asked that a resolution honoring Kathy Jackson on her retirement from the Joint Committee on Legislative Services be left on the desk for signatures.
Representative Carson introduced a resolution to proclaim Jan. 23, 2026, Maternal Health Awareness Day in Rhode Island, citing goals to improve public awareness of maternal-health risks and to reduce disparities; the resolution text references CDC findings and Rhode Island efforts including review committees and clinical collaboratives. Chairwoman Shawcross Smith introduced a resolution congratulating Chief Master Sergeant Deborah J. Piasecki on her promotion in the Rhode Island Air National Guard.
Members also requested the House adjourn in memory of several individuals, including Ruth Desmaris and Camilla Boyd Chapelle; the House observed a moment of silence and then adjourned. The Clerk placed the full text of the resolutions on the record for transmission and for inclusion in the official files.
