GOVERNMENT

April 24, 2009
Rhode Island State House

Description

With a part-time legislature, Rhode Island is truly a government of the citizens. What are the key issues facing the legislature? How do our Senators and Representatives ensure that the voice of their constituency is heard? How do details of a bill get hammered out in Committee and what’s the role of compromise and collaboration? In this session we experience a day in the life of a state Senator – by living it.

In this session, the class heard testimony from government and community leaders on three bills before the RI legislature, including a bill on immigration status and law enforcement; a bill establishing medical marijuana compassion centers, and a bill changing prison early release time. The class researched the bills, caucused, held committee hearings with community leaders for and against each bill, and conducted a lively floor debate and vote.

Objective

Participants will broaden their awareness of the inner workings of the RI state government and the importance of participating in the political system. The class will gain insight into public policy legislation, as demonstrated through a mock hearing including party caucuses, a committee hearing on a pending bill, and floor votes.

Guest Presenters

Chris Plante
Executive Director, National Organization for Marriage-RI

Representative Brian C. Newberry (R)
District 48, Burrillville, North Smithfield

Representative Michael J. Marcello (D)
District 41, Cranston, Scituate

Nick Tsiongas, MD MPH
Senior Medical Director, Northeast Area, US Postal Service

John M. Roney, Esq., LRI ’90
former Senator, Senate Parliamentarian

Ken Fish, LRI ’91

Elisa Heath, LRI ’07
Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education

Julie Casimiro, LRI ‘08
Children's Friend & Service

Ed D’Arezzo, LRI ’08
Department of Health

Jill Tobak, LRI ’06
The C.J. Fox Company

Anthony DiPietro, LRI ’07
Institute for the Study and Practice of NonViolence

Alumni Subcommittee: Government Session

Kim Jalette, LRI ‘07 (chair)
Leadership Rhode Island

Julie Casimiro LRI '08
Children's Friend & Service

Ed D'Arezzo LRI '08
Department of Health

Anthony DiPietro LRI '08
Institute for the Study and Practice of NonViolence

Elisa Heath LRI ’07
Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education

Cynthia Leonard LRI ’02
Sir Speedy Providence