rhode island government quick reference guide

2009 - 2010 RHODE ISLAND GOVERNMENT

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

The Rhode Island Government Quick Reference Guide is produced by

United Way of Rhode Island as a public service.

The information presented is current as of March 2009 and is subject to change over time. Please visit our website for a PDF version with up-to-date revisions.

www.LIVEUNITEDri.org

Cover photo: Keri Ducharme

Table of ConTenTs

U.S. Senators and Representatives .............. page 1

R.I. General Officers.................................... page 2

Office of the Governor.............................. page 3-4

R.I. Judicial System ................................... page 4

R.I. General Assembly Senate Leadership................................. page 5 Senate Staff ...................................... page 5-6 Senate Committees & Chairs................ page 6-7 House Leadership ................................ page 7 House Staff ......................................... page 8 House Committees & Chairs .............. page 8-9 Joint Committees & Co-Chairs .............. page 10

State Departments .............................. page 11-12

Selected State Agencies ...................... page13-15

Legislative Resources .......................... page 15-16

Legislative Calendar ................................ page 17

Glossary of Terms .................................... page 18

Helpful Websites .................................... page 19

United Way of Rhode Island ....................... page 20

Notes ................................................ page 21-22

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U.s. RepResenTaTives

The Honorable James R. Langevin (D) Second Congressional District 109 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Tel: 202-225-2735 Fax: 202-225-5976website: www.langevin.house.gove-mail: james.langevin@mail.house.govRhode Island Office: 300 Centerville Road, Suite 200 South, Warwick, RI 02886Tel: 732-9400 Fax: 737-2982

The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy (D)First Congressional District407 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515Tel: 202-225-4911 Fax: 202-225-3290website: www.patrickkennedy.house.gove-mail: patrick.kennedy@mail.house.govRhode Island Office: 249 Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 200, Pawtucket, RI 02860Tel: 729-560 Fax: 729-5608

The Honorable Jack Reed (D)728 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510Tel: 202-224-4642 Fax: 202-224-4680website: http://reed.senate.gov Rhode Island Office: 1000 Chapel View Blvd., Suite 290Cranston, RI 02920Tel: 1-800-284-4200 Fax: 464-6837

The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse (D)Hart Senate Office BuildingRoom 502Washington, DC 20510Tel: 202-224-2921 Fax: 202-228-6362website: http://whitehouse.senate.gove-mail:sheldon_whitehouse@whitehouse.senate.govRhode Island Office: 170 Westminster Street, Suite 1100Providence, RI 02903Tel: 453-5294 Fax: 453-5085

U.s. senaToRs

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R.i. GeneRal offiCeRs

GovernorThe Honorable Donald L. CarcieriState House, Room 115Providence, RI 02903Tel: 222-2080 Fax: 222-8096website: www.gov.state.ri.use-mail: dcarcieri@gov.state.ri.us

Lieutenant GovernorThe Honorable Elizabeth H. RobertsState House, Room 116Providence, RI 02903Tel: 222-2371 Fax: 222-2012website: www.ltgov.state.ri.use-mail: riltgov@ltgov.state.ri.us

Secretary of StateThe Honorable A. Ralph MollisState House, Room 217Providence, RI 02903Tel: 222-2357 Fax: 222-1356e-mail: aralphmollis@sec.state.ri.uswebsite: www.sec.state.ri.us

Attorney General The Honorable Patrick C. Lynch150 South Main StreetProvidence, RI 02903Tel: 274-4400 Fax: 222-2725website: www.riag.state.ri.use-mail: mhealey@riag.ri.gov

General TreasurerThe Honorable Frank T. CaprioState House, Room 102Providence, RI 02903Tel: 222-2397 Fax: 222-6140website: www.treasury.state.ri.use-mail: generaltreasurer@treasury.ri.gov

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offiCe of The GoveRnoR

STATE HOUSE, ROOM 115PROVIDENCE, RI 02903 TEL: 222-2080

Chief of StaffBrian P. SternState House, Room 227 Fax: 273-5729Assistant: Donna Dellaquilae-mail: ddellaquila@gov.state.ri.us

Deputy Chief of StaffBeverly NajarianState House, Room 228 Fax: 273-5729e-mail: bnajarian@gov.state.ri.us

Director of Legislative AffairsMichael CronanState House, Room 128 Fax: 222-8093e-mail: mcronan@gov.state.ri.us

Director of PolicyTimothy CostaState House, Room 128 Fax: 222-8093e-mail: tcosta@gov.state.ri.us

Executive CounselKerry KingState House, Room 119 Fax: 222-8091e-mail: kking@gov.state.ri.us

Senior Advisor CommunicationsJohn RobitailleState House, Room 109 Fax: 222-8092e-mail: jrobitaille@gov.state.ri.us

Press SecretaryAmy KempeState House, Room 124Fax: 273-5729 Media Office Fax: 222-8092e-mail: akempe @gov.state.ri.us

Director of Municipal and External AffairsDeborah SmithState House, Room 112 Fax: 222-8094e-mail: dsmith@gov.state.ri.us

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Director of Community RelationsSue StenhouseState House, Room 112 Fax: 222-8094e-mail: sstenhouse@gov.state.ri.us

Manager of Constituent AffairsSandra WinslowState House, Room 115 Fax: 222-8096e-mail: swinslow@gov.state.ri.us

Executive Assistant to Governor CarcieriCatherine ZadoroznyState House, Room 227 Fax: 222-8300e-mail: czadorozny @gov.state.ri.us

Director of SchedulingMaura GazerroState House, Room 123 Fax: 222-8092e-mail: mgazerro@gov.state.ri.us

OPEN DOOR THURSDAYSFive-minute meetings with the Governor are held on the last Thursday of the month. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.Appointment Line: 222-2080.

R.i. JUdiCial sysTem

The RI Judicial System is comprised of the Supreme, Superior, Family, District, Worker’sCompensation and Traffic Tribunal Courts. For more information go to: www.courts.ri.gov

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R.i. GeneRal assembly

Mailing address for all General Assembly members listed below: State House, Providence, RI 02903. For legislator biographies, bills, general laws and House and Senate rules, please go to:www.rilin.state.ri.us.

RHODE ISLAND SENATE LEADERSHIPPresident of the SenateSenator M. Teresa Paiva-WeedState House, Room 318Tel: 222-6655 Fax: 222-2967e-mail: sen-paivaweed@rilin.state.ri.us

Majority LeaderSenator Daniel P. ConnorsState House, Room 316Tel: 222-3310 Fax: 222-1306e-mail: sen-connors@rilin.state.ri.us

Minority LeaderSenator Dennis L. AlgiereState House, Room 120Tel: 222-2708 Fax: 222-1206e-mail: sen-algiere@rilin.state.ri.us

SENATE STAFFChief of Staff, Office of the PresidentTom CoderreState House, Room 318Tel: 222-6655 Fax: 222-2967e-mail: tcoderre@rilin.state.ri.us

Director of Senate Fiscal OfficePeter MarinoState House, Room 117Tel: 222-2480 Fax: 222-1390e-mail: pmarino@rilin.state.ri.us

Director of Senate PolicyMarie GanimState House, Room SB-27Tel: 276-5554 Fax: 222-2578e-mail: mganim@rilin.state.ri.us

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Press SecretaryGreg ParéState House, Room 114Tel: 276-5558 Fax: 222-2967e-mail: gpare@rilin.state.ri.us

SENATE COMMITTEES & CHAIRSConstitutional and Regulatory IssuesSenator Maryellen GoodwinTel: 276-5507 Fax: info unavailable e-mail: sen-goodwin@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Bryan Whitford Tel: 276-5508

CorporationsSenator Joshua MillerTel: 276-5552 Fax: 222-1784 e-mail: sen-miller@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Jill Harrington Tel: info unavailable

EducationSenator Hanna M. GalloTel: 276-5581 Fax: 222-1784 e-mail: sen-gallo@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Steve Iannazzi Tel: 276-5563

Environment and AgricultureSenator V. Susan SosnowskiTel: 276-5581 Fax: info unavailable e-mail: sen-sosnowski@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Nancy Sullivan Tel: info unavailable

FinanceSenator Daniel DaPonteTel: 222-3438 Fax: 222-4753e-mail: sen-daponte@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Andrew Caruolo Tel: 276-5584

Government OversightSenator J. Michael LenihanTel: 276-5581 Fax: 222-1784e-mail: sen-lenihan@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Herbert Couper Tel: 222-4200

Health and Human ServicesSenator Rhoda E. PerryTel: 276-2513 Fax: 222-4263e-mail: sen-perry@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: info unavailable Tel: 276-5567

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Housing and Municipal GovernmentSenator John J. Tassoni, Jr.Tel: 276-2532 Fax: 222-2578e-mail: sen-tassoni@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Steve Iannazzi Tel: 276-5563

JudiciarySenator Michael J. McCaffreyTel: 276-2538 Fax: 528-1776e-mail: sen-mccaffrey@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Robert A. Ricci Tel: 222-6625

LaborSenator Paul W. FogartyTel: 276-5589 Fax: 222-1799e-mail: sen-fogarty@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Michael Joyce Tel: info unavailable

RulesSenator Christopher B. MaselliTel: 276-5594 Fax: 528-1775e-mail: sen-maselli@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: info unavailable Tel: info unavailable

RHODE ISLAND HOUSE LEADERSHIPSpeaker of the HouseRepresentative William J. MurphyState House, Room 323Tel: 222-2466 Fax: 222-6142e-mail: rep-murphy@rilin.state.ri.us

Majority LeaderRepresentative Gordon D. FoxState House, Room 323Tel: 222-2447 Fax: 222-6142e-mail: rep-fox@rilin.state.ri.us

Minority LeaderRepresentative Robert A. WatsonState House, Room 106Providence, RI 02903Tel: 274-3770 Fax: 222-1209e-mail: rep-watson@rilin.state.ri.us

SENATE COMMITTEES & CHAIRS continued

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HOUSE STAFFChief of Staff, Office of the SpeakerFrank AnzevenoState House, Room B6Tel: 222-2466 Fax: 222-1925e-mail: fanzeveno@rilin.state.ri.us

House Fiscal AdvisorMichael O’KeefeState House, Room 306Tel: 222-6916 Fax: 222-2631e-mail: mokeefe@rilin.state.ri.us

Director, House Policy and ResearchFausto C. AnguillaState House, Room SB-9Tel: 528-1760 Fax: 222-2930e-mail: fanguilla@rilin.state.ri.us

Communications DirectorLarry BermanState House, Room 323Tel: 222-1408 Fax: 222-3970e-mail: lberman@rilin.state.ri.us

HOUSE COMMITTEES & CHAIRSConstituent Services CommitteeRepresentative Joanne M. GianniniTel: 253-1852 (h) e-mail: rep-giannini@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Anthony Paolantonio Tel: 222-1716

CorporationsRepresentative Brian Patrick KennedyTel: 222-6580 e-mail: rep-kennedy@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: David Lovett Tel: 222-2369

Environment and Natural ResourcesRepresentative Jan P. MalikTel: 247-1733 e-mail: rep-malik@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Russell Wallis Tel: 222-2672

FinanceRepresentative Steven M. CostantinoTel: 222-2738e-mail: rep-costantino@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: John Mansolillo Tel: 222-6916

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Health, Education and WelfareRepresentative Joseph McNamaraTel: 941-8319 (h)e-mail: rep-mcnamara@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Robert Johnson Tel: 222-2296

JudiciaryRepresentative Donald J. Lally Jr.Tel: 792-9090 e-mail: rep-lally@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: info unavailable Tel: 222-2258

LaborRepresentative Arthur J. CorveseTel: 353-8695 (h)e-mail: rep-corvese@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: William Souza Tel: 222-2587

Municipal Government CommitteeRepresentative Raymond E. Gallison, Jr.Tel: 253-1852 (h)e-mail: rep-rgallison@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Michael Callahan Tel: 222-3757

RulesRepresentative Eileen S. NaughtonTel: 222-1717e-mail: rep-naughton@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: David Dumas, Esq. Tel: 222-2466

Separation of PowersRepresentative John J. DeSimoneTel: 351-7373 (h)e-mail: rep-desimone@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Dan Burns Tel: 222-2356

Veterans’ AffairsRepresentative Kenneth CarterTel: 294-9183 (h)e-mail: rep-carter@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Jerome Squatrito Tel: 222-2933

HOUSE COMMITTEES & CHAIRS continued

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JOINT COMMITTEES & CO-CHAIRSEconomic DevelopmentSenator Walter S. Felag, Jr.Tel: 276-2520e-mail: sen-felag@rilin.state.ri.usRepresentative Elizabeth M. DenniganTel: 528-1733(w) 434-8525 (h)e-mail: rep-dennigan@rilin.state.ri.us

Education Foundation AidSenator Hanna M. GalloTel: 276-5581e-mail: sen-gallo@rilin.state.ri.usRepresentative Edith H. AjelloTel: 274-7078 (h) e-mail: rep-ajello@rilin.state.ri.us

Healthcare OversightRepresentative Steven M. CostantinoTel: 222-2738 e-mail: rep-costantino@rilin.state.ri.us

Housing Act OversightSenator John J. Tassoni, Jr.Tel: 276-2532e-mail: sen-tassoni@rilin.state.ri.usRepresentative Brian Patrick KennedyTel: 222-6580e-mail: rep-kennedy@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Kelly Mahoney Tel: 222-1851

Legislative ServicesSenator M. Teresa Paiva-WeedTel: 222-6655e-mail: sen-paivaweed@rilin.state.ri.usRepresentative William J. MurphyTel: 222-2466e-mail: rep-murphy@rilin.state.ri.usContact: Marisa White Tel: 222-1407

State Lottery Senator Maryellen GoodwinTel: 272-3102e-mail: sen-goodwin@rilin.state.ri.usRepresentative William San Bento, Jr.Tel: 727-0276e-mail: rep-sanbento@rilin.state.ri.usClerk: Sarah Martino Tel: 222-2457

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sTaTe depaRTmenTs

Department of AdministrationGary Sasse, Director One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908Tel: 222-2000 Fax: 222-6436 website: www.doa.state.ri.use-mail: gsasse@doa.ri.gov

Department of Business RegulationA. Michael Marques, Director1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-9500 Fax: 462-9532 website: www.dbr.state.ri.use-mail: mmarques@dbr.state.ri.us

Department of Children, Youth, and FamiliesPatricia Martinez, Director101 Friendship Street, Providence, RI 02903Tel: 528-3540 Fax: 528-3580 website: www.dcyf.state.ri.e-mail: patricia.martinez@dcyf.ri.gov

Department of CorrectionsAshbel T. Wall II, Director40 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-2611 Fax: 462-2630 website: www.doc.state.ri.use-mail: director@doc.ri.gov

Department of Elderly AffairsCorrine Calise Russo, Director74 West Road, Cranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-3000 Fax: info unavailable website: www.dea.state.ri.use-mail: corrine@dea.state.ri.us

Department of Elementary & Secondary EducationPeter McWalters, Commissioner255 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903Tel: 222-4690 x2001 Fax: 222-6178 website: www.ride.ri.gove-mail: peter.mcwalters@ride.ri.gov

Department of Environmental ManagementW. Michael Sullivan, Ph. D., Director235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908Tel: 222-6800 Fax: info unavailable website: www.dem.ri.gove-mail: michael.sullivan@dem.ri.gov

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Department of HealthDavid R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Director3 Capitol Hill, Room 401, Providence, RI 02908Tel: 222-5960 Fax: 222-6548 1-800-942-7434website: www.health.state.ri.use-mail: dgifford@doh.state.ri.us

Executive Office of Health and Human Svcs.Gary Alexander, Acting Secretariat Pastore Complex, Louis Pasteur Bldg.600 New London Ave., Cranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-2121 Fax: 462-3677website: www.eohhs.ri.gove-mail: galexander@dhs.ri.gov

Department of Human ServicesGary Alexander, Director600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-2121 Fax: 462-3677website: www.dhs.state.ri.use-mail: galexand@dhs.ri.gov

Department of Labor and TrainingSandra M. Powell, DirectorCenter General Complex1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-8875 Fax: 462-8872 website: www.dlt.state.ri.use-mail: spowell@dlt.state.ri.us

Dept. of Mental Health, Retardation & HospitalCraig S. Stenning, DirectorBarry Hall14 Harrington Road, Cranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-2339 Fax: 462-3204website: www.mhrh.ri.gove-mail: cstenning@mhrh.ri.gov

Department of TransportationMichael P. Lewis, Director2 Capitol Hill, Room 210, Providence, RI 02903Tel: 222-2481 Fax: 222-2086 website: www.dot.state.ri.use-mail: mlewis@dot.ri.gov

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seleCTed sTaTe aGenCies

For a complete listing of State Agencies, please go to: www.ri.gov Board of Governors for Higher EducationJack R. Warner, CommissionerFrank Caprio, ChairHazard Building74 West RoadCranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-9300 Fax: 222-6111website: www.ribghe.org e-mail: jwarner@ribghe.org

Board of Regents - Elementary & Secondary Ed.Robert G. Flanders, Jr., Esq., ChairRI Dept. of EducationAttn: Sharon Osborne255 Westminster Street, 5th FloorProvidence, RI 02903Tel: 222-8435 Fax: 821-0895website: www.ride.ri.gov/regentse-mail: sharon.osborne@ride.ri.gov

Commission for Human RightsMichael Evora, Executive Director180 Westminster Street, 3rd FloorProvidence, RI 02903Tel: 222-2661 Fax: 222-2616TTY: 222-2664website: www.richr.state.ri.use-mail: mevora@richr.state.ri.us

Commission on Deaf and Hard of HearingSteven A. Florio, Executive DirectorDepartment of Administration BuildingOne Capitol Hill, Ground FloorProvidence, RI 02908Tel: 222-1204 Fax: 222-5736TTY: 222-1205 Videophone: 222-1205website: www.cdhh.ri.gov e-mail: cdhh@cdhh.ri.govInterpreter Services e-mail: interpreter@cdhh.ri.gov

Commission on WomenShanna Wells, DirectorOne Capitol Hill, 2nd FloorProvidence, RI 02903Tel: 222-6105 Fax: 222-5638website: www.ricw.ri.gove-mail: swells@ricw.ri.gov

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Developmental Disabilities CouncilMary Okero, Executive Director400 Bald Hill Road, Suite 515Warwick, RI 02886Tel: 737-1238 (voice/TDD) Fax: 737-3395website: www.riddc.org e-mail: riddc@riddc.org

Governor’s Commission on DisabilitiesBob Cooper, Executive SecretaryJohn O. Pastore Center41 Cherry Dale CourtCranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-0100 Fax: 462-0106TTY: VIA711website: www.gcd.state.ri.us e-mail: bcooper@gcd.ri.gov

Office of Child AdvocateJametta O. Alston, Esq., DirectorJohn O. Pastore Center57 Howard Avenue, 4th FloorCranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-4300 Fax: 462-4305website: www.child-advocate.ri.gove-mail: jalston@gw.doa.state.ri.us

Office of Housing and Community DevelopmentNoreen Shawcross, ChiefDepartment of AdministrationOne Capitol Hill, 3rd FloorProvidence, RI 02908Tel: 222-5766 Fax: 222-2083website: www.hrc.ri.gov e-mail: nshawcross@doa.ri.gov

Office of Mental Health AdvocateH. Reed Cosper, Esq., DirectorJohn O. Pastore Center57 Howard Avenue, 4th FloorCranston, RI 02920Tel: 462-2003 Fax: 462-2008 1-800-346-2282 TDD: 462-6018e-mail: aarmstrong@mail.ri.gov

Rhode Island Ethics CommissionKent Willever, Executive Director/Chief Prosecutor40 Fountain StreetProvidence, RI 02903Tel: 222-3790 Fax: 222-3382website: www.ethics.ri.gove-mail: ethics@ethics.state.ri.us

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Department Of Public Safety Thomas H. Mongeau, Administration ManagerOne Capitol HillProvidence, RI 02908Tel: 222-2620 Fax: 222-1294website: www.rijustice.ri.gove-mail: tmongeau@admin.ri.gov

leGislaTive ResoURCes

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Public Information DivisionStacy DiCola, DirectorState House, Room 38Tel: 222-3983 Fax: 222-1404website: www.state.ri.use-mail:sdicola@sec.state.ri.us

Open to public Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.This office encourages civic participation in RI and provides information that enables the public to participate in an open and accountable government. State House tours are available upon request and the following information is available to the general public:

• Listing of laws• Recently introduced bills• Legislative reports• Committee meeting postings• Lobbyist registration and information• Listing of civic participation programs• Volunteer opportunities throughout RI• How to become involved in a task force to increase civic awareness

State Archivist and Public Records AdministratorR. Gwenn Stearn337 Westminster St.Providence, RI 02903Tel: 222-2353 Fax: 222-3100website: www.state.ri.us/archivese-mail: gstearn@sec.state.ri.us

seleCTed sTaTe aGenCies

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Rhode Island State LibraryThomas R. Evans, LibrarianState House, Room 208Tel: 222-2473 Fax: 222-3034website: www.state.ri.us/librarye-mail: statelibrary@sec.state.ri.us

The following resources are available:• A listing of all legislation introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly• Reference copies of bills introduced• A computerized index of legislation by sponsor or subject• Reports and publications of departments, agencies, boards and commissions• Public access to computers for use of online services• Copies of RI General and State Laws• Access to federal documents and federal laws

OFFICE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Legislative Data SystemsKristine Stamp Kilmartin, Acting DirectorState House, Room B2Tel: 222-3580 Fax: 528-1726(800) 547-8880 website: www.rilin.state.ri.use-mail: webteam@rilin.state.ri.us

Office hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.This office, managed by the House of Representatives, facilitates public monitoring of legislation, indexed by number and committee assignment.

Capitol TelevisionSteve Tymon, Department Director/General ManagerState House, Room 20Tel: 222-3838 Fax: 222-1259website: www.rilin.state.ri.us/CapitolTVe-mail: stymon@rilin.state.ri.us

Capitol Television programming covers RI Senate and House sessions as well as various legislative proceedings andhearings. Verizon customers tune in on Channel 34 and Channel 15 for both Cox Cable of RI and Full Channel Cable.

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leGislaTive CalendaR

Legislative Event DateOpening Day First Tuesday in January

Last day for HousePublic Bill Introduction

Mid-February

Last day for SenatePublic Bill Introduction

Mid-February

Winter Recess Third week of February

Reconvene Tuesday following Winter Recess

Last day for House Committee Consideration of House Bills

Late April

Last day for Senate Committee Consideration ofSenate Bills

Late April

Spring Recess Third week of April

Reconvene Tuesday following Spring Recess

Ethics Commission Financial Statements Due

Late April

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GlossaRy of TeRms

Act: A bill passed by the Senate and House,

Adjournment: The end of a legislative day. Regular adjourn-ments set the date for the next meeting. Adjournment sine die (without a day) marks the end of the session, since it does not set a time for reconvening.

Amend: To formally modify by adding to or deleting from a measure.

Appropriation: Authorization for the expenditure of public funds for a stated purpose.

Bill: A draft of a law presented for enactment.

Calendar: List of bills awaiting action, entered in order reported.

Caucus: Meeting of legislators of the same political party to decide policy and course of action.

Debate: Formal discussion and decision on matter before the body.

Enabling act: A law that permits a state official or asubordinate governmental unit to take specific action.

Floor: The main level of the House and Senate chambers.

Hearing: A formal meeting of a committee or commission at which testimony is presented.

Introduction: The presentation of a bill.

Journal: Record of daily proceedings in the Senate and House.

Lobbyist: A person hired by others to influence the legislative process.

Point of order: A question raised by a legislator concerning the rules of procedure.

Quorum: The number of members required to conduct busi-ness.

Recommittal: Sending a bill back to the committee that reported it out for consideration.

Resolution: Expresses the will of the legislature or on either branch but does not, generally, have the scope or authority of law.

Session: The period during which the legislature meets and carries on its business.

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helpfUl WebsiTes

Government WebsitesCongressional Budget Office: www.cbo.govR.I. Budget Office: www.budgetri.govNational Conference of State Legislatures: www.ncsl.orgNational Governors Association: www.nga.orgOffice of Management and Budget: www.whitehouse.gov/ombU.S. Conference of Mayors: www.usmayors.org/uscmU.S. House of Representatives: www.house.govU.S. Library of Congress Govt. Resource Page: www.loc.govU.S. Government’s Official Web Portal: www.usa.gov En Español: www.usa.gov/gobiernousa/indexU.S. Senate: www.senate.govU.S. White House: www.whitehouse.gov

Nonprofit and Advocacy WebsitesAdvocacy Center at ISC: www.advocacy.orgCenter for Law and Social Policy: www.clasp.orgCenter for Lobbying in the Public Interest: www.clpi.orgCenter for Nonprofit Management: www.cnmsocal.orgCenter on Budget and Policy Priorities: www.cbpp.orgIndependent Sector: www.independentsector.orgNational Council of Nonprofit Associations: www.ncna.orgNonprofit Action: www.npaction.orgOffice of Management Budget Watch: www.ombwatch.orgUrban Institute: www.urban.org

Other Helpful ResourcesUnited Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island: www.211ri.org

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UniTed Way of Ri

Anthony MaionePresident & CEOTel: 444-0619e-mail: tony.maione@uwri.org

Allan W. SteinExec. Vice President, Director of Public PolicyTel: 444-0630e-mail: allan.stein@uwri.org

Paola N. FernandezPublic Policy CoordinatorTel: 444-0659e-mail: paola.fernandez@uwri.org

United Way of Rhode Island would like to thank the Office of the Secretary of State, the RI Senate and

the RI House of Representatives for their assistance in preparing this Quick Reference Guide.

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Our vision is a Rhode Island with fewer people in need.

Our mission is to mobilize the power of our community to

improve the lives of people in need.

rEach oUT a haND To oNE aND INfLUENcE ThE coNDITIoN of aLL.

GIVE. aDVocaTE. VoLUNTEEr.LIVE UNITEDTM

United Way of Rhode Island50 Valley Street

Providence, Rhode Island 02909 Tel: 401-444-0600 Fax: 401-444-0635

www.LIVEUNITEDri.org

3/2009 - 10M