Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14) today issued the following statement regarding the passage of a bill the Providence City Council requested from state legislators that increases penalties for assaulting delivery drivers. The resolution was introduced by Councilman Salvatore and amended to include taxi drivers at the request of Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).
“On behalf of the people of Providence, I commend state lawmakers for approving greater protections for delivery drivers, who are vulnerable to violent assault because they travel alone with cash on hand. No employee should face those kinds of risks, and many of these drivers are already struggling to pay their bills, holding second jobs to supplement their pay, and just getting by making make ends meet. I’m thankful to state legislators for supporting our efforts to ensure delivery drivers are more thoroughly protected while they’re on the job.”
Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6) has formally requested increased enforcement of fireworks used in Providence neighborhoods, especially those that disturb residents late at night. In a letter sent to Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh Clements, Correia stated, “As we approach the Fourth of July, constituents have noticed an increase in fireworks being used late into the evening. I respectfully request that the Providence Police Department steps up enforcement in our neighborhoods around this time.”
“I take the safety and well-being of our constituents very seriously,” Correia added. He has requested the department looks into the matter as soon as possible.
Acting Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) is calling for an independent investigation of Harry Kizirian Elementary School officials’ failure to report molestation allegations to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Rhode Island state law mandates that anyone “who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that any child has been the victim of sexual abuse by an employee, agent, contractor, or volunteer of an educational program” must report the information to DCYF within twenty-four hours.
“It is a fundamental requirement of every adult in every school to ensure absolute safety for every child,” said Matos. “Policies, procedures, and laws are in place to support that requirement. I am calling for an independent investigation to bring to light what happened when school officials learned of this horrific, disturbing allegation. Providence families deserve that information, and this situation demands the transparency of an independent investigation.”
The Providence City Council on Thursday unanimously approved and cosponsored a resolution introduced by Councilman Luis Aponte (Ward 10) that formalizes the body’s support for the Paris Climate Accord.
“Our federal government has chosen to neglect its duty to protect America and the world from the harmful effects of climate change,” said Aponte. “Ignoring climate change does not lessen its threat. More responsibility now lies in the hands of local governments across the country to enact policies that protect our planet from further destruction. Cities house the majority of industry and population, which makes it more important than ever for us to take the lead on these issues.”
In addition to affirming the Council’s support of the Paris Climate Accord in full, the resolution also formalizes the Council’s commitment to reducing emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14) today issued the following statement in response to the proposed reinstatement of the RIPTA bus pass program that has been approved by the House Finance Committee:
“On behalf of my constituents and the people of Providence, I’d like to thank the General Assembly for working to reinstate the no-fare RIPTA bus program that supports our residents in greatest need. For many low-income, disabled, and elderly residents, public transportation is the only way to get to the grocery store, or to work, or to doctor appointments. This measure fills a critical need for many folks in our communities by ensuring continued access to basic services.”
