by Billy Kepner | May 18, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
The Providence City Council will tonight consider first passage of an ordinance that establishes a permanent Equal Pay Task Force to promote equal pay for equal work in the City of Providence. The seven-member panel would study best practices from other municipalities, collect and analyze data from City departments and contractors, and advise the City Council and Mayor on policy and legislation recommendations that address wage disparities.
“As elected officials, we must ensure that the City of Providence and its vendors are treating employees equally and compensating them fairly,” said Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14), who introduced and sponsored the ordinance. “The wage gap in America is unacceptable, and government at every level must be proactive and intentional in promoting equal pay for equal work.”
According to the Economic Policy Institute’s State of Working America Data Library, women who worked full-time and year-round in 2016 earned 20% less than their male counterparts. Salvatore is hopeful that Providence will become a leader in closing that gap: “The City of Providence should model the highest standards of wage equality. The Equal Pay Task Force will study what’s working in other cities across the country and guide us toward best practices.”
The ordinance requires a seven-member task force comprised of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Providence Human Relations Commission, an attorney from the City Solicitor’s office, two members appointed by the City Council, and two members appointed by the Mayor. The panel would be required to annually submit a report of its activities, findings, and recommendations to the Providence Human Relations Commission, City Council, and Mayor. The first report would be due by December 31, 2017.
The ordinance has been vetted by the Council’s Ordinance Committee and will appear before the full City Council at tonight’s meeting. All city ordinances require two passages from the City Council prior to becoming law.
by Billy Kepner | May 5, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
The Providence City Council approved a measure on Thursday that prohibits drivers from obstructing three designated intersections in the City of Providence. The “Don’t Block the Box” ordinance was introduced by Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14) to improve traffic flow in busy intersections throughout the city. Salvatore also lobbied the General Assembly for enabling legislation last year.
“We often see drivers stuck in the middle of intersections, which is unsafe for everyone,” said Salvatore. “Thanks to enabling legislation introduced by Representative Charlene Lima, cities and towns in Rhode Island now have better tools to mitigate traffic jams. The ‘Don’t Block the Box’ designation is proven to reduce congestion and make busy intersections safer for pedestrians and motorists alike.”
The City will pilot the program through the end of 2017 in three locations: Dave Gavitt Way and Broadway; Memorial Boulevard and Exchange Street; and Cranston Street and Potters Avenue.
Police officers will begin enforcement two weeks after “Don’t Block the Box” signage is installed and intersections are striped accordingly.
The Department of Public Works will monitor the impact of the ordinance and provide the Council with a report early next year.
by Billy Kepner | Mar 20, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12, Ward-14, Ward-5
City Councilors Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Terrence M. Hassett (Ward 12), and David Salvatore (Ward 14) today issued a joint statement in response to a string of violent crimes and other violations that occurred over the weekend in the lower Eaton Street neighborhood, which has a high concentration of off-campus student housing:
“This past weekend was marked by a dangerous series of events that threatened the safety of hundreds of people, including students, residents, and public safety officials. As City Councilors, we will not tolerate such a breach of peace in our neighborhoods.
While college students are learning to navigate adulthood, they must be held accountable for their choices and conduct. Following this weekend’s alarming series of events, we call upon the colleges and universities involved to take swift action in addressing the dangerous party culture occurring off-campus. Landlords who violate housing codes and enable these kinds of behaviors must also be held to account.
We are committed to curtailing this behavior, and will convene a meeting with the schools, landlords, and public safety officials to continue our positive dialogue and take all necessary action to protect our neighborhoods.”
by Billy Kepner | Mar 2, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14) will tonight introduce an ordinance amendment that, if approved, will establish a new Equal Pay Task Force for the City of Providence. The task force would study best practices from other municipalities, collect and analyze data from City departments and contractors, and advise the City Council and Mayor with policy recommendations that promote equal pay for equal work.
“It’s unacceptable that working women in America are not compensated for equal work,” said Salvatore. “Our government has a moral and ethical obligation to ensure all Americans are treated equally in the workplace.”
According to the Economic Policy Institute’s State of Working America Data Library, women who worked full-time and year-round in 2016 earned 20% less than their male counterparts. Salvatore hopes to position Providence as a leader in closing that gap: “The City of Providence should model the highest standards of wage equality. The Equal Pay Task Force would take a comprehensive look at what’s working in other cities across the country and help us find practical solutions to implement best practices.”
The seven-member panel would monitor employment data from the City’s vendors and develop new data collection procedures for companies seeking City subsidies. A streamlined process, said Salvatore, would minimize the burden on companies gathering and submitting the data. The panel would also be required to report its findings to the Human Relations Commission, City Council, and Mayor each year, and determine if legislation is needed to implement any recommendations.
by Billy Kepner | Jan 25, 2017 | Council News, Ward-14
Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14) today issued the following statement in response to the investigation of Smilers Day Spa on North Main Street:
“I am proud of our law enforcement officials for shutting down an illegal prostitution business last night. The Providence City Council is committed to defending the quality of life across all Providence neighborhoods, and I commend our police department for executing this important work. Businesses must play by the rules here in Providence. I will continue to push back against bad actors, especially those who exploit women and operate illegal businesses as a front for the sex trade. These business owners will be prosecuted under the full extent of the law.”
Salvatore is credited for introducing bodyworks legislation that has led to the closure of numerous brothels throughout the city of Providence and prompted neighboring municipalities to adopt similar legislation. Salvatore also successfully lobbied the General Assembly to introduce and pass enabling state legislation.
