by Abigail Appel | Dec 18, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
“The Providence City Council and its staff serve the people of Providence and they ask us to do so compassionately, with integrity and respect. In public service, there should be zero tolerance for haphazard comments that divide and hurt.
Furthermore, as elected leaders and de facto supervisors of our hardworking staff, we should exemplify noble service both publicly and privately.
The comments made by Councilman Correia are not only unprofessional, but are extremely harmful to our LGBTQIA+ community and our Council staff who were subjected to them.
As a leader of the Council staff, I take my responsibility very seriously. My goal and commitment has been to ensure that the City Council staff feel supported and valued and that the council office provides a harassment free workplace. This is why when, even prior to learning of the existence of the recordings, when I learned that a Council employee had felt personally affected by Councilman Correia’s comments, I took immediate action. I reached out to him and coordinated several meetings with him imploring him to be mindful of his words and reflect on the impact they may have on staff morale. I was in frequent contact with the Human Resources Director to guarantee that we did all we could to ensure the affected employee feel supported. The Director and I even invited the Councilman for a joint meeting to discuss his behavior, but he did not attend.
Issuing an apology and asking for sensitivity training are first steps-not only have I conducted preliminary discussions with Council Chief of Staff and the Human Resources Director about providing this and other sensitivity training workshops for our City’s elected officials and workforce in the coming year; also, and under my direction, this past December 14, a Leadership training (inclusive of topics of Diversity and Inclusion) was delivered to the Council and the Staff.
However, as community leaders we need to be extremely mindful of our actions and reflect honestly and intensively on our individual and collective prejudices and intolerances and how they affect others. If we don’t, we deservedly risk losing the trust of our colleagues and neighbors and the positions we are privileged to occupied.
As the Council President, I’ve met individually with members of our administrative staff and have reiterated my open door policy on matters negatively affecting their workplace and morale. I remain committed as ever to provide a workplace where our employees feel safe, welcomed, and empowered and to lead a branch of government that embodies and promotes love of community.
Sabina Matos
President-Providence City Council
Councilwoman-Ward 15
by Abigail Appel | Dec 18, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Today, Councilman Correia announced that he would be resigning from the leadership of the City Council. The Clerk’s Office is in receipt of his resignation letter, and I will accept it. I am glad that the Councilman realized that apologies are only as good as the actions that follow them and decided to follow my advice to step down from his leadership position. Now, he needs to begin the difficult work of rebuilding trust with the community.
As I have stated before, my focus and commitment remain dedicated to ensuring that our City Council staff feel supported and valued and that the Council office provides a harassment-free workplace. I believe this is a step in that direction.
Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15
by Abigail Appel | Dec 10, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Tonight, the City Council voted to approve the refunding of the City’s bond portfolio. The refunding of bonds is much like the refinancing of homes, providing efficiency and better interest rates, which yield savings.
“I want to thank the Committee on Finance, our Council finance team, and the City’s finance team for their dedication to ensuring that we are doing what we can, when we can, to help address our pension liability. It is not always easy but finding savings to help address our fiscal obligations is paramount,” stated Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15).
The 2010 bond’s refunding will realize more than $1.3 million in net savings for the City of Providence and will not extend the life of the bond, nor will it cause the City to incur an increase in its financial obligations.
“Refunding bonds at this time is an important cash management tool,” stated Chairman of the Committee on Finance and Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7). “It is what you do with the savings that are realized from refunding that is important. The Committee has wisely and clearly stated that the funds should go toward the City’s pension fund. This will provide some relief to our more than billion-dollar unfunded pension liability. The Committee on Finance are stewards of the City’s finances, and it is mission-critical that we remain laser-focused on these long-term obligations.”
The City Council has directed the City’s Finance Director to ensure that any net savings from the refunding of the bonds will be used to pay a pension payment above one hundred percent of the Annual Required Contribution and cannot supplant any pension payment. Guaranteeing the additional $1.3 million in savings from the bond refunding go towards the City’s outstanding pension liability.
Vice-Chair of the Committee on Finance and City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) shared, “With the current low interest rate environment, the City is wise to be proactive in its bond management strategy. Directing the realized savings towards our pressing long-term fiscal obligations makes good sense. The Committee on Finance has an obligation to our taxpayers to be fiscally responsible and prudent with these funds. Ensuring that savings are put towards the City’s pension is an important step in that direction.”
The resolution was passed tonight by the City Council and will allow for the City to refund the bonds before the end of the calendar year.
by Abigail Appel | Dec 4, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
As many have learned, there was a deadly shooting in the Olneyville neighborhood late this morning. I am saddened and disturbed by the senseless act of violence.
This is the second fatal shooting in our City this week, which is two too many. It seems that although crime is down, violent crime continues to rise. These random acts of violence – are never random; and I know that our detectives and dedicated police officers are working to find answers to why and how this happened.
The Providence I know is a City of neighborhoods, a city where families are raised, and new opportunities are around every corner. It is a place where we care for our neighbors, work hard, and support one another. Our residents deserve better.
In light of these most recent violent events, I am more committed than ever to working with our law enforcement agencies, the City Administration, and my colleagues in local and state government to find solutions to the systemic and complex issues facing our City.
As I learn more about today’s incident, I am committed to keeping the public updated, In the meantime, I would like to ask for the public’s support, as the crime is being investigated. If you know, or witnessed or learn anything regarding this tragic shooting, please call the Providence Police Department at 401-272-1111.
Remember, if you see something – say something.
Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15
Councilwoman Sabina Matos
by Abigail Appel | Dec 3, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Tonight, Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) were lead sponsors of a resolution addressing the Rhode Island Community Food Banks’ recently released annual Status Report on Hunger, which highlighted the significant hardship Rhode Islanders are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution is co-sponsored by President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Finance Chairman John J. Igliozzi Esq. (Ward 7), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva R. LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2) Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12) and Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10).
The Rhode Island Community Food Banks’ annual Status Report on Hunger found that one in four Rhode Island households lack adequate food, which is the highest rate the agency has seen in over two decades. The report noted that food insecurity levels are highest in Black and Latinx communities, which are the very same communities that have been hardest hit by the global pandemic. Due to this overwhelming demand, the Community Food Banks has increased its food distribution by 1.6 million pounds (a 45% increase from before the pandemic).
“This is not just a Rhode Island problem,” stated Council President Sabina Matos. “What the COVID-19 pandemic has done in this Country is exacerbated the already demanding need for food not just in Rhode Island but in every state. It has also shone a light on the massive inequities in our society, where nearly 5.3 million more Americans are unemployed today than they were in February of this year. Rhode Island was not immune to that alarming statistic, which is why in the early days of the pandemic, I reached out to George Ortiz of The Elisha Project to work with the Council to help bring food to Providence’s most struggling communities. Through our partnership with the Elisha Project, the Council hosted 24 food distribution events across the City. We were able to provide approximately 816 thousand pounds of culturally appropriate nutritious meals or the equivalent of 680 thousand meals to our most vulnerable residents. We owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Ortiz for the work he is doing in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to address the food insecurity that too many families are facing.”
The resolution is calling on the Federal government to pass another COVID-19 relief bill that would bring back the supplemental unemployment compensation and boost SNAP benefits for individuals until the pandemic subsides. It also calls for the USDA to provide Pandemic-EBT benefits for all children from low-income families when schools are closed.
Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan stated, “This is an alarming statistic; if more than one in four people statewide are food insecure as stated in this recent report, we know the ratio is much higher in our urban core. The City Council initiative to provide immediate assistance to our struggling families is an admirable local level effort. However, we need a COVID Relief Bill passed in Washington without delay. While our federal delegation has been leading the charge in Washington, we need federal relief. The United States Senate has had the opportunity to pass the $2.2 trillion HEROES Act since May and has failed to do so. The stimulus package that my colleagues and I call for in this resolution will not just help those facing food insecurity, but will also address the nearly 20 million renters at risk of losing their homes. It has been eight months since the Senate and House passed the CARES Act, and it is time to put Country over party and pass the HEROES Act to protect our most vulnerable residents.”
Additionally, the resolution calls on the Rhode Island Department of Health and Human Services to implement a comprehensive SNAP outreach program to help newly unemployed Rhode Islanders enroll and gain access to these much-needed services.
“The RI Food Bank report also critically highlights that food insecure Rhode Islanders are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to prevalent underlying medical conditions,” stated Councilman John Goncalves. “Additionally, it makes clear the racial and ethnic disparities that exist related to food insecurity, and the fact that disabled adults also experience a higher risk for food insecurity due to healthcare-related expenses and limited employment opportunities which further exacerbate already existing health and economic disparities.
We are seeing record levels of demand from food-insecure Providence and Rhode Island residents, low-income families and children, which demonstrates that critical funding and assistance is needed now, more than ever, to address widespread hunger in our communities.”
The resolution also urges the Rhode Island General Assembly to support Governor Gina Raimondo’s call for increased funding for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris stated, “I know what it is to be hungry. I know what it is to decide between buying food for my family and paying the light bill. Our neighbors need help. We live in the land of plenty, but until we have plenty for all, we have plenty for none. I applaud the Elisha Project, the Rhode Island Food Bank, and the work that so many are doing in the City, the State, and across the nation to address food insecurity. But, as the poet Robert Frost so eloquently stated, we have miles to go before we sleep, and this is no time to sleep. Our neighbors here in Providence, and in every city and town in our state and across the country need help. I, like my colleagues, urge the United States Senate to pass the HEROES Act now before they end their session.”
The City Council passed the resolution, and copies of the resolution will be sent to each member of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation, Governor Gina Raimondo, Director Courtney Hawkins of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, and to the members of the Providence delegation of the Rhode Island General Assembly.
About the Elisha Project:
The Elisha Project is a movement that is focused on bringing diverse communities together through service, sharing, teaching, and learning. With the mission of addressing food insecurity and operating by the motto, “There is Always Enough to Share.”
by Abigail Appel | Dec 3, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-8, Ward-9
Today, City Council President Sabina Matos, Chief Judge Frank Caprio of the Providence Municipal Court, and Mayor Jorge O. Elorza announced an amnesty program of all non-moving and environmental violations in the City of Providence until January 31, 2021.
“Due to the ongoing health crisis, we must act to help our residents in whatever ways we can,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “The Municipal Courts fall under the jurisdiction of the Council, and by waving the penalties on fees that have accrued for residents, we are providing them with a little extra financial help during this difficult time.”
The amnesty program only applies to violations that double and triple due to non-payment, such as environmental, parking, and other non-moving violations. Individuals or entities with a fine must pay in-person at the Providence Safety Complex, located at 325 Washington Street, on the first floor. No online or phone payments will be accepted for this program.
“We know many of our residents have been making tough decisions in order to survive the impacts of COVID-19 ,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza “While we continue to find innovative ways to adjust our way of life, keep our businesses open, and work towards recovery, I am proud to work with the Providence City Council to offer another form of relief for our residents.”
Those who have existing fines will only be required to pay the base fine. Individuals or entities with four or more fines must also pay a $35 court processing fee. This program does not apply to any resident or entity with an environmental fine in collections or any previous municipal court judgments.
Chief Judge Frank Caprio stated, “Our residents are enduring so much right now, and we have the ability to provide direct relief to them through this program. We have thousands of residents out of work, and their ability to pay escalating fines directly impedes their ability to put food on their table and pay other important life-sustaining bills.”
Individuals or entities that do not take advantage of this program before February 1, 2021, will lose the ability to renew their license or vehicle registration, as it will be blocked by the RI Department of Motor Vehicle (RIDMV).
Again, all payments must be made in-person as no online or telephone payments will be accepted.
At this evening’s City Council meeting, the Council passed a resolution establishing this amnesty program. The resolution was proposed by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and co-sponsored by Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva R. LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
