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.”
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).
This evening, the Providence City Council passed a resolution requesting that the State of Rhode Island take an active role in easing the liquor license renewal process for Rhode Island restaurants. This is another step the Providence City Council is taking to simplify this process for local businesses. The resolution was introduced by Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“Right now, we need to be doing everything we can to help local businesses stay open. Too many restaurants have been forced to close down, or are barely getting by. That is why myself and my Council colleagues have proposed this resolution to provide some relief to restaurant owners,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, restaurants in the City of Providence and throughout the State of Rhode Island have been operating under significant duress. Further adding to this hardship is the upcoming deadline for liquor license renewals which takes place on December 1 every year. This process requires not only the payment of a fee, but also a letter of good standing from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. This resolution requests that Governor Raimondo waive the requirement for a letter of good standing from the Division of Taxation.
“This resolution is an effort to remove another roadblock for restaurant owners trying to renew their liquor licenses. It is imperative that we protect the sale of alcoholic beverages at license-holding establishments as they have become integral to the business models of so many restaurants operating under pandemic restrictions,” added Councilman John Goncalves.
In September, the City Council passed a resolution requesting that the Providence Board of Licenses work with local businesses to create sustainable payment plans for liquor license renewal fees.
“With these two initiatives, it is our hope that Rhode Island restaurant owners will find some relief as their liquor licenses come up for renewal next month. I hope that leaders at the State and local levels will continue to collaborate to further support business owners in the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia.
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9) introduced a resolution at tonight’s City Council meeting calling for the formation of a Special Commission on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Recreational Vehicle Enforcement. Off-road vehicles are currently banned from operating on city streets as they are not designed to be street legal. The use of these off-road machines creates significant safety hazards for the public and the off-road vehicles’ operators. The resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman James E. Taylor (Ward 8 ), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“The illegal operation of ATVs and dirt bikes in Providence has quickly become a serious quality of life issue for the residents of Providence over the past several weeks, and has raised serious concerns from motorists, pedestrians, and residents alike,” stated Councilwoman Carmen Castillo. “On October 18, 2020, during a response to a large gathering of motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs in the City, there was an incident involving a Providence Police Department vehicle and a moped which resulted in a young man, 24-year-old Jhamal Gonsalves, sustaining significant injuries that left him in a coma. This incident has shined a light on the danger and risks associated with enforcing these vehicles’ use here in Providence. As elected officials, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of our residents, and I believe by reviewing our policies and procedures, we can find solutions to the challenges we are facing.”
It has become increasingly clear that the City must undertake a comprehensive review of how Providence enforces its laws, practices, and policies governing off-road recreational vehicles, which is why Councilwoman Castillo is calling on the City Council to establish this Special Commission on ATVs and Recreational Vehicles. The Commission will be charged with studying and making recommendations regarding the City’s current enforcement practices and making recommendations regarding appropriate changes to City procedures, ordinances, and policies to prevent the operation of ATVs and recreational vehicles on the City’s streets.
Councilman John Goncalves shared, “I applaud the Council for supporting this resolution to figure out more meaningful, creative, and robust solutions to further address this. Residential neighborhoods in all parts of our city to have been affected by this ongoing issue and I look forward to working collaboratively with my council colleagues and community members to determine creative mechanisms to ensure the utmost safety of Providence residents.”
The Special Commission on All Terrain Vehicles will consist of not more than seven members, including the Commissioner of Public Safety or his designee, one member appointed by the Mayor, and five members to be appointed by the Council President.
“I am in full support of this initiative,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “We must work together to find the solutions that our residents are demanding to end the illegal use of these vehicles on our streets.”
Councilwoman Castillo continued, “If we are to create changes in the behavior of our residents, we must work with our community to understand their needs and how we can safely and legally allow for the use of these vehicles within our City. Currently, there is no designated area for their uses, and riders are risking their lives and the lives of others by riding them through our neighborhoods. I hope this Special Commission can create actionable steps for us to protect and preserve our quality of life, but also find outlets for residents who wish to use ATVs and dirt bikes legally and safely.”
The Special Commission will be tasked with issuing a report of recommendations to the City Council within 120 days of the date appointments are made to the Commission.
The Hospitality Worker Comeback Legislation Ensures that Hospitality Workers Laid Off Due to the Pandemic Can Return to Their Jobs and Their Livelihoods
Tonight the City Council passed the “Hospitality Worker Comeback” legislation which was introduced by City Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) at the October 15, 2020 City Council Meeting. The legislation received its first passage at that meeting, before it was sent to the Council’s Committee on Ordinances. This legislation ensures that any hotel worker who was laid off or furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic would be rehired before other candidates, as City hotels come back online. The Ordinance is co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia (Ward 6), Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), and Councilors David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13), James E. Taylor (Ward 8), Pedro J. Espinal (Ward 10), and John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“I am very proud to stand up in support of the over 700 Providence hotel employees that are currently laid off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” stated Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “We don’t yet know how long this current pandemic will impact our hospitality industry, but this important piece of legislation ensures that our hospitality industry employees will have jobs to come back to when their hotel reopens. It also gives our hardworking hospitality professionals peace of mind that they will get their jobs back and reclaim their livelihoods as we return to normal business operations. Further, this legislation ensures that these dedicated workers will have the option to return to their job by classification and seniority. It’s about fairness, and I want to thank all my Council colleagues who joined me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.”
City Council President Sabina Matos stated, “As the creative capital, and home to James Beard award winning restaurants, and several hotels, hospitality is in our City’s DNA. As elected leaders we have an obligation to our hospitality workers to make sure that they have jobs as we come back from this ongoing crisis. One thing I know for sure, is the Providence is all about resilience, and we will get through this and become a go-to destination once more.”
Over the past several decades, the City of Providence has invested heavily in tourism. The Council has approved several tax stabilization agreements that gave investors the help, they needed to bring their hotels to Providence. These agreements are also an investment in the City’s workforce. With 700 jobs on the line, this legislation makes it clear that the City Council is in full support of our hospitality employees. Because of this legislation, hotels located in Providence will not be able to permanently fire their employees and ask them to reapply as if they were just starting out with the company.
Majority Leader Ryan continued, “Since I first introduced this legislation, I have heard from other cities that are interested in what we are doing here in Providence. Hotels as close as Boston, have fired their employees and told them they could reapply when the hotel reopens. Yet, if hired they would not come back at the same level or paygrade. This is simply not a good business practice, and frankly I find it very unsettling that during a time when so many are out of work and are not making ends meet with unemployment, that this is occurring. Not just in New England, but in cities around the Country.”
The legislation also includes protections and enforcement for employees that are not brought back to work, including the right to bring legal action and penalties. The legislation does include a sunset clause and will remain in effect until November 1, 2022, unless it is repealed or the City Council approves an extension or re-authorization.
The Hospitality Worker Comeback legislation can be found here: https://bit.ly/3451
Statement from Providence City Council Leadership Regarding Arrest of ‘Providence Purge’ Suspect
We would like to thank the Providence Police Department for their diligent work, apprehending an individual who was inciting fear and violence in the City of Providence. His actions, including threatening a member of the press, disorderly conduct and circulating the troubling ‘Providence Purge’ flyer have all contributed to the recent unrest in our City.
This is an example of the great work that the men and women of the Providence Police Department do everyday to fulfill their duty to protect and serve. The behavior displayed by the apprehended individual has no place in our City. These acts misrepresent the character of our community and do nothing but cause fear and distrust.
Moving forward, we expect that all parties will promote peaceful and tolerant behavior as we continue to work towards a safe, equitable and stronger City.
Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15)
Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia (Ward 6)
Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5)
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4)
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11)
Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7)
Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8)
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9)
For more information visit us online at council.providenceri.gov.
