State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations JOURNAL -OF THE- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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1 State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations JOURNAL -OF THE- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JANUARY SESSION of the General Assembly begun and held at the State House in the City of Providence on Tuesday, the first day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nineteen. Volume 146, No. 1 Tuesday, January 1, 2019 First Day The House of Representatives meets at the State House in Providence, Tuesday, January 1, 2019 and is called to order at 4:13 o clock P.M., by the Honorable Marvin L. Abney, Senior Representative from Newport. APPROVAL OF RECORD By unanimous consent, the House Journal of Friday, June 22, and Saturday June 23, 2018, is approved. INVOCATION The Honorable Marvin L. Abney presents Monsignor Albert Kenney, Vicar General of the Diocese of Providence who delivers the Invocation and leads the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. (For Invocation, see Appendix, this Journal.) POSTING OF COLORS AND ACCOMPANIMENT The Honorable Marvin L. Abney requests the Cranston Fire Department Honor Guard to post the colors, accompanied by the Rhode Island Professional Fire Fighters Pipe & Drum Band. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Honorable Marvin L. Abney calls on Representative-elect Jim Jackson, a decorated Vietnam War combat veteran to lead the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. NATIONAL ANTHEM The Honorable Marvin L. Abney calls on John Procaccini of Cranston to sing the "National Anthem".

2 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 COMMUNICATION The Honorable Marvin L. Abney announces the receipt of the following communication: Received and placed on file.

3 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 ROLL CALL The roll is called and a quorum is declared present with 75 members present and 0 members absent as follows: PRESENT 75 Representatives Abney, Ackerman, Ajello, Almeida, Alzate, Amore, Azzinaro, Barros, Bennett, Blazejewski, Caldwell, Canario, Carson, Casey, Casimiro, Cassar, Chippendale, Cortvriend, Corvese, Costantino, Craven, Diaz, Donovan, Edwards, Fellela, Filippi, Fogarty, Handy, Hawkins, Hull, Jackson, Jacquard, Johnston, Kazarian, Kennedy, Kislak, Knight, Lima, Lombardi, Lyle, Maldonado, Marshall, Marszalkowski, Mattiello, McEntee, McKiernan, McLaughlin, McNamara, Mendez, Messier, Millea, Morin, Nardone, Newberry, Noret, O Brien, Phillips, Place, Price, Quattrocchi, Ranglin-Vassell, Roberts, Ruggiero, Serodio, Serpa, Shanley, Shekarchi, Slater, Solomon, Tanzi, Tobon, Ucci, Vella- Wilkinson, Walsh, Williams ABSENT 0 ADDRESS The Honorable Marvin L. Abney addresses the members of the House. APPOINTMENTS The Chair appoints Representative Gregg Amore, Representative Dennis Canario, Representative Stephen Casey, Representative Gregory Costantino, Representative John Edwards, Representative Raymond Johnston, Representative Robert Phillips, Representative Robert Quattrocchi, Representative Sherry Roberts, Representative Scott Slater, Representative Joseph Solomon, and Representative Camille Vella-Wilkinson to escort the Honorable Secretary of State to the rostrum of the House. OATH OF OFFICE The Representatives-elect rise, as Secretary of State, Nellie M. Gorbea administers the Oath of Office to all members. ELECTION OF SPEAKER The Honorable Marvin L. Abney calls for nominations. Representative Shelby Maldonado, nominates Representative Nicholas A. Mattiello, District 15 in Cranston, to be Speaker of the House of Representatives for the years Representative Maldonado discusses the nomination. The nomination is seconded by Representative Camille Vella-Wilkinson. Representative Vella- Wilkinson offers her remarks. The nomination is also seconded by Representatives Ucci, McKiernan, Hawkins, Williams, O Brien, Mendez, Serpa, Craven, Marszalkowski, Noret, Amore, Casimiro, Shekarchi, Jacquard, Costantino, Kennedy, Lima, Fellela, Canario, Ackerman, Bennett, Marshall, Diaz, Slater, Corvese, McLaughlin, Azzinaro, McNamara, Morin, Casey, Edwards, Alzate, Johnston, Blazejewski, Tobon, Serodio, Shanley, Barros, Phillips, Solomon, Millea and Jackson.

4 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Representative Newberry nominates Minority Leader Filippi, to be Speaker of the House of Representatives for the years Representative Newberry discusses the nomination. The nomination is seconded by Minority Whip Chippendale, and Representatives Nardone, Roberts, Price, Quattrocchi, Place and Lyle. The Honorable Marvin Abney asks if there are any other nominations. Representative Shekarchi seconded by Representative Edwards, moves that nominations be closed. The motion to close nominations prevails on a voice vote. Representative Almeida attempts to discuss his vote for Speaker of the House. There are several points of order. Representatives Corvese and Edwards state according to the statute there is no debate, no motions once a roll call is started. Representative Abney states according to the statute: THE MEMBER CALLING THE HOUSE TO ORDER SHALL NOT RECEIVE, ENTERTAIN, OR PUT TO VOTE ANY MOTION OR QUESTION WHATEVER OR POINT OF ORDER, WHILE ACTING AS PRESIDING OFFICER., no debate or motions can be made once the roll is started. Representative Abney asks clerk to continue with the roll call. The election of Representative Nicholas A. Mattiello of District 15 in Cranston as Speaker of the House for the years prevails, on a roll call vote, 47 members voting for Representative Mattiello and 9 members voting for Minority Leader Filippi and 19 members abstaining as follows: MATTIELLO-47-Representatives Abney, Ackerman, Alzate, Amore, Azzinaro, Barros, Bennett, Blazejewski, Canario, Casey, Casimiro, Corvese, Costantino, Craven, Diaz, Edwards, Fellela, Hawkins, Jackson, Jacquard, Johnston, Kennedy, Lima, Maldonado, Marshall, Marszalkowski, Mattiello, McEntee, McKiernan, McLaughlin, McNamara, Mendez, Millea, Morin, Noret, O Brien, Phillips, Serodio, Serpa, Shanley, Shekarchi, Slater, Solomon, Tobon, Ucci, Vella-Wilkinson, Williams. FILIPPI-9-Representatives Chippendale, Filippi, Lyle, Nardone, Newberry, Place, Price, Quattrocchi, Roberts. ABSTAIN-19-Representatives Ajello, Almeida, Caldwell, Carson, Cassar, Cortvriend, Donovan, Fogarty, Handy, Hull, Kazarian, Kislak, Knight, Lombardi, Messier, Ranglin-Vassell, Ruggiero, Tanzi, Walsh. The Chair declares the Honorable Nicholas A. Mattiello of District 15 in Cranston is re-elected Speaker of the House for the years APPOINTMENTS The Chair appoints Representative Mia Ackerman, Representative Jean-Philippe Barros, Representative David Bennett, Representative Chris Blazejewski, Representative Grace Diaz, Representative Deborah Fellela, Representative Charlene Lima, Representative Alex Marszalkowski, Representative Patricia

5 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Serpa, and Representative Evan Shanley, Representative Carlos Tobon, Representative Anastasia Williams as a committee to escort the Speaker-elect to the rostrum. The Chair appoints Representative Karen Alzate, Representative Samuel Azzinaro, Representative Julie Casimiro, Representative Bernard Hawkins, Representative James Jackson, Representative Daniel McKiernan, Representative James McLaughlin, Representative Michael Morin, Representative Thomas Noret, Representative Brian Newberry, Representative William O Brien, and Representative Joe Serodio as a committee to escort Speaker Mattiello s wife, Mary Ann and his sons to the rostrum. The Chair appoints Representative Robert Craven, Representative Michael Chippendale, Representative Arthur Corvese, Representative Robert Jacquard, Representative Brian Kennedy, Representative Shelby Maldonado, Representative Joseph McNamara, Representative Carol McEntee, and Representative Mario Mendez, Representative Chris Millea, Representative Justin Price and Representative Stephen Ucci as a committee to escort the Honorable Richard D. Raspallo, Magistrate of the Rhode Island Superior Court to the rostrum. OATH OF OFFICE The House attends while Magistrate Raspallo administers the Oath of Office to the Honorable Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello. NOW PRESIDING The Honorable Marvin Abney turns over the rostrum to the Honorable Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello. ADDRESSES The Honorable Speaker Mattiello addresses the members of the House. (For Speaker Mattiello s Address see appendix of this Journal.) At 5:35 o clock P.M. the Honorable Speaker yields the rostrum to Governor Gina Raimondo, By unanimous consent, Governor Raimondo addresses the members of the House. At 5:39 o clock P.M. the Honorable Speaker returns to the rostrum. ELECTION OF THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE The Honorable Speaker declares the election of Clerk is in order and calls for nominations. Representative Johnston, of Pawtucket seconded by Representative Barros and the entire House of Representatives nominates Francis McCabe to be Clerk of the House for the Session There being no further nominations, Representative Tobon moves that nominations be closed, seconded by Representative Casey. The motion to close nominations prevails, on a voice vote.

6 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Representative Tobon moves that Representative Johnston be directed to cast one ballot for Francis McCabe to be Clerk of the House for the Session, seconded by Representative Casey. The motion prevails by unanimous consent on a voice vote. Representative Johnston casts one ballot for Francis McCabe for the office of the Clerk of the House for the years , seconded by Representative Alzate. Francis P. McCabe is elected Clerk of the House of the Session ELECTION OF RECORDING CLERK OF THE HOUSE The Honorable Speaker declares the election of a Recording Clerk is in order and calls for nominations. Representative Newberry, seconded by Representative Corvese, nominates Linda McElroy of North Smithfield to be Recording Clerk of the House for the Session There being no further nominations, Representative Jacquard, seconded by Representative O Brien, and Leader Shekarchi moves that nominations be closed. The motion to close nominations prevails, on a voice vote. Representative Corvese moves that Representative Newberry be directed to cast one ballot for Linda McElroy to be Recording Clerk for the Session, seconded by Representatives Ucci and O Brien. The motion prevails by unanimous consent on a voice vote. Representative Newberry casts one ballot for Linda McElroy for the office of Recording Clerk of the House for the years , seconded by Representative O Brien. Linda McElroy is elected Recording Clerk of the House of the Session OATH OF OFFICE The Honorable Speaker Mattiello administers the Oath of Office to the Clerk of the House, Frank McCabe and the Recording Clerk of the House, Linda McElroy for the Session. GOD BLESS AMERICA The Honorable Speaker Mattiello welcomes back to the rostrum John Procaccini of Cranston, to sing God Bless America. ANNOUNCEMENTS Leader Shekarchi gives his remarks. Leader Shekarchi reminds members that the House well convene at 4 p.m. tomorrow.

7 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 GUESTS Leader Shekarchi welcomes to the House Chamber as a guest his father, Dr. Khalil Shekarchi. Speaker Mattiello welcomes City Councilman Mike Farina of Cranston, Mayor Polisena, Mayor Solomon, Mayor Diossa and Mayor Gredien. Representative Newberry welcomes to the House Representative David Place and his family: Jill Ambrose, Pete Ambrose, Michelle Place, Erin Todisco-Place, Claire Place, Rob Place, Justin Batalon and Jackie Batalon. Representative Almeida welcomes to the House Chamber Carlos M. Cedeno, and Joseph P. Buchanan. Leader Filippi welcomes to the House Representative John Lyle. Representative Diaz welcomes to the House Chamber Representative Mario Mendez. Representative Knight welcomes to the House Representative Liana Cassar, and her husband, Larson Gunness; son, Jamie Gunness; daughter, Maria Gunness; mother, Cynthia Davis, and Steven Cassar. Along with students and supporters who helped Liana throughout the campaign. Representative Corvese welcomes to the House Chamber as guests, from North Providence, John Lynch, former District 2 Councilman; Chuck Pollock, School Committee-elect from District 2; and Stefano Famiglietti, Councilman-elect from District 2. Representative Quattrocchi welcomes to the House Representative George Nardone: and his family Dawn Nardone, Nicole Nardone, Arthur Nardone, Alice Nardone, Joseph Nardone, Lori Nardone, Joseph Nardone Jr., Scott Littlejohn, Beverly Littlejohn, Michele Gadrult and Colby. Representative Amore welcomes to the House Chamber Representative Joe Serodio and family: Ana Serodio, Carla Nicholson, Richard Nicholson, Cameron Nicholson, Alexander Nicholson, Linda Nicholson, and Joseph Serodio, Jr.. Representative Tanzi welcome to the House the Representative Justine Caldwell and family: David, Escher, Luna and Carolyn Caldwell, Barbara, Ron, Vickie, Nicholas and Kristen Lutzel, Bill and Alivia Saunders, and Brad and Allison Kettlety. Leader Filippi also welcomes to the House Chamber as guests Vickie, Ron and Barbara Lutzel and Talia Turco. Representative McNamara welcomes to the House Representative Jimmy Jackson, his wife, Georgette; his daughters, Kelly Jackson and Danielle, son-in-law, Robert Smith, his brother Dennis and wife, Kathy Jackson, their son, Jeffrey; Carl Zambarano, Mike D Amico, Robert Enright, Melvin Enright, Walter Richardson, Esq., John Riley, Lawrence Ryan, Ed Cotugno, John Lynch, Michael Pinga, and Nicole Pinga.

8 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Representative Ranglin-Vassell welcomes to the House Chamber as guests Van Vassell, Mavis Ranglin Donovan and Lloyd Ranglin, Kathrine Forte, Valerie Ranglin-Brown, Terrence, Ernie, and Van Vassell Jr., Andy Cagen, Esq., Grizzel Clemetson, Kadeem Leslie, and Rocky Leslie. Representative Casimiro welcomes to the House Representative Tom Noret, and his family: Julie, Addison, Robbie and Louise Noret, also Norman and Yvette Landroche. Representative Jacquard welcomes to the House Chamber Representative Christopher Millea, and his family:1 st Lady of District 16, Ellen Millea, children, Katie and Kennedy; mother, Patricia Millea, brother, Jack Millea, sister-in-law, Heidi Millea; nephew, Jack Millea; niece, Molly Millea,; nephew Brendan Millea; father-in-law, Arthur Silva; mother-in-law, Ellen Silva; sister-in-law, Claudine Prokopis; nephews, Mikey, Luke, and Jack Prokopis; friends: Heather Peach, Macey Malo, and Rob Rainville. Representative Ajello welcomes to the House Representative Rebecca Kislak, and her family: Dr. Joanna Brown, Ezra Kislak-Brown, Simon Kislak-Brown, Jordan and Brad Hevenor, Karlo Berger, Annie Gjelsvik, Astrid and Leif Berger, Marisa Mosher, Navah, and Ari Levine, Nirva LaFortune and Nyree-Simone. Representative Ruggiero welcomes to the House Chamber newly elected Representative Terri Cortvriend and her partner Chuck Perry, her daughter Savanna and step-daughter Kirsten and her campaign manager Donna Personeus. Representative Canario also welcomes to the House Representative Cortvriend. Representative Fogarty welcomes to the House Chamber Representative Bernard Hawkins, and his wife Cindy; son, William Hawkins; his family: Kathy Connell, Cheryl Corsi; brothers: William, Paul and Kevin Hawkins; Kyle Anderson, Penny Nero and 30 others in Room 35. Representative Slater welcomes to the House as guests his family: his wife, Bianca Rodriguez, his daughters Mia and Madeline Slater; his niece, Isabella Palumbo; his mother-in-law, Norma Rodriguez; his father-in-law, Luis Rodriguez and his mother Josephine Slater. Representative Edwards welcomes to the House Chamber Representative Karen Alzate and her family. Representative Tobon welcomes to the House as a guests his parents, Carlos and Sonia Tobon, his wife, Alexandra Tobon, his son, Carlos Esteban Tobon; Consuelo Ruiz, Andres Ruiz, Luisa Ballesteros, Maria Ballesteros, Alejandro Tobon, Qiwen Su, Mama Yang, Mayor Donald Grebien and his wife Laureen, Louis Yip, Sunny Ing, and Mayor James Diossa. Representative Lima welcomes to the House Chamber her husband Frank Fiorenzano. Representative Ucci welcome to the House Representative Mario Mendez, and his mom, Rosa Mendez; his dad, Mario Mendez and his girlfriend, Maria Suarez. Representative Vella-Wilkinson welcomes to the House Chamber her husband, Kenneth Wilkinson, her son, Ian Vella-Wilkinson and his wife, Amanda Vella-Wilkinson.

9 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Speaker Mattiello welcomes and thanks Neil Whitewall and welcomes the Honorable Michael DiChiro, Jr., chief judge in Johnston. BENEDICTION The Honorable Speaker Mattiello presents Father Andrew George of the Church of Annunciation, the Greek Orthodox Church in Cranston for the benediction. (For Benediction see Appendix of this Journal) ADJOURNMENT At 6:29 o clock P.M. on motion of Leader Shekarchi seconded by Leader Filippi the House adjourns, on a voice vote. Linda M. McElroy Recording Clerk

10 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 APPENDIX INVOCATION MONSIGNOR ALBERT KENNEY Let us remember we are in the Holy Presence of God. Blessed are you God of mercy, who through your Son gave us a marvelous example of charity and the great commandment, love one another. Send down your blessings on these your servants who so generously devote themselves to helping others. Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of this: impressive chamber and shine forth in all the proceedings. May they seek to preserve peace, the common good of our citizens and continue to bring us the blessings of life, liberty and equality. We thank them for their willingness to be role models in a world that needs positive, faithful and courageous leaders. Leaders who care; Leaders who serve with distinction. We are grateful to their families for their love, support and guidance. Finally, we commend to your unbounded providence all citizens of the State of RI. That we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your holy law. For we ask this all your name. Amen.

11 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 APPENDIX SPEAKER MATTIELLO S ADDRESS Thank you. I want to thank all the House members who voted for me today. I am grateful for your continued support and the opportunity to serve as the Speaker for another term. My hope is that we can all work together for the people of the State of Rhode Island. Campaign season is over and it is now time to govern in the best interests of the citizens of Rhode Island. As in the past, my office will be open to all 74 of my colleagues who wish to meet with me to discuss legislative matters at any time. I will remain open to all good ideas from members. I also wish to sincerely acknowledge the people of my district. Without their support, I would not be here today. So to the residents of District 15 in Cranston, thank you from the bottom of my heart. A sincere thank you to Representative Marvin Abney, who, as the senior member from Newport, did a terrific job in convening the first day of session. Marvin is a trusted friend who dedicates countless hours in the critical role of House Finance Committee chairman. Marvin is a retired Army major who served our nation for 20 years. Thank you, Marvin, for your service and for your devotion to the State of Rhode Island. I d also like to thank Representatives Shelby Maldonado and Camille Vella-Wilkinson for placing my name into nomination. Both of you are tireless public servants. Shelby works a full-time job, serves the people of our state in the House of Representatives, and is also a student at Roger Williams University School of Law. I don t know how she does it all, but Shelby manages all her responsibilities with the maturity and wisdom of someone well beyond her years. And she does it all with a wonderful smile! Camille, a retired Navy officer, is an unstoppable force in promoting all veterans causes in Rhode Island. She served for many years on the Warwick City Council and has brought tremendous energy, enthusiasm and dedication to our chamber and to serving the people of Rhode Island. At our Democratic Caucus in November, Joe Shekarchi was re-elected as the Majority Leader. He has been a great partner these past two years, and he will be taking an even more active role in working closely with our committees to review all legislative matters. I know Leader Shekarchi s door is always open to all of you to discuss issues, policies and legislation.

12 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 At the same Democratic Caucus, Whip Jay Edwards, Deputy Whip Chris Blazejewski, Deputy Speaker Charlene Lima and Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Kennedy were all re-elected. With a combined 74 years of legislative experience in this chamber, the four of them do a great job and will continue to work with each and every member on their legislative priorities. I also offer my sincere congratulations to our new Minority Leader Blake Filippi and Minority Whip Mike Chippendale. You have both been excellent colleagues and friends, and I look forward to working with both of you and the entire Republican caucus. Our collaboration will lead to many positive accomplishments for our state. I want to thank Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea for swearing-in all of the House members. I offer my sincere congratulations to you, Secretary Gorbea, along with Governor Raimondo, Lt. Governor Dan McKee, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner and our new Attorney General, Peter Neronha, on your elections. I know we will work together as well as with our colleagues in the Senate -- to move our state forward. I look forward to the Governor s address shortly. It was a great honor to have my close friend, Superior Court Magistrate Richard Raspallo, administer the Oath of Office. Richard was my Chief Legal Counsel and is now doing a terrific job dispensing justice in the court system. I am so proud of you, Rich! Today, we welcome 14 new members to the General Assembly. Congratulations to all of you! I can easily recall my first inauguration 12 years ago. I was filled with humility, hope and optimism. To all the freshmen, please take those same feelings with you as you work to build a brighter future for your constituents and every Rhode Islander. While I had the opportunity to talk with each of you on Orientation Day, I encourage you to reach out to your colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Each of us represents a diverse and unique community within our state, but we must work together to move Rhode Island forward. I can t wait to begin working with everyone in this chamber. Over the last five years that I have been Speaker, we have worked together to improve our state s economic climate, assist working families, and advance the quality of life for residents throughout our state.

13 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 As I stated when I took this rostrum for the very first time in March 2014, our focus will be on jobs and the economy. Working with Governor Raimondo and the Senate, our focus has not strayed from that manta. A few short years ago, our unemployment rate was 11.3%. It now stands at 3.8%, the lowest it has been in 29 years! For six straight months, more than half-a-million Rhode Islanders are working, which is highest number in our state s history! The Jobs Incentive Act, an initiative of Leader Shekarchi s, has resulted in more than 3,200 new good-paying jobs. Rhode Island is moving in the right direction because of the bold actions taken by the members of this chamber. Thank you for your hard work. In the coming two years, I want to stay on that path. We need to reduce regulatory burdens that hamper our businesses. We need to support programs that ensure our Rhode Islanders are well-trained for the jobs of the future. And we must continue to lessen the tax burden on all of our citizens. My number one priority will continue to be phasing out the car tax and eliminating it completely. This will be the third year of the six-year phase out. After this session, we will be halfway to our goal of providing significant relief from this regressive tax. Before we implemented the phase-out, we had the highest car tax in the nation and we are three years away from joining half the states in the country that don t have such a burdensome tax! rankings. Cutting the car tax has improved our tax competitiveness nationally, moving us up in the And just a few months ago, I was proud to accept on behalf of the entire House, an award from the Tax Foundation, a national non-partisan organization, for our collective efforts in creating an improved tax policy.

14 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 There are other priorities that I want to look closely at this session: Some issues we began working on last year will get a fresh look in the new session. We will work with Rep. Carol McEntee to re-address the statute of limitations on sex offenders. I applaud Rep. McEntee for her hard work and dedication on this issue. I learned recently that it took Massachusetts almost 10 years to enact their legislation on this topic. Although we could not reach a final conclusion in four months last year, we will continue our analysis and fact-finding this year to hopefully achieve a successful outcome. We must also continue to evaluate potentially raising the minimum wage. Massachusetts has done so, and it is important to remain competitive with our neighboring states. We will work closely with Rep. David Bennett, who has been a champion on this issue for many years. We should take a fresh look at possibly expanding the estate tax exemption to keep our retirees from moving elsewhere. We will continue to work on enacting strong measures to address the opioid crisis. We passed some important legislation last year, and we will continue to do all we can legislatively to save lives and provide the help and treatment that is needed. We will also continue to work collaboratively with the State Police to enact more school safety measures. Nothing is more paramount than keeping our children safe in schools. I was proud that we made a strong commitment to provide funding to communities seeking to add school resource officers and make infrastructure upgrades to make their schools safer. We will continue to seek the advice and counsel of the State Police and local police departments to make even more safety investments in Finally, we must focus more attention on making sure our children receive first-rate public education.

15 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 The recent Rhode Island test scores were totally unacceptable. We have already begun to review the best practices that are working so well in Massachusetts and this House will look to adopt some of those measures so our students will succeed at a much better rate than they are now. Rep. Gregg Amore has great expertise on these issues and will provide us with strong guidance that he has obtained from decades in the field of education. We must look to adopt a long-term plan like other successful states. We must look at a statewide curriculum and evaluate our graduation requirements. Most importantly, the Rhode Island Department of Education must do better. We will hold them accountable! As I conclude, I want to take just a few minutes to thank many of my family members and friends who are here today. My wife, Mary Ann, thank you for all your love and support. My sons, Nick and Tony and their girlfriends Rebecca Dinerman and Kaylee Taillon. My sister Susan Izzo and her husband Rocco Izzo, and my niece Cassie Izzo and her boyfriend Greg Scion. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael and Carol Montecalvo. My niece Donna Adler, her husband Matt and their daughter Sophia. My friend and longtime supporter, Nick Capobianco, who has shared every step with me on this journey. Among the many other friends here today are Sako Atchian, Joe and Norma Renzi; Jim, Ann and Scott Malloy; Kelly Wilson, Evelyn Ferranti and Artur Petrosinelli.

16 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Thank you to John Procaccini for doing such a great job singing today, and to the Cranston Fire Department Honor Guard and Pipes & Drums and thank you to Deputy Chief Paul Valletta for making those arrangements. Finally, thank you to Monsignor Albert Kenney and Father Andrew George for participating in today s proceedings. Father George is accompanied by my friend, Harry Nicolopolous. To all my family members and my many friends, thank you for your support and your encouragement. Once again, thank you to my colleagues for this vote of confidence today. I look forward to working with all of you over the next two years.

17 H.J JOURNAL Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Priest: Let us Pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. APPENDIX BENEDICTION FATHER ANDREW GEORGE O Lord our God, who has placed times and seasons under your own authority; who, in your infinite compassion and goodness, have counted us worthy to enter a New Year of your loving kindness, bless it with your Grace. Enlighten us with the light of Your truth and Your divine commandments. Establish in our souls Your holy will and guide us to every work that is good and pleasing to you. Overshadow our nation and this State of RI with your might and grant it gentle rain and abundance of the fruits of the earth; keep it save. Speak of goodness in the hearts of our elected officials and public servants as they begin their term of office; support and strengthen them, enable them to always think prudently and be honorable and righteous in their activity. Preserve the good in their goodness, make the wicked good, through Your Divine goodness. May your kingdom come upon us, O Lord; the kingdom of love, goodness, peace and justice; and make us worthy to praise and glorify, with one mouth and one heart, your most honorable and majestic nameof the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.