Rhode Island coalition honors legislators for their work on behalf of children and families

Local legislators Rep. Tina Spears, Teresa Tanzi and Sen. Alana DiMario praised for their work

The Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families honored Sens. Joshua Miller and Alana M. DiMario and Reps. Teresa A. Tanzi and Tina L. Spears for their legislative achievements at its Policy and Awards Luncheon Monday.

First held in 2018, the annual luncheon celebrates the work done to promote the success of children and families in Rhode Island. 

The event was co-chaired by Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter). House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) also attended the event.

First held in 2018, the annual luncheon celebrates the work done to promote the success of children and families in Rhode Island. The event was co-chaired by Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter). House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) also attended the event.

“I am lucky to have enjoyed a long, productive relationship with RICCF advocating for the children of our state and I humbly accept this award as a representation of that collaboration,” said Senator Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence). “While Rhode Island has more work to do for the children and families who live here, the important progress that we have made has been made possible by the efforts of so many legislators and advocates, especially those here in the room with us today.”

Senator Miller, who is retiring after serving 18 years in the Senate, has spent his career at the forefront of legislative efforts to make health insurance more affordable to families, including sponsoring a bill that successfully eliminated health status as a factor in insurance rates.

“RICCF does incredible work every year advocating in the General Assembly for Rhode Island’s children and I am honored to receive this award,” said Representative Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett), who chairs the Human Services Subcommittee of the House Finance Committee and introduced a bill last year to institute a child tax credit in Rhode Island. 

“This is a moment of celebration but also a reminder of the work we have left in front of us to improve the wellbeing of our children. A child tax credit would directly contribute to the financial stability of families and reduce child maltreatment and malnourishment. I am proud to continue working alongside RICCF to get this proposal past the finish line in 2024.”

Said Senator DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham), “So many of the decisions we make as legislators have profound impacts on children and families and RICCF does vital advocacy work to inform these decisions. I am humbled to receive this award and look forward to continuing to work for families across Rhode Island in the upcoming legislative session.”

Senator DiMario sponsored two new laws this year to improve individualized educations plans (IEP) for children and their parents.

“It is a great honor to receive this award alongside my colleagues who work tirelessly for betterment of Rhode Island’s children,” said Representative Spears (D-Dist. 36, Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly), who also serves as the executive director of the Community Provider Network of Rhode Island. “RICCF does invaluable work to ensure that we are using our state and federal resources effectively to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

Said Tanja Tubas-Meyer, executive director of RICCF, “We are deeply grateful for the work of our legislative awardees and proud to honor them at our Policy and Awards Luncheon. Their accessibility, expertise and unwavering commitment to Rhode Island’s children, youth and families are truly valued by our member organizations and the communities they serve.”

Darlene Allen, CEO and executive director of Adoption Rhode Island, received the Guiding Light Award at the luncheon, and RICCF also presented the Heroes Among Us Award to two members of the Parent Support Network of Rhode Island: Associate Director Brenda Alejo and Policy Liaison and Spiritual Advisor Tyrone Jackson.

Founded in 2015, RICCF is an organization of nonprofit providers of social and health services dedicated to promoting the safety, health and success of children from infancy to adulthood. RICCF advocates for state and federal resources to address family and safety needs and promotes effective community-based social services.