|
 | | That's Sen. Gu on the far right-side |
The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and
Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA) held its first meeting of the 2025
legislative session yesterday. Two new members of the caucus were
welcomed and two new co-chairs were also elected.
The caucus was chaired by Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls,
Pawtucket) and Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket) during the
2023-2024 legislative sessions.
“It has been a distinct honor to chair the RIBLIA Caucus over the past two
years and both of us are extremely proud of what has been accomplished during
this time,” said Senator Acosta and Representative Felix.
“The caucus
has made some notable policy gains and I know that it will continue to be a
voice for the vulnerable and downtrodden during the current session. As
we see policy after policy coming from the federal government that chooses to
attack and scapegoat our most vulnerable populations, the RIBLIA Caucus will
always choose to defend and uplift the community against such attacks, and we
are ready to continue this mission during the new year.”
The caucus also welcomed two new members, Rep. Jenni A. Furtado (D-Dist. 64,
East Providence, Pawtucket) and Sen. Lammis J. Vargas (D-Dist. 28, Cranston,
Providence). Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 5, Providence) and Rep. David
Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence) were elected as the new co-chairs of the
caucus.
“Seeing the RIBLIA Caucus grow over the past several years is another proud
moment for us and we whole-heartedly welcome Representative Furtado and
Senator Vargas into the fold. We know they believe in RIBLIA’s work and we
are certain both will do great things for Rhode Islanders. We also
congratulate Senator Mack and Representative Morales for being elected
co-chairs of the caucus. We are certain the caucus is in good
hands with their election and that they will lead the caucus with dedication
and integrity, particularly in light of the challenges Rhode Island’s community
of color will face currently and into the future,” concluded Senator Acosta
and Representative Felix.
The RIBLIA Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of disadvantaged
people throughout the State of Rhode Island. It seeks to increase a diverse
participation and representation in all levels of government. The goal is to
close, and ultimately to eliminate, disparities that still exist between
white and non-white Americans in every aspect of life.
Photo - From the left: Rep. Jose F. Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence),
Rep. Jennifer A. Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket), Rep. Raymond A. Hull
(D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence), RIBLIA intern Natalya Cabral, Sen.
Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol), Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo
(D-Dist. 56, Central Falls), Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls,
Pawtucket), Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence), Sen. Lammis J. Vargas
(D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence), Sen. Robert Britto (D-Dist. 18, East
Providence, Pawtucket), Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central
Falls), Rep. Jenni A. Furtado (D-Dist. 64, East Providence, Pawtucket) and
Sen. Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Charlestown, Westerly, South Kingstown).
Seated: Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence) and Sen. Tiara T. Mack
(D-Dist. 6, Providence).
|
