Issues in Rhode Island

Local Control

The Problem:
The state is increasingly interfering in the zoning decisions of our towns and cities. Local planning and zoning boards understand the needs of their communities and should have the authority to make those decisions.

The Solution:

• Keep zoning decisions local
• Respect the authority of local planning and zoning committees
• Allow communities to determine appropriate housing and commercial development
• Protect the character of Narragansett and South Kingstown
• Oppose state mandates that take decision-making away from our towns

The Problem:
Our water infrastructure has been neglected for more than 20 years. Year after year, our communities face water bans and shortages that directly affect residents and businesses.

The Solution:

• Invest in our aging water infrastructure
• Address recurring water shortages
• Bring state funding to Narragansett and South Kingstown
• Plan for the infrastructure needs of future residents
• Make reliable water service a priority

Healthcare
The Problem: Doctors are leaving Rhode Island because of low reimbursements. Families can’t afford to use their insurance due to high deductibles, and providers are overwhelmed with paperwork and mandates.

The Solution:

• Expand telehealth access statewide
• Increase reimbursement rates for doctors
• Cut red tape and administrative burdens
• Ease hospital merger rules to increase competition
• Allow cross-state insurance sales to lower premiums
• Encourage new healthcare systems and providers to enter the state

Our sewer infrastructure is in serious need of investment. The sewer system at Scarborough Beach needs major repairs and cannot safely accommodate additional residents in its current condition.

The Solution:

• Repair and upgrade the Scarborough Beach sewer system
• Invest in long-overdue sewer infrastructure
• Address pollution and capacity problems
• Secure state funding for critical local projects
• Make water and sewer improvements a top priority
• Keep our representatives focused on the needs of Narragansett and South Kingstown

Foster Care Communication System
The Problem: Foster parents often receive little to no information about the children placed in their homes. This makes school decisions, healthcare, and daily routines confusing and stressful for both the family and the child.

The Solution: Create a Foster Care Information Binder System that gives every foster parent essential details about the child — education, healthcare, routines, and adjustment needs.

• Foster parents get real-time updates and approvals from DCYF
• Foster parents in good standing are automatically renewed, reducing unnecessary paperwork
• Foster families are included in school decisions, including whether the child stays with siblings

This strengthens communication, reduces red tape, and helps kids feel like part of the family from day one.