Top 25 RI Legislators Who Got The Most Grants

Top 25 RI Legislators Who Got The Most Grants

State lawmakers obtained hundreds of grants worth nearly $2 million to local organizations scattered throughout the state last year. Lawmakers say the grants go to local charities and nonprofits, like soup kitchens and Little League associations. But critics say the grants buy votes and influence.

The grants are nonpartisan. They are awarded by House Speaker Gordon Fox and Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed. Organizations have to apply for the grants and individual state reps and senators have to request the money on their behalf. House and Senate leaders racked up the most, followed by their top lieutenants and committee chairs in both chambers. Below are the top 25 lawmakers who obtained the most grants.

To read more about the debate over the grants, click here.