Regunberg, $80K Adviser to Elorza, Blasts Ruggerio Over Abortion Bill

Regunberg, $80K Adviser to Elorza, Blasts Ruggerio Over Abortion Bill

Aaron Regunberg, the former Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor and now an $80,000 a year special advisor to Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, sent out a blistering mass email on Wednesday night criticizing Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.

“The House passed [the Reproductive Health Care Act] back in March. But - shamefully - just last week the State Senate voted down the bill in committee,” wrote Regunberg.

“My grandma, Bunny Regunberg, served as executive director of her local Planned Parenthood in the years before Roe v. Wade. Her stories about fighting for reproductive healthcare always ended with the same vow: ‘We can't go back, and we won't go back." wrote Regunberg.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Greg Pare, spokesman for Senate President Ruggerio, had no comment on Regunberg’s email but said the Senate has been working to come up with a compromise bill after the Senate bill was defeated last week. A House version of the abortion rights bill is still pending in the Senate.

Regunberg Pushes Agenda

Regunberg’s email states, “At this moment, as states across the country move to outlaw abortion, Rhode Island has a chance to guarantee that here in our state, we won't go back. In the face of the national Republican campaign to abolish Roe v. Wade, thousands of inspiring activists across Rhode Island have been volunteering, rallying, and demanding the General Assembly enact legislation to codify a woman's right to choose in state law. Rhode Island has a chance to ensure we won't go back. Let's make sure our voices heard."

In January it was announced that Regunberg had been named a Senior Advisor on Policy to Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza.

"I'm very excited to begin working with the Elorza Administration to advance bold progressive initiatives around affordable housing and universal pre-K. I have spent years fighting for these priorities at the state level and I am looking forward to bringing that passion to city government. I believe deeply in the promise of Providence - that we can build a capital city that does right by all its residents and that is a shining star for our state. I am thankful to Mayor Elorza for his exciting vision and for providing this opportunity to continue the work that I love,” said Elorza.

As a senior advisor, he will work with community partners to support pre-k education initiatives while advancing work related to equitable and affordable housing opportunities in Providence.

“Aaron has proved a committed advocate for critical issues impacting folks throughout Providence and the entire State of Rhode Island. I look forward to working with Aaron as we develop progressive and inclusive policies that make Providence a city that works for and invests in every single resident,” said Elorza.

Regunberg will transition into his new role on Tuesday, January 15 and continue full-time with the Elorza Administration until he begins law school this fall.