Top RI State Leaders Speak Out on Trump’s Policy on Brown Doctor, Withholding Federal Funds

Top RI State Leaders Speak Out on Trump’s Policy on Brown Doctor, Withholding Federal Funds

GoLocal reached out to the three top leaders in the state — Governor Dan McKee, Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio — about the pressing issues tied to the Trump administration impacting Rhode Island.

The Democratic elected officials were asked about three pending matters: the deportation of Dr. Rasha Alawieh of Brown Health; the freezing of a $1 million grant to the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC), the small Providence-based non-profit which has filed a federal lawsuit; and the status of the federal highway funds for the Washington Bridge.

 

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Issue 1.  A doctor affiliated with Brown Health was deported despite a court order blocking the deportation.

 

McKee's Answer: "This is a concerning matter, and we are closely monitoring the situation as it moves through the courts."

 

Shekarchi's Answer: “This is a matter that is currently being heard in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts and all the facts are still emerging.  I have full faith and confidence in the judicial system.”

 

Ruggerio's Answer: “We do not yet know the facts regarding the deportation of Dr. Rasha Alawieh, and I will be watching as more details emerge. Speaking generally, it is concerning that court orders may have been violated during deportations. The vital checks and balances among the branches of government are the bedrock of our nation and must be respected.”

 

Issue 2.  The withholding of a grant to a small Rhode Island non-profit - READ HERE

 

McKee's Answer: See question #3

 

Shekarchi's Answer: “Money appropriated by Congress is badly needed in Rhode Island, and the federal government should not be withholding these funds.  I support efforts to ensure that non-profit organizations get the funding entitled to them.”

 

Ruggerio's Answer: See question #3

 

Issue 3. The continued withholding of hundreds of millions in federal highway funds.

 

McKee's Answer: “The McKee Administration is actively working with contacts in the federal government to secure access to funds – made up of our taxpayer dollars -- that had already been appropriated for Rhode Island and Rhode Island organizations.”

 

Shekarchi's Answer: “While the state actually may have enough money to fund the Washington Bridge construction without the full amount of federal funding we are anticipating, it would come at the expense of many other bridge repair and maintenance projects in the state.  We already have the fifth worst road conditions in the nation, according to a recent report by Consumer Affairs.  We need to continue to impress upon the federal government how significantly important the bridge funding is to the State of Rhode Island.”

 

Ruggerio's Answer: “Similarly, we hope and expect that funding lawfully appropriated by Congress will be awarded as required, including much-needed funding to repair the Washington Bridge and funding to support vital non-profit work. I have great confidence in our federal delegation and will continue to work collaboratively with them towards the release of these appropriated funds.”