Ruggerio and McCaffrey Retain Leadership in Senate — Pearson to Chair Finance, Coyne Judiciary

Ruggerio and McCaffrey Retain Leadership in Senate — Pearson to Chair Finance, Coyne Judiciary

The Rhode Island Senate Democrats caucused at the Providence Marriott Friday night and reelected Senator Michael J. McCaffrey to another term as Senate Majority Leader. They also endorsed Senator Dominick J. Ruggerio as the Caucus nominee for President of the Senate.

The vote for President of the Senate will be taken by all members of the chamber on the first day of the 2021-2022 session.

Senators Gayle Goldin and Jeanine Calkin had previously stepped forward to run for the chamber's top positions. 

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Two New Chairs

The caucus also selected two new powerful committee chairs.

Ryan Pearson (District 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) replaces Bill Conley as chair of the Senate Finance Committee who lost in the Democratic Party primary and his loss is linked to his legal work for the developer trying to develop Metacomet Country Club.

And, Erin Lynch Prata did not seek reelection as she sought to be appointed to the RI state Supreme Court. She had the support of Governor Gina Raimondo and Dominick Ruggerio. A significant coalition have urged Raimondo to name a minority to the highest court. Lynch Prada is one of five finalists selected by the Judicial Nominating Committee that have been forward to Raimondo for selection.

Cynthia Coyne (District 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) replaces Lynch Prata.

Senators Ruggerio and McCaffrey at the caucus outlined new priorities a living wage, a more equitable tax structure, adult cannabis use, and the Economic and Climate Resilient Act.

“Our constituents have not only tasked us with navigating our state through a pandemic, they have elected us to fundamentally rebuild it,” said McCaffrey. “This pandemic has severely impacted public health, the economy, housing and education. It has also exposed deep divides that exist in our state, and we have been entrusted by our neighbors to provide strong leadership that will close those divides.”

Ruggerio said he would push for a $15 an hour living wage and secure budget relief for distressed communities. “The Senate has consistently passed legislation to steadily increase the minimum wage,” said Ruggerio. “Now, we must insist on enactment of a clear pathway to $15. We also demand that distressed cities and towns receive the funding they depend upon to provide a continuum of services to residents in our communities, without delay.”

Senator Maryellen Goodwin, Majority Whip
Senator Ana B. Quezada, Deputy Majority Whip

Senator Cynthia A. Coyne, Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee
Senator Ryan W. Pearson, Chairperson of the Finance Committee
Senator V. Susan Sosnowski, Chairperson of the Commerce Committee
Senator Dawn Euer, Chairperson of the Environment & Agriculture Committee
Senator Sandra Cano, Chairperson of the Education Committee
Senator Joshua Miller, Chairperson of the Health & Human Services Committee
Senator Frank Lombardo, III, Chairperson of the Housing & Municipal Government Committee
Senator Frank A. Ciccone, III, Chairperson of the Labor Committee
Senator Walter S. Felag, Jr., Chairperson of the Special Legislation & Veterans Affairs Committee
Senator Louis P. DiPalma, Chairperson of the Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight Committee

Both leaders called for unity and collaboration as the Senate works together to make progress on behalf of Rhode Islanders.

Ruggerio has served as Senate President, and McCaffrey as Majority Leader, since March 2017.