The Scoop: Brown's Quinn to Head Watson Institute Communications, Fung on Sales Tax, and More

Brown's Quinn to Head Watson Institute Communications

Brown University has announced that Marisa Quinn, Vice President for Public Affairs and University Relations (PAUR), is the new Director of Communications and Outreach for the Watson Institute for International Studies.

Brown University President Christina Paxson said, "In her new role, Marisa will work to advance the profile and influence of the Institute locally, nationally and internationally. Working closely with colleagues at Watson and across the University, Marisa will develop and execute communication and public affairs plans to support Watson’s mission as a leader in research and teaching on contemporary global issues, and to strengthen opportunities to affect public policy development. Marisa is supremely qualified for this role given her career at Brown and her experience in the public sector at the state and federal levels prior to joining the University in 1999."

RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity Blasts Anti-ConCon Groups for Taking Funds from CT-Planned Parenthood

The Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity has called out Citizens for Responsible Government for taking funding from Connecticut based Planned Parenthood.

"You can't let them get away with this hypocrisy. It's clear now that out-of-state special interests are trying to stop a People's Convention," said the RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity in a press release.

RI AFL-CIO Endorses Taylor

Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Catherine Taylor has received the endorsement of the Rhode Island chapter of the AFL-CIO.

“I’m honored and humbled to be the first Republican endorsed by the RI AFL-CIO in almost thirty years,” said Taylor. “Every voter I’ve met over the last four months has expressed a deep frustration with our political discourse and the state of our economy. People are ready and eager to move away from dysfunction and discord. I’m grateful that the AFL-CIO and its members believe in my vision and ability to help turn Rhode Island around.”

Rhode Island International Brotherhood of Police Officers Endorses Kilmartin

The Rhode Island International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) has endorsed Peter Kilmartin for re-election as Attorney General.

“I am honored to receive the support of the brothers and sisters of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers,” said Kilmartin. “As a former Pawtucket Police Captain, and now Attorney General, I know firsthand the challenges and difficulties that law enforcement officers face on the beat and in the courtroom. Four years ago I promised Rhode Islanders that I would help supply stronger tools to provide justice, and today, we remain committed to fulfilling that promise.”

Fung Promises to Reduce Sales Tax

Fung announced his commitment to tax reform, including a reduction in the Rhode Island sales tax.

“In year one of my administration, we will reduce our state sales tax to 6.25%, bringing our rate into line with Massachusetts and slightly lower than Connecticut. Anyone who has taken a look at the license plates on cars parked at shopping centers in Seekonk and Attleboro can tell you that Rhode Islanders are venturing across the border to spend their dollars,” said Fung.

Rhode Island's Growing Middle Class

In a conference call discussion on Wednesday at 2:30 pm, Democratic candidate for Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and AFL-CIO President George Nee talked about the economy.  Here were the key takeaways.

"Rhode Island's economy needs a turnaround, one that creates new jobs with good wages and benefits," Raimondo said. "This won't be easy, but we can make it happen if everyone works together, from state leaders to our federal delegation to labor and local business leaders. I'm looking forward to talking with Senator Whitehouse, George Nee and folks across the state about how we can build Rhode Island's middle class."

"Never before has the disparity between rich and poor been greater in this country," Senator Whitehouse said. "Every day in the Senate, I try to find new ways to shrink that divide and rebuild the middle class -- and George and I look forward to having an ally like Gina in the statehouse to move Rhode Island forward."