Opinion: An Opportunity For Transformational Change

By Dominick J. Ruggerio

As the Rhode Island Senate convenes this month, I plan for us to embark upon a transformational session for our state. The federal relief funds distributed to Rhode Island offer a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to reinvest in our state and its people.

Universal Pre-K

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated existing learning gaps. Our children – our
most precious asset – risk falling even further behind because of the social and emotional
isolation they have confronted during the pandemic.

All children deserve access to quality pre-k, but at the current pace we are adding classrooms
Rhode Island won’t achieve universal access for another three decades. We must shorten that
timeline, which is why the Senate leadership is committed to implementing universal pre-k
within the next five years.

Quality pre-k bridges achievement gaps and improves children’s development. Research shows a
tremendous return on investment, including long-term savings in special education and social
programs.

No-Cost College for Teachers and Nurses

Rhode Island needs to invest in its care economy and workers. Dire shortages in nursing and
associated medical fields threaten health care delivery to our most vulnerable populations, and
the state’s teacher shortage looms large over our public discourse on education. World-class
health care and education are the foundation to building a stronger Rhode Island.
Strengthening the care economy begins with building accessible and inclusive pathways to
fulfilling careers in the medical and teaching professions. We must remove the financial barriers
of higher education to enable individuals to pursue these careers. In the coming weeks, the
Senate will unveil a proposal that promises student loan relief to individuals who graduate from
our public universities and work in qualifying “care economy” fields for a minimum of five
years.

Improving Water Infrastructure

Climate change has accelerated the need to protect and improve the delivery of Rhode Island’s most important resource – clean water. Federal infrastructure dollars present the opportunity to replace lead pipe infrastructure, repair structurally deficient dams, and prevent the loss of water
infrastructure from sea level rise. All Rhode Islanders deserve potable water and safe communities.

Climate Change and Climate Jobs

Our coastal state has already experienced the effects of climate change. Following passage of the
historic Act on Climate in 2021, the Senate will redouble its efforts to enact strong climate
legislation, beginning with establishing a pathway to 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Furthermore, several senators have developed a robust package of legislation that
comprehensively addresses the impacts of climate change head-on. Because there is no greater
threat to our children and grandchildren than climate change, it will include a proposal to
incentivize the development of clean, green schools. Our children deserve to learn in
environmentally sound, state-of-the-art facilities.

Much More

I am excited about a transformational session in 2022. Alongside these issues, the Senate will
also be focused on many others. Affordable child care remains a top priority, as does affordable
housing. We will be working to support small businesses, supporting the construction of a girls’
residential psychiatric treatment facility, and improving voting access.

While the pandemic continues to challenge us in many ways, I know that brighter days are
ahead. Let’s seize this opportunity to start building the future our children and grandchildren
deserve.

Dominick J. Ruggerio (D – Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) is President of the Rhode
Island Senate.