RI Black And Latino Caucus To Unveil Legislative Goals For 2021

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus will unveil its 2021 legislative priority list Friday afternoon at a news conference on the State House steps.

“Rhode Island’s community of color has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, harder than most, and the caucus has much work ahead ourselves to help and support those struggling right now,” Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket), who chairs the caucus.

She said the legislative package “will address the struggles and hardships that too many of our residents of color continually face and as we emerge from this global pandemic” and that the bills “will support and lift up our community of color so that they have every chance and opportunity to succeed and live their lives with fairness and equality in our society’s new normal.”

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The caucus includes Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown); Rep. Jose F. Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence); Rep. Jean Philippe Barros (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket); Rep. Nathan W. Biah (D-Dist. 3, Providence); Rep. Liana Cassar (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence); Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence); Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket); Rep. Joshua Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls); Rep. Brianna E. Henries (D-Dist. 64, East Providence); Rep. Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence); Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence); Rep. Ramon A. Perez (D-Dist. 13, Providence, Johnston); Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence); Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell (D-Dist. 5, Providence); Rep. Carlos E. Tobon (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket); Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket); Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket); Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence); Sen. Cynthia Mendes (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket); and Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence).

The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of disadvantaged people throughout the state. It seeks to increase a diverse participation and representation in all levels of government. Its stated goal is “to close, and ultimately to eliminate, disparities that still exist between white and non-white Americans in every aspect of life.”