Press Releases

Sullivan, Miller propose legislative oversight committee for stimulus funds

STATE HOUSE - With the first check for federal stimulus money expected to arrive in Rhode Island today, two West Bay representatives want to ensure that it and future stimulus payments are spent responsibly and that Rhode Island receives as great a share of the available stimulus money as possible.

Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. and Sen. Joshua Miller are proposing a special legislative committee to oversee the appropriation of the federal stimulus money in Rhode Island.

The 15-member committee, which would include five representatives and five senators, as well as the four members of the state's congressional delegation or their designees and the director of the Department of Administration, would be charged with devising the systems by which the stimulus funding should be acquired and appropriated, and then providing oversight.

This is an unprecedented influx of funding, and we don't currently have any kind of structure in place to ensure that it is administered in a way that is appropriate, fair, efficient and transparent. There should be public hearings and input into the way this money is spent, and there also must be careful oversight to ensure that it is used as it is intended, said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich.

Under the bills, which Representative Sullivan submitted today and Senator Miller will submit in the next few days, the committee's duties would include establishing a mechanism for distributing stimulus money as it arrives in Rhode Island and a mechanism for prioritizing prospective uses for the money, and monitoring the appropriateness and effectiveness of the spending. It would also be expected to identify strategies to ensure that Rhode Island receives as much money as possible from the available stimulus funding.

There are going to be a lot of important decisions being made about how this money is spent. This is too important to do in any way but the most public way, with the most eyes possible overseeing the spending, said Senator Miller, a Democrat who represents District 28 in Cranston and Warwick and who serves as chairman of the Senate Corporations Committee.

The committee would exist until July 1, 2011, by which time it is expected that all the stimulus funding will have been spent. It would be required to issue an annual report to the General Assembly.

Rhode Island is expected to receive more than $1 billion in federal stimulus money over the next two years under the stimulus bill that was signed into law last week. The first installment of $93.7 million is scheduled to arrive today.
Press Releases 2008

April 24, 2008
House passes bill requiring businesses to protect personal information when tossing records

STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives has approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr., in conjunction with Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, to require all companies in Rhode Island to properly destroy personal information in records before disposing of them.
“Identity theft is a widely recognized as a problem that can plague victims for years, costing them money and causing serious aggravation and legal problems. Companies’ responsibility for the confidentiality of their customers’ personal information shouldn’t end when they remove that information from their file cabinet. If they aren’t just as vigilant in protecting that information when they dispose of records, they are putting their customers at serious risk for identity theft,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich.
The legislation requires businesses to either shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them, or to otherwise destroy them or make the personal information indecipherable. The legislation would apply to every kind of record, whether paper, electronic media or in any other form.
If a business is found to have violated the act, any person whose records were improperly disposed of by the company would be allowed to sue for damages.
The bill also allows the Attorney General to file a suit on behalf of the state and recover as much as $500 per violation, up to $50,000, from the company.
“This bill will become an effective tool for our Consumer Protection Unit investigators to use to hold businesses accountable for the safe destruction of the personal information of consumers,” said Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch. “I commend Representative Sullivan's leadership on this issue.”
Representative Sullivan and Attorney General Lynch collaborated on the legislation after an incident in Representative Sullivan’s district in Coventry this fall when the Freedom National Title and Escrow company went out of business. The company tossed its files – which contained a myriad of personal information on many of the company’s customers – in a Dumpster on its property. A neighbor found the files, rescued as many as he could find, and called the Attorney General to find out what to do with them.
“Most businesses know better than to simply throw away customers’ personal information without destroying it first. With this legislation, we’ll be able to make sure that they all do,” said Representative Sullivan.

March 27, 2008
Sullivan challenges Gorham’s assessment of energy bill

“Let’s deal in facts not rhetoric.”
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr., (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) responded to Rep. Nicholas Gorham’s charges today regarding the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Sources Act (2008-H 7616) of which Sullivan is lead sponsor. Representative Gorham (R-Dist. 40, Coventry, Foster, Glocester) today accused Representative Sullivan of putting forth legislation to benefit one project developer currently proposing a solar farm in the town of Coventry.
“It is simply and unequivocally false,” responded Representative Sullivan.
“There is a reason we are not seeing the development of renewable projects in Rhode Island. We do not have laws on our books that encourage private investment. If the investors come to Rhode Island’s borders the jobs will come to Rhode Island’s borders. It is a time to embrace realistic renewable energy development in the state of Rhode Island, not regurgitate talking points on behalf of National Grid.
“We need laws that will bring certainty to the marketplace, if we don’t have certainty we will have the status quo, and National Grid would be more than happy with the status quo,” said Representative Sullivan.
Representative Sullivan said Representative Gorham’s argument regarding the affects to ratepayers is exaggerated and baseless. “He’s attacking a bill he obviously has not researched,” he said.
“The legislation I have submitted encourages investment and job creation, it also allows the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to regulate rates every two years so that developers will not be able to achieve excessive profits, thereby mitigating the affect to the ratepayer.
“There is no taxpayer subsidy or state tax breaks for this type of legislation. The taxpayers are not on the hook for these types of projects. My legislation is modeled after feed-in tariff laws that have been implemented throughout Europe creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and lessened their dependence on fossil fuels.
“I find it amusing that all of a sudden National Grid is interested in their ratepayers. I can’t remember a year that has gone by where they haven’t asked for a rate increase. The reality is that the price of energy generation through renewables is coming down while the cost of energy from fossil fuels continues to increase.
“Currently, states have legislation pending to create exactly what I am attempting to do in Rhode Island and there are many states that are far ahead of Rhode Island when it comes to encouraging investment in renewables,” said Representative Sullivan.

March 25, 2008
Legislators, officials announce Coventry renewable energy project
Development hinges on passage of new energy policies

STATE HOUSE – Legislators, Coventry town officials and the project’s developers gathered at the State House today to announce an effort to build the largest solar energy farm east of the Mississippi River on town-owned land in Coventry.
Allco Renewable Energy of New York today signed letter of intent to build an eight-megawatt solar panel farm on the 100-acre site of the former Picillo pig farm on Perry Hill Road in Coventry. The company has been in talks with town officials for several months. Allco will have a 50-year lease on the land, paying the town $200,000 annually, or 4 percent of gross receipts, whichever is greater.
The proposed farm would cost about $45 million and generate enough power to supply a small town.
The plan will involve erecting hundreds of 3-foot-by-5-foot solar panels that would rotate from east to west to maximize their sun exposure throughout the day. Ninety percent of the site would be used for the panels. The development of an eight-megawatt solar farm in Rhode Island would save 12.1 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is the equivalent of the emissions created by 14.5 million miles of automobile driving.
Allco will also explore the possibility of erecting wind turbines if the site is suitable and the community supports the idea.
The environmentally friendly proposal will be a turnaround for the property, which includes an 8-acre parcel that was declared a Superfund site after a 1977 discovery that more than 10,000 drums of hazardous waste as well as additional liquid chemicals had been improperly dumped there. The drums were removed and the trenches where the dumping occurred have since been excavated.
“This is a very exciting opportunity to produce non-polluting renewable energy right here in Rhode Island. I can’t think of a better fate for a property that was once an environmental disaster than to become a farm that produces clean energy and reduces our dependence on pollution-causing fossil fuels,” said Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich).
Said Coventry Town Council President Justin Pomfret, “This is a terrific opportunity for Coventry. We’ll be getting $200,000 in annual lease income and an investment of $45 million in clean industry on a site that once was blighted, and we’ll be contributing to the creation of renewable energy.”
The privately owned Allco is not seeking any tax breaks or public subsidies. The development of the project is contingent upon the passage of new legislation (2008-H 7616 and 2008-S 2607) submitted by Representative Sullivan and Sen. Joshua Miller to guarantee that the project will be allowed to feed the energy it produces into the electric grid and receive compensation for it. Commonly referred to as a “feed-in tariff” law, the legislation would require National Grid to purchase electricity generated from eligible renewable-energy producers at rates set by the Public Utilities Commission.
“Feed-in tariffs are generally considered the most effective way to encourage the development of projects that create renewable energy,” said Senator Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Warwick). “This legislation would do more than help this project – it would pave the way for others who are interested in building renewable energy generation projects, and could help Rhode Island significantly reduce its impact on the environment.”
The call for cleaner energy sources has been increasing in recent years as more people have become aware of the impact of fossil fuel energy generation on the environment.
“There’s definitely been a growing concern about the need to lessen our carbon footprint on the earth, and I think Rhode Islanders will welcome projects that generate green, quiet, clean energy right here in our own state, especially as fossil fuel prices continue to rise. We need to encourage these projects,” said Rep. J. Patrick O’Neill (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket), one of the bill’s cosponsors.
Encouraging the development of a renewable energy industry in Rhode Island could also lead to more jobs and prosperity for the state.
“Producing our own energy does more than reduce our environmental impact. It helps keep money and jobs in Rhode Island. If we can encourage enough of these projects, we’ll see the employment of Rhode Islanders in construction, manufacturing and development of environmentally conscious products and services,” said cosponsor Rep. Thomas J. Winfield (D-Dist. 53, Smithfield, Glocester).
Rep. David A. Segal (D-Dist. 2, Providence, East Providence) and Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston) are also cosponsors of the House bill. Senate cosponsors include Sen. Paul E. Moura (D-Dist. 18, East Providence), Sen. Charles J. Levesque (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol), Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) and Sen. David E. Bates (R-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol).

March 24, 2008
News conference scheduled to announce large-scale renewable energy project in Rhode Island
Agreement to be signed between Coventry officials and developer tomorrow

STATE HOUSE – A coalition of elected officials and representatives from Allco Renewable Energy will gather in the House Lounge tomorrow at 3 p.m. to announce the development of a large-scale renewable energy project to be located in Coventry.
Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) and Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Warwick) will also discuss the benefits of legislation (2008-H 7616 and 2008-S 2607) they have sponsored to support the development of renewable energy projects through feed-in tariffs. (The House bill is scheduled for a hearing before the House Corporations Committee tomorrow at the rise of the House session – around 4:45 p.m. – in Room 203 on the second floor of the State House.)
Representatives from Allco Renewable Energy have been in discussions with Coventry officials for the past several months centered on developing the largest solar farm east of the Mississippi on town land.
Who: Representative Sullivan, Senator Miller and other cosponsors and supporters, along with Coventry Acting Town Manager Paul Sprague and other Coventry officials and representatives from Allco Renewable Energy Group.
What: The announcement of a large-scale, land-based renewable energy project in Rhode Island and the announcement of legislation designed to support renewable projects in Rhode Island through feed-in tariffs.
Where: The Rhode Island State House, House Lounge.
When: Tuesday, March 25, at 3 p.m.

Jan. 22, 2008
Bill requires businesses to protect personal information when tossing records

STATE HOUSE – Identity thieves know that another person’s trash can be their treasure.
For that reason, Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr., in conjunction with Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, is sponsoring legislation that would require all companies in Rhode Island to properly destroy personal information in records before disposing of them.
“In this day and age when identity theft is a well-known problem, it’s just common sense that any business that’s tossing out documents should shred them first. If they don’t, they could be handing identity thieves all the information they need to wreak serious financial havoc upon their customers,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich. “This legislation is aimed at making sure all companies are being careful and disposing of records in a way that doesn’t put their customers’ personal information at risk.”
The legislation, which Representative Sullivan submitted Wednesday, requires businesses to either shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them, or to otherwise destroy them or make the personal information indecipherable. The legislation would apply to every kind of record, whether paper, electronic media or in any other form.
If a business is found to have violated the act, any person whose records were improperly disposed of by the company would be allowed to sue for damages.
The bill also allows the Attorney General to file a suit on behalf of the state and recover as much as $500 per violation, up to $50,000, from the company.
“A failure to dispose of any records properly — whether business or personal — extends an open invitation to identity thieves,” Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch said. “But when businesses fail to take proper precautions, such as shredding documents, they put their clients at risk of becoming innocent victims. Identity theft doesn’t just take place in cyberspace. There are Dumpster-divers around the globe, and right here in Rhode Island, seeking their next victims. This bill will become an effective tool for the Attorney General's office to use to hold businesses accountable for the safe destruction of the personal information of consumers.”
Representative Sullivan and Attorney General Lynch collaborated on the legislation after an incident in Representative Sullivan’s district in Coventry this fall when the Freedom National Title and Escrow company went out of business. The company tossed its files – which contained a myriad of personal information on many of the company’s customers – in a Dumpster on its property. A neighbor found the files, rescued as many as he could find, and called the Attorney General to find out what to do with them.
“A Dumpster full of personal information is a bonanza for an identity thief, and I’m sure they’re smart enough to look in the trash of companies that are likely to keep that kind of information. Businesses should make a serious effort to protect the personal information that they ask their customers to give them. This legislation is meant to ensure that they do,” said Representative Sullivan.
Press Releases 2007

Nov. 7, 2007 MRW
Sullivan looking for federal assistance for laid-off
Clariant employees

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. is seeking federal assistance for the 120 workers who will lose their jobs as a result of Clariant Corp.’s decision to end production of specialty chemicals at its Coventry plant.
After the announcement today, Representative Sullivan (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) contacted U.S. Sen. Jack Reed’s office in an effort to obtain help for the affected employees through Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. The TAA program provides assistance with costs relating to the job searches, health insurance and relocation and provides retraining for workers whose jobs are lost because their company has outsourced them to another country. Clariant will be moving production of its products to Mexico and Germany.
The company, which produces specialty chemicals, will continue to operate its North American headquarters for its pigments and additives division in Coventry, but 120 of its 200 employees in the Coventry plant will be laid off when the company completes the production outsourcing, planned at the end of next year.
“This is obviously devastating news for these workers and their families,” said Representative Sullivan, who said many Clariant employees live in his district. “What I’m hoping is that we can get the federal assistance programs here to help them find new employment and help them keep their health insurance in the meantime. I’d like to make sure every possible program is made available to them to minimize the disruption to their lives and their families’ lives and to help them find other employment.”
The fact that the jobs are being moved out of the country rather than eliminated entirely might be helpful in getting aid for the workers, since the TAA program is meant to assist those whose jobs are lost to foreign production shifts, said Representative Sullivan.
One potential problem: The U.S. House of Representatives voted last week to reauthorize the TAA program, but the reauthorization bill faces a potential veto by the president.
“I sincerely hope that this program remains intact, because outsourcing is having a devastating effect on American workers. We need programs that help keep them working and supporting their families,” said Representative Sullivan.

July 20, 2007
Smarter Development for a Cleaner Bay Act becomes law
STATE HOUSE – The protection of water quality will have to be a priority during development under a new law that was sponsored by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. and Sen. Paul E. Moura.
The Smarter Development for a Cleaner Bay Act (2007-H 6143Baa and 2007-S 0808Aaa) would require developers to make every effort to design their sites in ways that maintain the land’s recharge rate – the rate at which water seeps from the surface to the groundwater. The slow but steady recharge of most undeveloped soil filters pollutants from stormwater before it enters lakes, streams and the ocean. But water generally cannot permeate pavement, so such surfaces affect the recharge rates, especially when heavy rains run off the pavement and flood surrounding areas.
“Water is one of our most precious natural resources, and the Ocean State, of all places, should be doing everything it can to make sure that development is done in such a way that it doesn’t put our water at a higher risk for pollution,” said Senator Moura, a Democrat who represents District 18 in East Providence.
The legislation, which passed the Assembly on June 22 and was signed into law June 27, requires building projects that are already subject to stormwater review to incorporate modern non-structural, low-impact stormwater control techniques into their designs to the greatest extent possible. It also requires that those stormwater control techniques are designed to keep the site’s recharge rate the same, or near to it as is practicable, as it was before the development occurred.
There are many non-structural, low-impact techniques for maintaining recharge, including minimizing paved surfaces, protecting vegetation and natural drainage features and minimizing soil disturbance, grading and compaction during construction.
In many cases, non-structural controls have lower long-term costs because they are easier to maintain than structural stormwater controls like drains.
“This new law calls on developers to do their best to have the least impact possible on the water other natural resources as they build. In most cases, it doesn’t take much work or cost a lot. It’s a matter of choosing the options that do the least harm to our environment, which is something that can be appreciated by anyone who wants Rhode Island to have clean water now and in the future,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich.
Under the new law, the Department of Environmental Management and the Coastal Resources Management Council will have to update Rhode Island’s Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual by July 1, 2008, with the new requirements. That manual contains the regulations that must be followed by all developers whose projects are subject to stormwater management review. The updates required by the legislation are consistent with an extensive review of the manual now being undertaken by DEM, and with regulations in other states.
The bill was backed by Environment Rhode Island, a statewide citizen environmental advocacy organization.
The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Peter T. Ginaitt (D-Dist. 21, Warwick), Rep. David A. Segal (D-Dist. 2, Providence, East Providence), Rep. Victor G. Moffitt (R-Dist. 28, Coventry) and Rep. John A. Savage (R-Dist. 65, East Providence) in the House and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham, Sen. Daniel Da Ponte (D-Dist. 14, East Providence, Pawtucket), Sen. Daniel P. Connors (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) and Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Warwick) in the Senate.

June 19, 2007
Budget bill includes Sullivan initiative to end corporate tax shelter
Multi-state corporations will no longer be able to shirk income taxes

STATE HOUSE – Legislation originally introduced by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. to close a tax loophole that allows large corporations to avoid paying taxes in Rhode Island was included in the state budget bill passed by the House on Friday.
The change is aimed at eliminating a corporate loophole the state affords to real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies set up to buy and manage properties.
REITs are often used by large companies, including Wal-Mart, to reduce their tax obligations. Corporations set up a REIT as a subsidiary of their company, and the REIT buys property and leases it to the corporation. The corporation is then able to write off the rent as a business expense. Meanwhile, state law allows the REIT to pay a tiny fraction of the regular corporate income rate on its income from the rent. While other companies pay a 9-percent corporate income tax in Rhode Island, REITs pay just 10 cents on every $100 of profit, or .1 percent.
The language included in the budget bill eliminates the special low income tax rate for REITS, so they would be required to pay Rhode Island’s full corporate income tax like all other corporations.
“It doesn’t make any sense for us to leave this loophole in our laws. When we have a budget deficit of more than $450 million, we can’t afford to allow huge corporations like Wal-Mart to continue using accounting tricks to get out of paying taxes,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich. “We need them to pay their fair share in Rhode Island, just as smaller businesses and residents do. When they don’t, it’s the mom-and-pop businesses and the homeowners who are left to shoulder the load of paying for government services.”
Representative Sullivan said he appreciates that many of the corporations large enough to take advantage of this law are also large employers, but said there’s nothing linking the tax break to employment, so there’s no guarantee that the state is getting anything in return for the break. There’s also no guarantee about the quality or pay rate of any job that company provides.
“If we want to give large employers a tax break that would be different because that kind of tax break would be created in such a way that it would be linked to a guaranteed number and quality of jobs, so we could make sure the state is getting its money’s worth. But REIT tax breaks don’t have anything to do with job development, so the state is just giving these big businesses a break without getting anything in return,” said Representative Sullivan.
Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch supported the change.
“Real Estate Investment Trusts are illegal in many states but in Rhode Island wealthy corporations can still use them to pay lower taxes than the average working couple,” Lynch said when Representative Sullivan initially filed the bill. “That is wrong. We need to be sure that our tax burdens are not magnified by these loopholes that are in no way tied in to any financial benefit for the State of Rhode Island.”
The governor has indicated he will veto the budget bill when it reaches his desk, but the General Assembly is expected to override his veto.

June 7, 2007
House passes Smarter Development for a Cleaner Bay Act

STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. aimed at protecting water quality whenever new development occurs.
The Smarter Development for a Cleaner Bay Act (2007-H 6143 A) would require developers make every effort to design their sites in ways that maintain the land’s recharge rate – the rate at which water seeps from the surface to the groundwater. The slow but steady recharge of most undeveloped soil filters pollutants from stormwater before it enters lakes, streams and the ocean. But water generally cannot permeate pavement, so such surfaces affect the recharge rates, especially when heavy rains run off the pavement and flood surrounding areas.
“Protecting our water has to be one of the highest priorities when land is developed,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich. “There are lots of ways that the impact of development can be reduced, and this legislation is aimed at making sure that developers take advantage of all the available means to lessen their project’s impact and prevent it from becoming a source of water pollution.”
The legislation requires building projects that are already subject to stormwater review to incorporate modern non-structural, low-impact stormwater control techniques into their designs to the greatest extent possible, and that they are designed to keep the recharge rate the same, or near to it as is practicable, as it was before the development occurred.
There are many non-structural, low-impact techniques for maintaining recharge, including minimizing paved surfaces, protecting vegetation and natural drainage features and minimizing soil disturbance, grading and compaction during construction.
In many cases, non-structural controls have lower long-term costs because they are easier to maintain than structural stormwater controls like drains.
“We need to take advantage of every available opportunity to prevent pollution and to protect our limited natural resources. It’s not too much to ask of developers to expect them to do their best to see that their proposals have the least impact possible on one of our most precious resources, our water,” said Representative Sullivan.
The legislation would require that the Department of Environmental Management and the Coastal Resources Management Council update Rhode Island’s Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual by July 1, 2008, with the new requirements. That manual contains the regulations that must be followed by all developers whose projects are subject to stormwater management review. The updates required by the legislation are consistent with an extensive review of the manual now being undertaken by DEM, and with regulations in other states.
The bill is backed by Environment Rhode Island, a statewide citizen environmental advocacy organization.
The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Peter T. Ginaitt (D-Dist. 21, Warwick), Rep. David A. Segal (D-Dist. 2, Providence, East Providence), Rep. Victor G. Moffitt (R-Dist. 28, Coventry) and Rep. John A. Savage (R-Dist. 65, East Providence). It will now be forwarded to the Senate, where Sen. Paul E. Moura (D-Dist. 18, East Providence) has sponsored similar legislation (2007-S 0808).

May 22, 2007
Sullivan bill would end corporate tax shelter
Legislator says law lets big companies avoid paying their share

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. has introduced legislation aimed at stopping large corporations from using a tax shelter to avoid paying taxes in Rhode Island.
The bill is aimed at eliminating a tax break the state affords to real estate investment trusts (REITs), companies set up to buy and manage properties.
REITs are often used by large companies, including Wal-Mart, to reduce their tax obligations. Those corporations set up a REIT as a subsidiary of their corporation, and the REIT buys property and leases it to the corporation. The corporation is then able to write off the rent as a business expense. Meanwhile, state law allows the REIT to pay a tiny fraction of the regular corporate income rate on its income from the rent. While other companies pay a 9-percent corporate income tax in Rhode Island, REITs pay just 10 cents on every $100 of profit, or .1 percent.
Representative Sullivan’s bill (2007-H 6333) would eliminate the special low income tax rate for REITS, so they would be required to pay Rhode Island’s full corporate income tax like all other corporations.
“Why should huge corporations like Wal-Mart get away without paying their fair share in taxes while the rest of Rhode Island, both residents and smaller businesses, are paying theirs?” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich. “This tax shelter helps the rich get richer, leaving everyone else to carry the burden of paying for government services. At a time when the state is facing a huge budget deficit, we can’t afford to continue giving them this free ride.”
Representative Sullivan said he appreciates that many of the corporations large enough to take advantage of this law are also large employers, but said there’s nothing linking the tax break to employment, so there’s no guarantee that the state is getting anything in return for the break. There’s also no guarantee about the quality or pay rate of any job that company provides.
“While the presence of big corporations in Rhode Island can mean jobs, there’s no promise of that in this tax break. We have no way to make sure that the state is making up the difference in the tax revenue we’re forfeiting through this law. This law has nothing whatsoever to link it to jobs that the company must provide, so it’s just a way for big companies to avoid taxes at other taxpayers’ expense,” said Representative Sullivan. “Homeowners and business owners in our state are struggling to pay their taxes, and the state is facing a deficit of upwards of $400 million. We can’t afford to let Big Business get away with this tax shell game.”
Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch is supporting the legislation.
“Real Estate Investment Trusts are illegal in many states but in Rhode Island wealthy corporations can still use them to pay lower taxes than the average working couple,” Lynch said. “That is wrong. We need to be sure that our tax burdens are not magnified by these loopholes that are in no way tied in to any financial benefit for the State of Rhode Island.”
The bill is co-sponsored by House Finance Committee Chairman Steven M. Costantino (D-Dist. 8, Providence), Rep. J. Patrick O’Neill (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket), Rep. Raymond C. Church (D-Dist. 48, North Smithfield, Burrillville) and Rep. Timothy A. Williamson (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick). Companion legislation (2007-S 0974) has been filed in the Senate by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Stephen D. Alves (D-Dist. 9, West Warwick).

April 26, 2007
House passes Sullivan bill to extend pilot program to use unneeded prescription drugs at nursing homes

STATE HOUSE – The House voted Wednesday to approve legislation sponsored by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. to extend a pilot program to allow for the redistribution of unused medications at nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Rhode Island.
The bill (2007-H 5850 A) provides a two-year extension on a program that was set up as a result of legislation that Representative Sullivan (D-Dist. 29) sponsored in 2005 to make use of prescription drugs that otherwise go to waste.
The bill also creates a legislative oversight commission to monitor the implementation of the program, and adds a requirement that the Department of Health notify every nursing home and assisted living facility in the state about the program, and post a sign in each to notify patients and residents about the program.
The Utilization of Unused Prescription Drugs Act created a voluntary pilot program allowing nursing homes, assisted-living centers, community health organizations and prescription drug manufacturers to transfer unused, sealed medications to seniors who are eligible to receive Medicaid or Medicare, or otherwise are uninsured.
Before the passage of that act in 2005, when a patient at a nursing home or assisted-living center in Rhode Island passed away or stopped using a particular drug for any reason, his or her unused prescription medications by law had to be discarded. The pilot program was to end this year, but this bill extends it to Jan. 1, 2009.
The pilot program allows the medications to be donated to participating pharmacies where they would be distributed to uninsured senior citizens. All prescriptions must be checked for safety prior to distribution.
Representative Sullivan said he would like to see more awareness about the program’s availability and better participation by nursing homes and other health care facilities.
“This is a common-sense idea that would stop waste while assisting elderly people who struggle with their prescription costs. I think it would be very popular with anyone struggling to afford their medications, but it requires the cooperation and participation of nursing homes and facilities to work,” said Representative Sullivan, whose district is in Coventry and West Greenwich. “I think more needs to be done to tell the facilities and their residents that this program exists and to encourage them to participate.”
He said he expects the legislative oversight commission to monitor whether the program is being marketed aggressively enough to the facilities, and whether any improvements should be made.
The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

March 29, 2007
Kent County Water Authority study commission issues final report
Commission recommends regional planning for supply and development, as well as pursuit or more water sources
STATE HOUSE – The special legislative commission that has been studying issues related to the Kent County Water Authority issued its final report today, making several recommendations that could help the authority manage its supply needs.
The report concluded that while there are “significant challenges to be addressed” there is no immediate crisis for the water authority. However, there is a delicate balance between the projected supply and demand for water in the near and distant future, and any unexpected development, including drought, could easily tip that balance for the worse.
Among the report’s recommendations is that the authority consider additional connections to the Providence water system, develop well fields in the Mishnock and Big River areas and reassess the need for the unbuilt Big River Reservoir project.
The commission also recommended administrative and regulatory steps that could help KCWA meet the demand for water, including better consideration of the local water supply in economic development and land use planning in the region, possible restructuring of the authority’s administration and mechanisms that spread the cost for water resource and supply development among beneficiaries outside the KCWA service area.
The commission also concluded that the KCWA would not be able to work alone to plan for adequate water supply in the future, since many of the underlying causes of conditions are beyond its control.
“Water doesn’t know any boundaries, so shortages that occur in Kent County could be caused, shared or solved by neighboring water supplies. We really need to focus our efforts on a more regional scale to effectively plan ways to ensure that our area has the water it needs now and in the future,” said Sen. J. Michael Lenihan (D-Dist. 35, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Warwick), who co-chaired the commission with Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich).
Both the House and the Senate are now working to do exactly that – address water supply problems on a statewide basis and develop policies that reflect water use and needs of all water supply systems in the state together, rather than separately. Both co-chairmen of the KCWA study commission are involved in those efforts. Senator Lenihan is chairman of the Senate Government Oversight Committee, which recently concluded joint hearings with the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee on the issue. Representative Sullivan is the vice chairman of House commission that recently began studying statewide water resources and distribution.
One theme to the report is that development has a profound effect on water supply, so water supply should be a consideration in all development plans for the area. It was the expansion of Amgen’s pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in West Greenwich, and the KCWA’s difficultly in committing to supplying water to the plant, that prompted the creation of study commission.
“Kent County is an area that is developing rapidly both in terms of population and industry. While that growth is what drives the area’s economic engine, none of it can happen if there’s not enough water for it. The water supply must be a consideration in all development plans from now on,” said Representative Sullivan. “It’s important that the state begin to tie its economic development strategy to the recognition of our consumption of natural resources. For instance, Amgen, in recognition of our water needs, took steps to recycle and reuse more of the potable water it was drawing off the system. We need to make it part of our economic development strategy to encourage more companies to make that sort of effort.”
Commission members have been invited to contribute additional written comments that will be added to the report, which will be available on the General Assembly’s Web site, www.rilin.state.ri.us.
Senator Lenihan added, “Our commission’s charge was to investigate all aspects of the Kent County Water Authority. My personal opinion is that they are doing a fine job within the context of some restrictions on their ability to act, including a state permitting system that is uncoordinated, inconsistent and sometimes ineffective.”

March 27, 2007
Special Commission to study Kent County Water Authority to consider final report tomorrow

STATE HOUSE – The special legislative commission that has studied issues involving the Kent County Water Authority will consider its final report at a meeting this week.
The meeting is scheduled Thursday, March 29, at 3 p.m. in Room 313 in the State House.
The commission is co-chaired by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, East Greenwich) and Sen. J. Michael Lenihan (D-Dist. 35, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Warwick). The commission began studying issues related to the Kent County Water Authority in November 2005.

March 14, 2007
Sullivan calls for reinstatement of info specialists for seniors, disabled

STATE HOUSE – Saying the proposal is a short-sighted move that will jeopardize the health and quality of life of Rhode Island’s seniors and disabled citizens, Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. is calling for the reinstatement of seven community information specialists in the 2008 budget proposal.
The cuts in Gov. Donald L. Carcieri’s budget proposal would eliminate more than half of the state’s 13 community information specialists, who work out of senior centers and make themselves available at local and regional senior centers to help connect senior citizens and the disabled with social services and other resources. They also make house calls when necessary.
The proposed cuts would leave six remaining specialists to reach out to a population of an estimated 152,000 Rhode Islanders age 65 and over, and thousands more disabled Rhode Islanders.
“This is a very vulnerable population, many of whom do not have access to the Internet and other information sources that other members of the community might regularly use. They are well-served by a system in which an individual familiar with the available resources will speak to them one-on-one about their needs. Without that contact, I suspect many seniors and disabled people will simply be left without that information, and without services,” said Representative Sullivan in a letter sent today to Governor Carcieri and House Finance Committee Chairman Steven M. Costantino, whose committee must now weigh the budget proposal.
Although the cuts may result in fewer personnel costs, the proposal could result in higher health care costs for the state, and would certainly come at a social cost, said Representative Sullivan.
“Letting [seniors and the disabled] go without services will create greater long-term strains on the state’s finances. Most notably, it could mean that many people will go without preventative health care, resulting in poor health for them and higher costs due to increased demand for more expensive acute-care services and emergency services,” said Representative Sullivan in the letter. “It would also mean that many people would not know how to take advantage of programs that provide services within the community so they can remain in a community setting rather than in an expensive nursing facility.”
The cuts were brought to Representative Sullivan’s attention by Patricia Shurtleff, Human Services Director for the Town of Coventry, which currently shares a community information specialist with West Greenwich, Exeter and Foster.

Feb. 28, 2007
House to honor Coventry Rams football champs
Team will be Sullivan’s guests at State House next week

STATE HOUSE – The Coventry Rams, national champions of the American Youth Football & Cheer Organization, will be honored by the House of Representatives next week.
The team, which won the championship in Florida in December, has been invited to the House by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan (D-Dist. 29) and will be recognized during the 4 p.m. House session on Wednesday, March 7. Representative Sullivan will also present the 8th and 9th graders with citations for their achievement.
The team was originally scheduled to visit the State House on Feb. 14, but that day’s House session was canceled due to inclement weather.
“These kids worked very hard all season and they deserve to be recognized and honored for their accomplishment,” said Representative Sullivan, whose district is in Coventry and West Greenwich. “It took a lot of discipline and effort on their part to win that championship, and they, their coaches and their parents made a lot of sacrifices to get them there. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to congratulate them.”

Feb. 6, 2007
Sullivan submits bill on insurance for National Guard, Military Reserve
Legislation would let activated Guard and Reserve members who are municipal employees keep their health insurance

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. has introduced legislation that would allow National Guard members and reservists employed by Rhode Island cities and towns to keep their municipal health insurance plans when they are called to active military service.
The National Guard and the Reserves offer health insurance to activated members, but that insurance sometimes does not offer the level of coverage that they have from the plans offered by their civilian jobs. And switching insurance just for their time on active duty can be a big hassle, especially if the Guard member or reservist has a family on that insurance plan. That disruption is repeated when Guard members and reservists come home and have to switch back to the insurance offered through their employers.
“Switching insurance sometimes means that a family can no longer continue going to the doctors they’ve been seeing for years. It could mean they no longer have the coverage they’re used to having. Activated Guard members and reservists and their families have enough disruption and worry in their lives without having to deal with changes in their health insurance. This bill would help provide their families with a little stability and show them we support them and appreciate their sacrifices,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich.
The bill would apply to all municipal employees who are National Guard members or reservists and are called to active duty for more than 90 days. The legislation would entitle them to the same employee and dependent health care benefits as other employees of the city or town throughout their activation, under the same terms they had at the time of their activation. A similar law already exists for state employees.
There would be a cost to cities and towns when employees are called to active service. However, since the affected Guard members and reservists are public employees both when they are activated and in their civilian lives, the employer’s share of their health insurance is paid for by taxpayers regardless of whether it comes from the National Guard or Reserve, or the cities or towns that employ them.
“Rhode Islanders have shown that we support our troops and their families. We already do this for state employees,” said Representative Sullivan. “This is one way we can help our troops, by allowing them and their families to continue using the insurance they’re used to, without interruption.”
The bill (2007-H 5091) has been transmitted to the House Committee on Municipal Government and is co-sponsored by Rep. Kenneth Carter (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter), Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth), Rep. David A. Caprio (D-Dist. 34, Narragansett, South Kingstown) and Rep. John J. Loughlin II (R-Dist. 71, Tiverton, Little Compton, Portsmouth).
Press Releases 2006

December 12, 2006
FLAG LICENSE PLATE DECALS UNVEILED TO THE PUBLIC
Sales of the decals will benefit the Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund

EMA HEADQUARTERS, CRANSTON – Today, Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty, joined by Representative Ray Sullivan (D-Coventry), Representative John Loughlin (R-Tiverton), Major General Robert Bray, Brian Peterson and Charles “Ted” Dolan of the Department of Motor Vehicles unveiled a new flag license plate decal currently available for sale to residents of Rhode Island for $5.00.
The decal, the only item other than the registration validation decal authorized to be attached to the Rhode Island license plate, was created through legislation passed last session by the Rhode Island General Assembly. Proceeds from the sale of the decal will benefit the Rhode Island Military Family Fund, a fund supported by Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty to help family members of mobilized National Guard and Reserve with financial hardships. Often, Reserve and National Guard members must cope with significant loss of income when military pay and benefits don’t measure up to private sector pay.
“This is another great opportunity for us to support Rhode Island’s military families,” Fogarty said. “When I supported the creation of the Military Family Fund, I knew that Rhode Islanders would get behind this initiative because we are a state that shows compassion to our neighbors when they need assistance. The sale of this decal will do even more to allow the Fund to help more families, and I encourage Rhode Islanders to purchase the decals at their closest DMV and display their support of our state’s military families.”
BRAY

“I hope that Rhode Island drivers will buy these decals and display them with pride. Not only is this a great way to raise money to help soldiers’ families through the difficult times, but it’s also a way that Rhode Islanders can show the members of our armed forces and their families that we support them and are grateful for the sacrifices they’ve made for our country,” said Representative Sullivan, who introduced the legislation to create the decals.

“Rhode Island family members of deployed Reserve and Nation Guard families can bear a tremendous financial hardship when the primary bread-winner is activated for overseas or domestic service,” said Loughlin, who co-sponsored the legislation. Representative Loughlin was mobilized twice during his 26-year Army Reserve and Army National Guard career, first in 1995 in support of operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia-Herzegovina and again in 2002 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “We received overwhelming support from the leadership on both sides of the aisle in passing the final version of the legislation,” Loughlin said, “This is the way government is supposed to work, I am extremely proud of the bipartisan effort to get the program off the ground,” he said.
“The DMV is proud to partner with the Rhode Island National Guard and the Office for the Lt. Governor to distribute these decals.” said Charles F. “Ted” Dolan, DMV's Registrar. “This is a great way for Rhode Islanders to show their support for our troops serving overseas and their families here at home.”

Brian Peterson, Associate Director for the Department of Revenue, said, “Support for military families is as important as support for the troops. The DMV is happy to do its part to help out with this effort.”

The flag decal is a rendering of an American flag that can be placed in the lower left hand area of the rear license plate. Under guidelines of flag protocol, this position represents the flag’s right. Flag decals can be purchased at all DMV Locations for $5.00. The RI Military Family Relief Fund is supported through private donations and a check-off option on Rhode Island income tax forms.

Sept. 5, 2006
Sullivan pushing creation of stem cell research panel

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. is part of an effort to create a panel that will explore ways Rhode Island can encourage stem cell research as a means toward developing treatment and cures for some of the most debilitating medical conditions.
Representative Sullivan intends to co-sponsor legislation that will be pre-filed for the 2007 legislative session to form a legislative commission that will study other states’ policies on stem cell research as well as public and private research practices. Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich, expects the committee to study the issue for six to nine months and develop legislation to support and encourage stem cell research. Rep. Eileen S. Naughton (D-Dist. 21) of Warwick will be the legislation’s primary sponsor, and Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18) of Cranston will join Representative Sullivan as a co-sponsor.
“Stem cells have so much potential to teach us about the human body. They are the most promising avenue available for discoveries that could lead to cures for afflictions like cancer and paralysis. Our state should consider ways we can responsibly encourage stem cell research for the sake of everyone’s health,” said Representative Sullivan. He added that he has strong personal feelings of support for stem cell research because his late grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, a cure for which may someday be developed through such research.
He joined Congressman James Langevin at a press conference today to announce the effort to form the committee. Congressman Langevin has been a leader in Congress to push for stem cell research, in spite of the Bush Administration’s efforts to restrict it. President Bush recently vetoed a bill that would ease restrictions on the research.
Representative Sullivan said he expects the panel will explore every aspect involved in stem cell research, including the debate about ethical ramifications.
Additionally, Rhode Island might be poised for economic growth should the state become a place where stem cell research is encouraged, Representative Sullivan said.
“Rhode Island, especially Kent County, has already become a hub for the biotechnology industry. With the proper support, that industry could expand to include stem cell research. Then Rhode Island will be contributing to the effort to make life-saving medical discoveries while benefiting from the good jobs created by the industry,” said Representative Sullivan.

A call to support our troops’ families
By Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. and Rep. John J. Loughlin II

The men and women who protect our country in the armed forces work a tough job. They put their lives at risk, sacrificing their own comfort and security every day to ensure that the rest of us will have ours.

When they are deployed, their families are forced to make many sacrifices, too. Besides the emotional challenges of having a family member on the front line for months at a time, many families also struggle financially when that soldier is normally their primary breadwinner.

Helping to meet the needs of those families is the mission of the Rhode Island Military Family Fund, and the mission of a new program that will make it easy for Rhode Islanders to be a part of it.

Beginning immediately, all branches of the Division of Motor Vehicles are distributing American flag decals that drivers can affix to their license plates. The $5 price of the sticker will help support the Rhode Island Military Family Fund and its efforts to ease the financial strains of the families of deployed servicemen and women.

It’s a very simple program, and one that doesn’t require a big investment by any individual. But it has the potential to raise enough money to make a substantial difference to the families who are making sacrifices while their loved ones are deployed.

The success of this program would mean more than just financial support for families.
If most drivers made this small donation and stuck the decal to their license plates, imagine the message it would send to soldiers and their families. A state full of cars with these decals would assure them every day that Rhode Islanders support them and are grateful for the sacrifices that soldiers and their loved ones are making for our sake.

With the holiday season upon us, now is a very appropriate time to reflect upon the great debt of gratitude all Americans owe to those who serve in our armed forces and their families, and consider making this very small sacrifice for them. We all want peace on earth, and they are putting their own needs aside for that goal.

June 20, 2006
Sullivan bill adjusting biotech tax credit makes way for Coventry company to expand
Change allows Rhodes Technologies to add 70 high-paying jobs

STATE HOUSE – The House Finance Committee today heard legislation sponsored by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. to tweak a law enacted earlier this year to boost the state’s biotechnology industry so that a local company could grow as a result.
The legislation (2006-H 8208) makes a minor change to a definition in the Biotechnology Jobs Growth Act of 2006 (2006-H 8042/2006-S 3063), which passed the Assembly and became law in May and adjusted critical economic incentives that will attract and retain biotech and biomanufacturing companies. Identical legislation (2006-S 3157) filed by Sen. Stephen D. Alves (D-Dist. 9) of West Warwick passed the Senate today.
The change will allow Rhodes Technologies, a company in Coventry that manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients, to expand its workforce from 60 employees to 130 in three to five years under the Biotechnology Jobs Growth Act. Because the company’s biomanufacturing process involved chemical synthesis, technically it would have been excluded from the benefits included in the act without the change.
The average annual salary at Rhodes is $80,000, or $100,000 including the value of benefits.
“This is a minor change, but it makes a big difference by allowing Rhodes Technologies to take part in the biotech tax credits program, which will mean 70 new high-paying jobs in Coventry,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich. “This is another step toward making our area of the state a hub for the biotechnology sector.”

June 7, 2006
Sullivan bill would dedicate surplus nursing home funds to home and community care programs

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. has filed legislation that would use surpluses from unfilled nursing home beds to fund home and community health programs that would help the elderly stay in their homes longer.
The legislation (2006-H 7686) is aimed at giving the elderly more options in health care keeping seniors healthier, and ultimately saving the state money by reducing the demand for nursing home services.
“This is about giving seniors more choices and making it easier for them stay in their homes longer. Home and community care are preferred by most people in need of services and they’re less expensive for the state. If we have money we can shift toward those options, we should be doing it for the sake of the seniors, the health care system and the taxpayers,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich.
Under current law, if beds are budgeted for nursing homes and they are not filled, any unused state funding gets rolled back into the state’s general fund. But under Representative Sullivan’s legislation, if the state experiences any savings from unfilled nursing home beds, that money would stay in the long-term care funds and be directed toward home and community care programs.
Representative Sullivan emphasized that the legislation doesn’t call for any new funding, just reinvestment of surplus funds. And if there were no surplus funds in a given year, no funds would be allocated.
“This is just a better way to invest our state’s long-term care money and make sure that it all goes toward delivering long-term care and improving the system,” he said. He added, however, that the money might also be able to leverage federal funding and other money that could come into the state and bolster the long-term care system.
Strengthening home and community care and making it possible for the elderly to live in their homes longer would not only save money on nursing care, but it tends to prolong the health of the elderly, according to the Senior Agenda Consortium, a coalition of advocates for the elderly.
“Shifting more of Rhode Island’s efforts toward home care and community care programs could result in savings and better health for Rhode Islanders. This would be an investment that would have some very real benefits,” said Representative Sullivan.
According to the Senior Agenda Consortium, nursing home usage in Rhode Island has been declining about 1 percent a year, in part because of modest investments that have been made in programs that provide care for the elderly at home or in the community, like adult day care and assisted living.
Rhode Island ranks 46th among the 50 states for its investment in community and home care verses nursing home care, according to the Senior Agenda Consortium. Only about 10 percent of Rhode Island’s long-term care funding goes toward home and community care, while the other 90 percent goes toward nursing home care, which is two to three times more expensive than home or community care. On average, staying in a nursing home costs about $123 a day, according to the consortium.
Similar legislation (2006-S 2628Aaa) has been filed in the Senate by Sen. Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist. 3) of Providence. It has passed the Senate and is now before the House Finance Committee.

May 17, 2006
Sullivan bill aims to reduce diesel pollution
Legislation targets unnecessary idling of diesel-powered engines and vehicles

STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today passed Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr.’s legislation aimed at reducing air pollution by prohibiting operators of diesel engines from allowing those engines to idle for more than 5 consecutive minutes.
The bill (2006-H 7756 Sub. A as amended) is meant to reduce smog and cut back on pollutants that have been linked to health problems including asthma.
“Vehicle exhaust is one of the main sources of air pollution in Rhode Island. This bill doesn’t require a huge sacrifice on the part any individual, but the collective result could make a real difference in Rhode Island’s air quality,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich. “Clean air is a resource that we can’t live without. We can’t afford to let it be polluted by engines that are running for no legitimate reason. We all need to be aware that the little things we do like leaving an engine running unnecessarily have a lasting impact on the earth.”
Under the bill, the Department of Environmental Management would have until July 1, 2007, to develop regulations limiting idling of diesel engines to five minutes.
The legislation would apply only to diesel motors, not those that run on regular gasoline. The bill also contains numerous exemptions to allow idling by vehicles that must remain running to operate auxiliary equipment, farm equipment and public safety vehicles like police cars, fire engines and ambulances. There would also be exemptions for situations when the vehicle is stuck in traffic or required by law enforcement officers to stop, and to allow a reasonable amount of time for vehicles to warm up, cool off or defrost, or when they are undergoing maintenance or inspection.
The bill will now go to the Senate.
Studies have linked pollution from vehicles to increased rates of cancer, lung and heart disease, asthma and allergies, urban smog and climate change. Fine particles in diesel exhaust can lodge deep within human lungs, where they can trigger asthma attacks and stunt lung growth in children, and contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and heart attacks in the elderly. An idling motor actually produces a higher concentration of those particles than a moving vehicle does.
Asthma is reaching epidemic proportions in Rhode Island. More than 100,000 Rhode Islanders have been diagnosed with asthma, including one out of every 10 children. Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children and is responsible for the more school absences in Rhode Island than any other disease.
Representative Sullivan wants to remind vehicle operators that, besides being a threat to the environment and to health, idling wastes money, especially when gas prices are high. On average, an idling truck burns one gallon of fuel per hour. A locomotive or other heavy-duty engine may burn anywhere from three to 11 gallons per hour. Idling also causes engine wear and increases the need for oil and filter changes.
“There isn’t any benefit to letting an engine run unnecessarily. It wastes fuel and money, creates pollution and wears down your engine,” said Representative Sullivan. “I would hope that people would choose on their own to protect the environment, but it would be helpful to have a law to make people understand the importance of this issue.”

April 27, 2006
Sullivan co-sponsors bill encouraging R.I. biotech industry
Legislation paves the way for job growth throughout field, linked to 450 new jobs at West Greenwich’s Amgen

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan is co-sponsoring legislation aimed at boosting Rhode Island’s competitiveness as a location for biotechnology and biomanufacturing companies.
The Biotechnology Jobs Growth Act of 2006 will focus on economic incentives that – coupled with physical infrastructure investments and the availability of skilled labor – are viewed as critical to attracting biotech and biomanufacturing investment.
In connection with the submission of the legislation, Amgen announced this week plans to expand and create 450 new jobs this year at its West Greenwich manufacturing plant.
“This legislation will help the growth and development of an industry that is on the rise and represents great opportunities for Rhode Island. Biotechnology jobs pay well and encourage the growth of opportunities for education. That means better lives for more Rhode Islanders and their families,” said Representative Sullivan (D-Dist. 29), whose district in Coventry and West Greenwich includes the Amgen plant.
One area of focus for the Biotechnology Jobs Growth Act (2006-H 8402), whose primary sponsor is House Finance Committee Chairman Steven M. Costantino (D-Dist. 8) of Providence, will be making Rhode Island tax policy competitive with that of its New England and Northeast neighbors.
A tax credit program for biotechnology firms already exists in Rhode Island, but under it, companies have only seven years to take any tax credits they have earned. Because it typically takes several years of research and development before biotechnology products start returning profit, companies are often not able to use all the credits they earn under the program.
The Biotechnology Jobs Growth Act extends the biotechnology tax credits period from seven to 15 years, making Rhode Island tax policy competitive with that of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
However, it also establishes minimum performance standards that companies must meet to claim the credits. For instance, companies would be required to provide compensation that is at least 25 percent higher than average for full-time employees in Rhode Island, maintain existing jobs, and increase the number of jobs by at least 9.5 percent after four years.
Identical legislation (2006-S 3063) has been introduced in the Senate by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Stephen D. Alves (D-Dist. 9) of West Warwick.
Leaders from many companies that are part of Rhode Island’s biotechnology sector offered their support to the legislation at a State House event to announce its introduction this week. They said the extension of the tax credit period will help Rhode Island maintain and develop its biotechnology industry.
“We’re fortunate that we already have a biotechnology industry here, and this legislation will help it develop into a more powerful part of our state’s economy, providing high-skill, high-wage jobs to Rhode Islanders,” said Representative Sullivan.

March 7, 2006

Commission studying KCWA seeks customer input at local meeting

STATE HOUSE – A special legislative commission that is working to address issues involving the Kent County Water Authority will travel to Warwick on March 15 to listen to local water users’ thoughts on their water service.
The meeting, which is scheduled Wednesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. at Warwick City Hall, 3275 Post Road, is the last of three community meetings that the commission has held throughout Kent County to collect water users’ comments. This meeting is scheduled locally for the convenience of customers in East Greenwich, North Kingstown and Warwick, although anyone from any community served by the Kent County Water Authority is welcome at any of the commission’s community meetings. Other meetings have been held in Coventry and West Warwick.
The commission, which is co-chaired by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) and Sen. J. Michael Lenihan (D-Dist. 35, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Warwick), is investigating all aspects of the utility in an effort to address the concerns and criticism of the water authority that have been raised by municipal officials, developers and consumers.
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to collect firsthand accounts from water customers about their experiences with the water authority. They are the ratepayers for the utility, so they ought to have a say in how the utility is run and the quality of service they receive,” said Representative Sullivan.

February 22, 2006
Commission studying KCWA seeks customer input at local meeting

STATE HOUSE – A special legislative commission that is working to address issues involving the Kent County Water Authority will travel to West Warwick on March 1 to listen to local water users’ thoughts on their water service.
The meeting, which is scheduled Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. in the West Warwick High School auditorium, is the second of three community meetings that the commission will hold throughout Kent County to collect water users’ comments. This meeting is scheduled locally for the convenience of customers in West Warwick and Cranston, although anyone from any community served by the Kent County Water Authority is welcome at any of the commission’s community meetings.
The final meeting will be held March 15 at 7 p.m. at Warwick City Hall, mainly for those from East Greenwich, North Kingstown and Warwick. The first meeting was held in Coventry on February 8.
The commission, which is co-chaired by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) and Sen. J. Michael Lenihan (D-Dist. 35, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Warwick), is investigating all aspects of the utility in an effort to address the concerns and criticism of the water authority that have been raised by municipal officials, developers and consumers.
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to collect firsthand accounts from water customers about their experiences with the water authority. They are the ratepayers for the utility, so they ought to have a say in how the utility is run and the quality of service they receive,” said Representative Sullivan.

February 15, 2006
Sullivan bill aims to stop sales tax double-dip
on returned or exchanged items

STATE HOUSE – After an experience with Wal-Mart left one of his constituents paying sales tax twice on an item she didn’t even get to keep, Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. is submitting legislation to stop retailers from charging customers sales tax on items they’ve exchanged.
About a week and a half ago, Coventry resident Elaine Hunt left the Wal-Mart in her town with a new file cabinet. Last week, when she went back to the store with what turned out to be damaged merchandise, the manager agreed to exchange the file cabinet, but told her she would have to pay the sales tax on the undamaged one.
The reason: she didn’t have a receipt, and the manager at Wal-Mart claimed state law required her to pay the sales tax on the new file cabinet.
Under the state law, customers are entitled to a refund of sales tax on any item they return within 120 days. However, without a receipt, Hunt couldn’t prove that she bought the file cabinet within that time. While she wasn’t buying anything – she was asking for an even exchange – the manager said the law applied to her.
To make matters worse, as she was leaving the store, Hunt noticed that the new file cabinet wasn’t the same model as the one she returned. When she went back into the store to get the right one, Wal-Mart didn’t have it. So instead the store issued her a store credit, but for an amount that didn’t include the sales tax. So Hunt left Wal-Mart with no file cabinet, but having paid the sales tax for two of them.
Hunt contacted her legislators, and Representative Sullivan – who spent a frustrating morning being shuffled between Wal-Mart’s national and regional headquarters in search of answers in the situation – is submitting legislation clarifying the sales tax laws so customers are not forced to pay sales tax on returned or exchanged items.
“Once an item is returned, there’s essentially been no sale, so there’s absolutely no justification for making the customer pay sales tax on it. I’m sure the existing sales tax refund law was meant to protect consumers, but Wal-Mart has found a loophole in it,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich. “This situation needs to be addressed because I’m sure the sales tax law was never meant to be applied this way.”
While Hunt says she contacted other retailers who told her that they would not have charged her sales tax on such an exchange, the Division of Taxation has previously stated that without a receipt, a retailer can charge sales tax on the second item in an even exchange. Without the receipt, the retailer doesn’t have the same documentation to show that the sales tax was paid on the original purchase, which potentially could affect the state’s decision to credit the store for the refund of the sales tax.
Representative Sullivan’s bill would expand the section of state law that says that customers who return an item within 120 days are entitled to a refund of their sales tax. It would specify that no additional sales tax would be charged for an even exchange of merchandise, and that the refund of sales tax be honored when the retailer knows that the sales tax on the item being returned was paid.
“If a store is accepting an item for return or exchange, it is acknowledging that it sold the item in the first place. Obviously, the store charged sales tax when it sold the item. This change is meant to protect consumers who don’t have a receipt from getting stuck with the sales tax on an item they’re returning,” said Representative Sullivan. “In Elaine Hunt’s case, we are talking about only a few dollars. But it’s the principal of the matter. The state doesn’t intend to charge sales tax on items that customers aren’t getting, and I don’t think the state intends stores to interpret the law the way Wal-Mart does.”
Representative Sullivan intends to file the bill this week, and Rep. J. Patrick O’Neill is co-sponsoring the measure.
“This is definitely a matter of common sense and fairness,” said Representative O’Neill, a Democrat who represents District 59 in Pawtucket. “Taxing people twice or keeping their sales tax after they’ve returned something is not in the spirit of the law, and I’m sure we don’t need retailers to do that to customers in the name of the state.”

February 14, 2006
Sullivan opposes governor’s plan to close DMV branches

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. said today he is adamantly opposed to the governor’s proposal to close all satellite offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles, saying it would put an unnecessary burden on residents of his district and the whole state.
“Even going to a satellite office can involve waiting in line for hours. Combining all those branches into one statewide office, as the governor is proposing, would make doing business with the registry an absolute nightmare for Rhode Islanders. Some people would have to drive 45 minutes to the registry headquarters in Pawtucket, and who knows how long they’d have to wait in line when they got there,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich. “This would make going to the registry something that would involve taking a day out of work for many people. I don’t think the savings is worth the headache to the average Rhode Islander.”
Representative Sullivan said he is particularly concerned about the closing of the Arctic satellite office in West Warwick, because that is likely the one that most of his constituents use. That office handled 79,279 transactions in the last fiscal year, according to Department of Administration figures. Representative Sullivan said the plan depends too heavily on making people use the registry Web site – whose users were recently subjected to a security lapse that allowed hackers access to their credit card numbers – and on AAA branch offices, which provide some registry services, but only to club members.
“This proposal would make going to the registry almost impossible for some Rhode Islanders. I’m going to fight as hard as I can to make sure it doesn’t become a reality,” said Representative Sullivan.

February 1, 2006
Sullivan bill would let seniors use RIPAE to help pay their Medicare Part D coverage

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. has introduced legislation that would use the state’s RIPAE program to help eligible senior citizens pay their premiums and other costs related to the new Medicare Part D prescription coverage.
The bill (2006-H 6932), which Representative Sullivan submitted on behalf of Lt. Gov. Charles J. Fogarty, would help those seniors who qualify for certain Part D coverage, but don’t qualify for Medicare’s “extra help” program that provides more assistance to those with the lowest incomes and fewest assets.
“The new Part D program leaves a lot of expenses for seniors to absorb. A few thousand dollars is a huge sum of money for someone on a low, fixed income,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich. “This bill is aimed at helping people with those expenses and encouraging seniors to apply for Part D, so they can take advantage of the federal money and have their prescription needs met.”
The low-income supplement for Part D’s “extra help” benefit covers most of the cost of premiums, co-pays and deductibles for eligible seniors. While many seniors may meet the income criteria for extra help, they may be disqualified by its limit on assets: $7,500 for single seniors and $12,000 for couples.
Low-income seniors who do not qualify under the assets provision are left with a decision: stay only with RIPAE – the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly program – or join Medicare Part D and absorb the extra costs.
Due to the high expenses and complexity of Medicare Part D, there is concern that many RIPAE-eligible seniors who do not meet the asset test for extra help will forgo Part D coverage and rely completely on RIPAE, and the state would end up paying more of the prescription drug bill for seniors who are qualified for federal assistance.
“This bill both provides incentive for seniors to take advantage of the federal assistance, while helping make up the difference for any premiums, co-pays and coverage gaps that they might come across. That should also give seniors some peace of mind as they wade through the myriad of Part D plans and try to choose the one that will best meet their needs,” said Representative Sullivan.
Close to 38,000 Rhode Island seniors and disabled people are enrolled in RIPAE. Originally created as a pilot program to help low-income seniors pay for prescription drugs for common chronic illnesses, RIPAE has expanded over the years to cover the majority of commonly prescribed medications and to allow middle-income seniors and disabled people to participate. The program works by allowing qualified seniors to pay a reduced rate for certain prescription drugs and by paying a portion of the drug cost.

January 31, 2006
Commission studying KCWA seeks customer input at local meeting

STATE HOUSE – A special legislative commission that is working to address issues involving the Kent County Water Authority will travel to Coventry on Feb. 8 to listen to local water users’ thoughts on their water service.
The meeting, which is scheduled Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in Coventry Town Hall, is the first of three community meetings that the commission will hold throughout Kent County to collect water users’ comments. This meeting will be mainly for customers in Coventry, West Greenwich and Scituate, although anyone from any community served by the Kent County Water Authority will be welcome at any of the meetings.
The others will be held March 1 for West Warwick and Cranston users and March 15 for those from East Greenwich, North Kingstown and Warwick, both at locations that will be announced later.
The commission, which is co-chaired by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) and Sen. J. Michael Lenihan (D-Dist. 35, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Warwick), is investigating all aspects of the utility in an effort to address the concerns and criticism of the water authority that have been raised by municipal officials, developers and consumers.
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to collect firsthand accounts from water customers about their experiences with the water authority. They are the ratepayers for the utility, so they ought to have a say in how the utility is run and the quality of service they receive,” said Representative Sullivan.

Press Releases 2005

November 17, 2005
Kent County Water Authority study panel outlines its plans

STATE HOUSE – A special legislative study commission looking into the Kent County Water Authority this week began what commission members said will be a series of hearings to investigate all aspects of the utility and to air concerns and criticism of the water authority that have been raised by municipal officials, developers and consumers.
The study commission, created by legislation approved during the 2005 General Assembly session, held an organizational meeting this week at which members outlined plans for future hearings and testimony. The eight members of the panel elected as co-chairs Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) and Sen. J. Michael Lenihan (D-Dist. 35, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Warwick).
The two legislators said concerns about the water authority, about the availability and quality of the water, have existed for years in the communities serviced by the Kent County Water Authority – West Warwick, Coventry, East Greenwich and West Greenwich primarily, as well parts of Cranston, Warwick, Scituate and North Kingstown.
The commission set Wednesday, November 30, as its next meeting date, when it expects to receive testimony from Water Authority General Manager Timothy J. Brown. The commission also wants to meet with the members of the Water Authority board, with the Public Utilities Commission, the Water Resources Board and the Department of Environmental Management, which is at odds with the Water Authority over expanding well fields in the Lake Mishnock area in West Greenwich.
The commission also hopes to elicit testimony from state economic development officials, developers and residential customers. It is expected that several of the hearings will be held in communities serviced by the water authority.
Also serving on the commission, composed of four Senators and four members of the House of Representatives, are Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick), who sponsored the legislation creating the study panel; Sen. Leo R. Blais (R-Dist. 24, Coventry, Foster, Scituate); Sen. William A. Walaska (D-Dist. 30, Warwick); Rep. Al Gemma (D-Dist. 20, Warwick); Rep. Norman Landroche Jr. (D-Dist. 27, Coventry, Warwick, West Warwick) and Rep. Victor G. Moffitt (R-Dist. 28, Coventry).
Also attending this week’s organizational meeting were Nicholas E. Cambio, a private developer, and Warwick City Council member Steve Merolla. Cambio told the commission of his difficulties in dealing with the utility as it related to his Centre of New England business park development in Coventry and West Greenwich. Councilman Merolla spoke of legislation that was introduced but not passed during the 2005 session that would have allowed the City of Warwick to opt out of the Kent County Water Authority by purchasing pipes, meters and other infrastructure in Warwick and incorporate it into the city’s water system.
“I don’t think we will be short on testimony,” said Representative Sullivan, acknowledging the general dissatisfaction about the utility that he and other commission members have been aware of for years.

November 11th, 2005
Veterans’ Day, 2005, remarks
Coventry Veterans’ Council

If you like being able to think what you like and say what you think without risk of being arrested, this is a day to be grateful.

If you like having a guarantee of free and appropriate public education for every child, you should be celebrating today.

If you like the fact that you get to have a say in the government and laws of your country, state and town, today is your day.

All of these privileges are rights that Americans take for granted. But without the sacrifices, dedication and bravery of the many millions of U.S. veterans who have served in wartime and in peace around the world, we might not have any of them.

From the Revolutionary War that established our country’s independence, to today’s situation in Iraq, many ordinary Americans have risen to perform with extraordinary dedication and bravery to preserve rights and freedoms for Americans, and to help establish or protect rights for other people around the world.

Many fought in combat, facing horrors and difficulties that few of us would ever want to imagine. Others served as peacekeepers, humanitarians, or rebuilders, helping to establish a better life for Americans and those in other countries.

They left their homes, families, jobs and comfort behind, trading them for danger, uncertainty and discomfort. Many thousands gave their lives for the sake of our safety, sacrificing themselves in their efforts to make the world safer and freer for others.

There have been times like the one we’re in right now, when the nation is divided about whether the United States is justified in its military actions. Unfortunately, there have been shameful times in our history when the result was that veterans were not given the respect they deserve after completing their duties.

But I think, as you can probably tell from all the yellow ribbons that adorn houses and cars everywhere, Americans have learned that the politics of war do not diminish the heroism of those who fight it. The men and women of the armed forces have made profound sacrifices for our sake, and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.

Personally, I’d like to thank the veterans here today for the sacrifices you made to protecting democracy around the world. You have made the American way of life possible. It’s because of you that we can stand here today and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy. Thank you for sacrificing your freedom, comfort and safety to make sure the rest of us and future generations of Americans would have ours.

I hope that all Americans, now and in the future, appreciate the tremendous gifts you have given us. This is a day to honor your bravery, commitment and service and for the rest of us to say thanks for making the world a safer place for all of us.

Thank you very much.

Oct. 19, 2005
Sullivan urges federal help for Tiogue Lake dam
Legislator also plans bill to require better dam maintenance and emergency plans

STATE HOUSE – Concerned about the dangerous condition of the aging Tiogue Lake dam, Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. is seeking federal assistance for its repair.
In a letter sent today to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Representative Sullivan asked for expedited approval of a $625,000 grant the Town of Coventry is seeking to help repair the dam, which has been declared unsafe by the state because of serious structural problems.
“The Tiogue Lake dam holds back a large body of water that, if released, would wreak havoc not only on the immediate neighborhood, but on the areas downstream on the Pawtuxet River. Last weekend’s heavy rain showed us the damage that can happen when the lake floods over the dam. We can’t afford to risk the kind of damage that would happen if the dam burst,” said Representative Sullivan, a Democrat whose District 29 is in Coventry and West Greenwich.
The dam proved an inadequate match for the heavy rain of the weekend, causing flooding along Route 3.
With another storm expected this weekend, Representative Sullivan said he is concerned not only about more flooding, but that the additional pressure will further contribute to the weakening of the dam.
“At over 100 years old, the dam has serious structural problems and lacks adequate controls for overflow situations. Its gatehouse is also aged and in need of replacement. Failure of the dam would send a wall of water down the Pawtuxet River, putting some of the most populous areas of Coventry and West Warwick at risk,” wrote Representative Sullivan in the letter to FEMA.
Representative Sullivan is also seeking the assistance of the Army Corps of Engineers in the effort to repair the town-owned dam. Citing the “large-scale safety risk” the dam poses to residents along the Pawtuxet and the very limited funds available to the town, he urged both agencies to help move the dam repair project forward.
“This dam is in dangerous condition, and repairing it as quickly as possible is essential for the safety of the people of my district,” he wrote today in a letter to the Corps.
Representative Sullivan is also working on legislation to require owners of high-hazard dams – those that would likely cause death and destruction if broken – to regularly inspect the dams, repair them when necessary, and create emergency plans for the sake of residents in case the dam fails. The legislation is based on a bill previously submitted by Senator Leo R. Blais (R-Dist. 24, Scituate, Foster, Coventry), with whom Representative Sullivan intends to work on the bill.
Representative Sullivan said he also has concerns about the dam on the Coventry Reservoir, which the state has also deemed unsafe, and hopes the legislation will lead to its repair and better dam maintenance statewide.
“Rhode Islanders’ safety depends on safe dams and flood control measures,” he said.

June 30, 2005

House passes legislation to assist
National Guard, Reserve families
Measure would provide aid without using tax dollars
STATE HOUSE – The House today passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) that would provide a new source of revenue for the families of National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors and airmen mobilized in support of the global war on terror.
The bill (2005-H 5140A) calls for the Department of Motor Vehicles to make available an American flag decal that could be displayed on the lower left-hand corner of the Rhode Island license plate. The decals would cost motorists $5 with the proceeds going to the Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund, which provides financial relief to families undergoing hardship because of extended deployments.
“This is a great way for Rhode Islanders to show their support for the troops and provide financial support for their families at the same time,” said Representative Sullivan, who represents Coventry and West Greenwich. “It’s just one small way in which residents can say ‘thank you’ and show support for men and women serving in the war against terror.”
The program would build on the support currently in place due to the initiatives of Lt. Gov. Charles J. Fogarty, who created the Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund to aid families of mobilized Rhode Island citizen soldiers.
After payment for the cost of production, the next $50,000 generated from sales would go toward advertising and promoting the decals. All funds in excess of that figure would go to the military families. The fund could generate as much as $900,000, said Rep. John J. Loughlin, II (R-Dist. 71), the bill’s co-sponsor and a retired Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel. The flag decals would cost the state less than $1 per thousand to obtain.
“The decals could raise significant funds for the families of our deployed soldiers,” said Representative Loughlin, who represents Little Compton, Portsmouth and Tiverton. “It’s such a small gesture for those who have given so much for their country.”
The bill will now head to a Senate committee for consideration.

June 28, 2005
Rep. Sullivan pleased with governor’s decision
to abandon Big River area for state police HQs

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) is expressing relief at Gov. Donald L. Carcieri’s decision to drop plans for building a new state police headquarters on the Big River Reservoir Area in West Greenwich.
“This is a victory for my constituents and for everyone who treasures open space,” said Representative Sullivan, who represents Coventry and West Greenwich. “I’m glad the governor listened to the many Rhode Islanders who care about the environment. I am a tremendous supporter of the state police but it was just the wrong project in the wrong place.
“I’m overjoyed and will do whatever I can to help the state police in their search for a new home.”

June 27, 2005
Rep. Sullivan supports spending package

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) voted today in the House of Representatives to approve the proposed fiscal year 2006 budget, which he says increases state and education aid while providing valuable tax relief measures to taxpayers.
The $6.3 billion million spending package passed by the House allocates $3.3 million in state aid to Coventry – a $326,000 increase over the governor’s proposal – and gives West Greenwich $634,528, a $64,000 increase over the governor’s proposal.
It also includes $19.1 million in education aid to Coventry, a $270,114 increase over fiscal year 2005’s budget, and includes $7.3 in education aid to Exeter-West Greenwich, a $81,291 increase over this year’s amount.
“This budget was crafted in the spirit of cooperation, and will greatly benefit the residents of Coventry and West Greenwich,” said Representative Sullivan, who serves on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, the House Rules Committee and the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee. “Every dollar in this spending package was carefully scrutinized and allocated, with the results being fair to both taxpayers and the school system.”
The spending package includes measures for public employee pension reform, a move that is estimated to save taxpayers $44 million. It also increases the exemption on automobile excise taxes from the first $4,500 of a vehicle’s value to $5,000 of a car’s value. The move will save Coventry car owners $9.38 per automobile, while West Greenwich residents would see a savings of $9.51 per vehicle.
The House of Representatives approved the $6.3 billion budget Monday night after several hours of debate that began at 2 p.m. The current fiscal year ends June 30. The package will now head to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

Sullivan promises to fight effort
to move State Police to West Greenwich
Cites concerns over Big River Area, and lack of local input

COVENTRY – State Representative Ray Sullivan (D-Dist. 29) says he will fight any and all efforts to move the proposed State Police headquarters to the Big River Reservoir Area, in West Greenwich.

“This is by no means the best location for the new state police headquarters,” said Sullivan. “The state promised the area would be used only for a reservoir, or kept as open space, now the Carcieri administration wants us to break that promise. I don’t think it’s right, and I intend to fight it,” he said.

Sullivan said he “whole-heartedly supports the state police and their effort to build a new facility” but believes Big River is not the appropriate location. He said many West Greenwich residents were surprised to learn of the administration’s decision, and that he “finds it troubling that folks here were not given a chance to voice their concerns before an arbitrary decision was reached.”

“We shouldn’t be tapping this pristine resource, Big River should be protected not paved. I’m worried about the domino affect this could have on the area. Today it’s this initiative tomorrow it could be something else, we can’t let Big River become the dumping ground for state projects,” Sullivan said.

May 12, 2005
UNAP speaking points
Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr.

 I’d like to thank the United Nurses and Allied Professionals for having me here today.

 You represent thousands of hard working professionals who care for Rhode Islanders on a daily basis, and I’m proud that you’re supporting my hospital staffing legislation.

 Your jobs are often thankless and most of the work you do is behind-the-scenes. But nurses are the ones on the front lines with patients. You are truly the backbone of the medical establishment.

 For too long, Rhode Island nurses have been overworked and underpaid.

 And patients have been following blind faith when choosing a hospital for their care, since the Department of Health does not have to make staffing levels public.

 My bill would require all hospitals to annually file staffing reports to the state.

 It is a critical measure that will help improve patient safety in Rhode Island.

 Charting out specific nurse-to-patient ratio plans will help hospitals best use their limited resources and improve patient outcomes.

 It would also allow patients and their families to make more informed decisions. The public has a right to know.

 In fact, the AARP recommends health care consumers to investigate nursing staffing levels when selecting a hospital.

 Nursing staffing levels have a direct correlation to patient health and survival rates.

 The New England Journal of Medicine found that “higher RN staffing was associated with reduced risk of urinary tract infections, pneumonia, shock, upper gastrointestinal bleeding...and reduced length of hospital stay in medical and major surgery patients.”

 The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations has said that one-fourth of all unexpected events that led to patient deaths, injuries or permanent loss of function were directly related to insufficient staffing levels.

 This is a non-regulatory approach to better care. It would have no cost to hospitals or to the state of Rhode Island.

 This is a good piece of legislation, and I urge your continued support. With your help, we can help ensure patient safety by helping this legislation become law.

May 11, 2005
Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr.
Speaking points for Coventry’s Teacher of the Year

 Would like to congratulate Raymond Raboin on being selected as “Teacher of the Year” in Coventry

 The fourth-grade teacher at Hopkins Hill Elementary School is a rare kind of teacher – someone who can make learning fun for students

 Honored by the Coventry Wal-Mart, who received many nominations for Mr. Raboin from students, parents and teachers

 Students and teachers held a surprise celebration for him at the school when they found out

 He received a plaque, a Wal-Mart greeter’s vest and a $50 Wal-Mart gift card. School received a $1,000 educational grant.

 Students describe him as fun, creative, patient and nice

 Mr. Raboin can now compete in a state contest to see if he can win a statewide “Teacher of the Year” award

 On behalf of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Mr. Raboin and urge him to continue the great work he’s doing for Coventry’s schoolchildren.

May 10, 2005
House passes Rep. Sullivan’s prescription drug legislation

Bill would create program to distribute unused prescription medications to seniors
who need them the most

STATE HOUSE – The House has passed legislation that would create a prescription drug reserve for Rhode Island seniors.
Submitted by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29), the bill (2005-H 5107A) would establish a voluntary pilot program allowing nursing homes, assisted-living centers and prescription drug manufacturers to transfer unused, sealed medications to seniors who are eligible to receive Medicaid or Medicare, or otherwise are uninsured.
Currently, when a patient at a nursing home or assisted-living center in Rhode Island passes away or stops using a particular drug for any reason, his or her unused prescription medications must be discarded. This bill would allow the medications to be donated to participating pharmacies where they would be distributed to uninsured senior citizens. All prescriptions would be checked for safety prior to distribution.
“This is a common-sense measure that would ease the financial burdens our elderly neighbors must face on a daily basis,” said Representative Sullivan, who represents Coventry and West Greenwich. “These are first-quality medications that could be going to good use instead of ending up in the trash every month.”
Those receiving Medicaid and Medicare benefits and the uninsured would be eligible for the program, which the Department of Health and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy would develop and implement.
Sullivan’s legislation, known as the Utilization of Unused Prescription Medication Act, is co-sponsored by Rep. Arthur J. Corvese (D-Dist. 55, North Providence), Rep. Paul E. Moura (D-Dist. 2, Providence, East Providence), Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Cranston, Warwick), Rep. Steven M. Costantino (D-Dist. 8, Providence), and many other members of the House.
Representative Sullivan first learned that unused prescriptions were being thrown away during a meeting last summer with administrators and health care providers at the Haven Health Center of Coventry, where he saw boxes of unused medication put aside for disposal.
The bill will now head to a Senate committee for consideration.

April 28, 2005
House passes bill on prohibiting unlawful discharge of firearms on school grounds

STATE HOUSE – The House today passed legislation regarding the unlawful discharge of firearms on school grounds.
The legislation (2005-H 5543), sponsored by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist 29, Coventry, West Warwick) on behalf of the Attorney General’s office, would prohibit anyone from unlawfully discharging firearms such as machine guns, pistols, rifles, and pellet guns on school grounds while a school-sponsored activity was taking place or while students were riding a bus. The bill includes any building, stadium or other structure on school grounds.
Anyone caught violating the measure would be imprisoned for not more than 10 years and will be fined not less then $5,000 or more than $50,000.
The bill stems from a 2003 incident in which a 17 year-old male fired a .22-caliber pistol into the cafeteria ceiling at Mouth Pleasant High School while school was in session. No one was injured during the shooting, which left students and staff members shaken.
“School grounds are intended to be a safe place,” said Representative Sullivan, who serves on the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare. “Weapons should not be fired anywhere on or near school grounds. There have been too many instances that have occurred where guns have been shot on school grounds and innocent lives were lost. An effective and safe school is the center of every community.”
According to a recent report on juvenile justice legislative initiatives conducted by National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), deaths caused by juveniles using guns has increased in the past 10 years.
It is already illegal for anyone to possess a firearm on school grounds.
The co-sponsors of the bill include Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist 11, Providence), Rep. Charlene M. Lima (D-Dist 14, Cranston) and Rep. Norman L. Landroche, Jr. (D-Dist 27, Coventry, Warwick, West Warwick).

April 26, 2005
House passes bill requiring hospitals to file
annual staffing reports

STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today passed a bill introduced by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) requiring all hospitals to annually file staffing reports to the state.
“This is a critical measure that will help improve patient safety in Rhode Island,” said Representative Sullivan, who represents Coventry and West Greenwich. “Charting out specific nurse-to-patient ratio plans will help hospitals best utilize their limited resources and improve patient outcomes.”
The measure (2005-H 5321) would require hospitals to file its core-staffing plan to the Department of Health each January. The plan would specify the number of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants assigned to provide direct patient care and the average number of patients upon which such staffing levels are based. The plan would detail staffing measures for each patient care unit and each shift in the hospital.
By requiring hospitals to publicly disclose such plans, patients and their families would be able to make more informed decisions, said Representative Sullivan. In fact, the AARP recommends health care consumers to investigate nursing staffing levels when selecting a hospital.
The bill would also encourage hospitals to provide the best nurse-patient ratios at all times.
In a 2002 article, the New England Journal of Medicine said “higher RN staffing was associated with reduced risk of urinary tract infections, pneumonia, shock, upper gastrointestinal bleeding...and reduced length of hospital stay in medical and major surgery patients.”
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations stated in 2002 that one-fourth of all unexpected events that led to patient deaths, injuries or permanent loss of function were directly related to insufficient staffing levels.
“We have many fine hospitals in Rhode Island that provide excellent care to their patients,” said Representative Sullivan, who serves on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee and the House Rules Committee. “This is just another way of protecting Rhode Islanders and arming them with the information they need to become better health care consumers.”
The bill will now head to a Senate committee for consideration.

April 13, 2005
Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr.
Speaking points for Exeter-West Greenwich boys varsity basketball state champions

 Would like to congratulate the Exeter-West Greenwich Scarlet Knights on winning their second straight Division II championship.

 Impressive 53-40 victory over the Chariho Chargers.

 Seniors Matt St. Ours, Pat Dame, Tyke Spaulding, Pat Hartnett, John Theroux, Andrew Wallace and Colin McCabe scored 52 of the Knight's 53 points. You’ll be leaving in May, but you’ve already left an indelible mark on your school and your teammates.

 Also like to congratulate head coach Chris Cobain for his outstanding leadership.

 You’ve said in the past that you’ve become like family because of all the time you’ve spent practicing and playing together.

 You played like family throughout the year and on Super Sunday by showing heart, passion and dedication. We all congratulate you on a job well done.

April 11, 2005
House Finance to hear Sullivan’s military relief bill
STATE HOUSE – The House Finance Committee on Wednesday (April 13) will hear a bill introduced by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) to provide a new source of revenue for the families of National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors and airmen.
The bill (2005-H 5140) calls for the Department of Motor Vehicles to make available an American flag decal that could be displayed on the left-hand corner of the Rhode Island license plate. The decals would cost motorists $5 with the proceeds going to the Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund, which provides financial relief to families undergoing hardship because of extended deployments.
The committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 35 of the State House.

April 7, 2005
House passes homestead exemption act
for town of West Greenwich

STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today passed a measure that will reduce West Greenwich homeowners’ tax burdens by 40 percent by creating a homestead exemption act.
The move comes after a recent revaluation in West Greenwich that has substantially raised the value of homes in the town. The act will help curb an expected rise in property taxes.
“This bill will give residents some much-needed property tax relief while allowing them to stay in the town they love and call their home,” said Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29), the bill’s main sponsor. “It will also allow us to keep one tax rate for both homeowners and local businesses.”
The current tax rate in West Greenwich is $18.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
The bill (2005-H 6190) would authorize the West Greenwich town council to grant homestead exemptions to owners of residential real estate. The exemption would only apply to property used exclusively for residential purposes and dwellings with less than five units.
The bill will now be sent to a Senate committee for consideration.

April 7, 2005
Bill would require hospitals to file annual staffing reports

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) has introduced a measure that would require all hospitals to annually file staffing reports to the state. The House Health, Education and Welfare Committee last night voted the measure (2005-H 5321) out of committee.
“Nurse-to-patient ratios play a large role in patient outcomes,” said Representative Sullivan, who represents Coventry and West Greenwich. “Unfortunately, hospitals in Rhode Island are not required to submit their staffing plans to the Department of Health, leaving health care consumers in the dark. This bill would give consumers valuable hospital staffing information, which would help them rate hospitals and contribute to their own care.”
The measure would require hospitals to file its core-staffing plan to the Department of Health each January. The plan would specify the number of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants assigned to provide direct patient care and the average number of patients upon which such staffing levels are based. The plan would detail staffing measures for each patient care unit and each shift in the hospital.
By requiring hospitals to publicly disclose such plans, patients and their families would be able to make more informed decisions, said Representative Sullivan. In fact, the AARP recommends health care consumers to investigate nursing staffing levels when selecting a hospital.
The bill would also encourage hospitals to provide the best nurse-patient ratios at all times.
In a 2002 article, the New England Journal of Medicine said “higher RN staffing was associated with reduced risk of urinary tract infections, pneumonia, shock, upper gastrointestinal bleeding...and reduced length of hospital stay in medical and major surgery patients.”
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations stated in 2002 that one-fourth of all unexpected events that led to patient deaths, injuries or permanent loss of function were directly related to insufficient staffing levels.
“We have many fine hospitals in Rhode Island that provide excellent care to their patients,” said Representative Sullivan, who serves on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee and the House Rules Committee. “This is just another way of protecting Rhode Islanders and arming them with the information they need to become better health care consumers.”
The bill will now go to the full House for a vote.

March 23, 2005
Sullivan appointed to Joint Committee on Highway Safety

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. has been appointed to the Joint Committee on Highway Safety, Speaker of the House William J. Murphy has announced.
This committee consists of 11 members, including six Representatives and five Senators. The purpose of this committee is to promote the development and conduct of a coordinated state highway safety program to reduce traffic accidents and the deaths, injuries and property damages which occur in those accidents.
Representative Sullivan, a Democrat who represents District 29 in Coventry and West Greenwich, is also on the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare, the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Rules.

March 23, 2005
Rep. Sullivan introduces homestead exemption act for town of West Greenwich

STATE HOUSE – Thanks to a recent revaluation, residents in West Greenwich have seen the value of their homes increase substantially.
To head off the expected rise in property taxes that would normally follow, Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) has introduced a bill that would reduce homeowners’ tax burdens by 40 percent by creating a homestead exemption act in the town.
“This would allow the town to keep one rate for both homeowners and local businesses,” said Representative Sullivan, who represents Coventry and West Greenwich. “It will give homeowners a much-needed form of tax relief while allowing them to remain in the town they love and call home.”
The current tax rate in West Greenwich is $18.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
The bill (2005-H 6190) would authorize the West Greenwich town council to grant homestead exemptions to owners of residential real estate. The exemption would only apply to property used exclusively for residential purposes and dwellings with less than five units.
The bill has been sent to the House Corporations Committee.

March 15, 2005
Rep. Sullivan introduces School Facility Safety
and Property Tax Relief Act

Bill would allow residents to vote on $100 million bond issue for school repairs, renovations

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) has introduced a bill that would allow residents to vote in November 2006 on whether to issue $100 million in bonds for school repairs and renovations. The funds would be distributed throughout the state’s 39 cities and towns.
The School Facility Safety and Property Tax Relief Act of 2005 (2005-H 6029) aims to ease the burden on local property owners, who must pay for school maintenance and repairs through escalating property taxes. A recent study found that Rhode Island’s property tax burden is the sixth highest in the country.
“Our first priority should be to provide students with a safe, secure and healthy environment in which to learn,” said Representative Sullivan, who represents Coventry and West Greenwich. “But that responsibility should not fall solely on the shoulders of local taxpayers. This bill establishes a way for us to pay for school repairs without unfairly burdening residents.”
If approved by voters, the $100 million would provide direct funding for school improvements. No city or town would receive less than one percent ($1 million) of the total funds, and no city or town would receive more than 10 percent ($10 million) of the total funds. In addition, no one facility would be able to receive more than $2.9 million.
The funds would be placed in a capital development bond fund supervised by the director of administration. Fund distribution would be based on a per capita calculation of the municipality’s total spending for renovation and repair of existing educations facilities over the five fiscal year period from FY 2002 to FY 2006.
To qualify for reimbursement, projects must:
 Not be cosmetic
 Have a useful life expectancy of at least 10 years
 Address fire code issues or problems contributing to health and safety, such as heating and cooling systems, mold and/or lead paint removal, roof repairs and other structural issues
 Meet all building code and legal standards for school facilities or bring the structure into compliance.

A list of municipalities and their anticipated share of the bond funds would be distributed to all 39 cities and towns before Jan. 1, 2007. All bonds related to the projects would be issued no later than Dec. 31, 2011.
“Valuable education dollars should be going to the students, not into aging school infrastructures,” said Representative Sullivan, who serves on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee and the House Rules Committee. “It’s not a matter of raising more money: Rhode Island ranks seventh in the nation in per-pupil spending and the state gives schools $700 million in education aid. It’s a matter of directing money into proper channels while at the same time lowering property tax burden for residents.”
The bill has been sent to the House Finance Committee for consideration.
Representative Sullivan has also submitted a second bill (2005-H 5749) that would create a Special Joint Commission to study the Financing of Necessary Repair and Renovation for Municipal Education Facilities.
The 13-member group would consist of legislators, educators and school construction company representatives. It would study the needs of Rhode Island’s public school facilities and produce a complete inventory of schools in need of repair or renovation.
The commission would report its findings and recommendations periodically to the General Assembly, and would issue an interim report no later than Sept. 30, 2005.
The bill is scheduled for a hearing Wednesday (March 16) before the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.

March 8, 2005
Rep. Sullivan calls on governor to restore funding for Coventry Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) of Coventry and West Greenwich is calling on Gov. Donald L. Carcieri to reverse a proposed budget cut that would drastically affect the Coventry Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force.
“I understand this is a difficult budget year and there are many deserving organizations throughout the state,” wrote Representative Sullivan in a letter to the governor. “But I encourage you to reconsider the funding level of this vital organization, which has done so much for the residents of Coventry.”
The proposed cut in the governor’s FY 2006 budget would require the agency’s full-time director, Claire Silva, to become part-time.
The task force is comprised of parents, police officers, town officials and educators. Its goal is to reduce and eliminate underage drinking and drug use through education, information, alternative activities and identification and referral services.
“The task force serves an important role in our community by implementing programs that are designed to increase graduation rates and improve school performance, and to decrease issues such as drug use, suicide attempts, school drop out rates, sexual assaults and teen pregnancies, just to name a few,” wrote Representative Sullivan. “It has had a tremendous impact on the community, with a significant drop in drug use among students and parents becoming much more informed.”

Remarks for Guy Dufault show
March 2, 2005

RAY: Most of this info is from the RI Public Expenditure Council’s
new report, “FY 2005 Property Tax Burdens in RI”

Thanks for having me on the show.

Recently introduced School Facility Safety and Property Tax Relief Act of 2005.

Voters would decide in November 2006 whether to issue $100 million in bonds for school repairs and renovations. Funds would be distributed throughout 39 municipalities.

By creating separate “account” for school building repairs, there would be more money available for students.

Valuable education dollars should be going to the students, not into aging school infrastructures. Funds should be used to buy new books and supplies, invest in technology, lower the student/teacher ratio and provide students with best education possible.

Feel bond is the right way to help pay for school repair and renovation.

Rhode Island needs to stop relying so heavily on property taxes to fund education.

 Rhode Island’s property tax burden is 6th highest in the country.

 60 cents of every dollar raised in local property taxes goes to support Rhode Island public schools.

Coventry has the highest property tax burden of any city or town in the state. We pay $25.63 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

West Greenwich fares slightly better: $18.50 per $1,000.

Not a matter of raising more money – RI ranks 7th in the nation in per-pupil spending. ($10,258 per student in FY 2004)

State gives schools $700 million in education aid.

Matter of directing money into proper channels while at the same time lowering property tax burden for residents.

Remarks for Guy Dufault show
March 2, 2005

RAY: Most of this info is from the RI Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC).

Thanks for having me on the show.

Rhode Island needs to stop relying so heavily on property taxes to fund education.

 60 cents of every dollar raised in local property taxes goes to support Rhode Island public schools.

 For years I’ve been fighting to lower prescription drug prices, both in the Lieutenant Governor’s office and now as a Representative. Honored to continue Lieutenant Governor Fogarty’s work in the House of Representatives.

RIPAE is a valuable program, serving seniors since 1985.

Medicare Part D also valuable program, ensuring seniors get the prescription drug coverage they need.
Huge gaps in coverage, high costs make it unattractive to seniors, however.

Medicare Part D would give seniors access to more prescription drugs, however.

Under bill, RIPAE coverage would ‘kick in’ where Medicare coverage leaves off. Would act as safety net for Rhode Island’s elderly citizens.

 39,000 low- and moderate-income seniors and disabled persons enrolled in RIPAE.
 9,200 of those also enrolled in Medicare drug card program.

Bill would encourage seniors to take advantage of federal drug coverage while saving the state money.

Will work hard to ensure its passage in the House.

Thank you.

March 1, 2005
Rep. Sullivan introduces bill to extend RIPAE benefits
Would reduce gaps in coverage for Medicare Part D customers

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) has introduced a bill that would extend RIPAE benefits to persons enrolled in a new Medicare prescription drug benefit program.
The measure (2005-H 5332), introduced on behalf on Lt. Gov. Charles J. Fogarty, would allow seniors to keep their prescription drug coverage while the Medicare Part D drug plan begins in January 2006.
“This bill will prevent thousands of Rhode Islanders from slipping through the cracks,” said Representative Sullivan, who represents parts of Coventry and West Greenwich. “Although the addition of a prescription drug plan to the Medicare program is laudable, it would create an additional out-of-pocket expense for many seniors who can already barely afford to pay for their medications.”
The high costs and coverage gaps of Medicare Part D might dissuade seniors from joining the plan and enrolling primarily in the RIPAE program, said Representative Sullivan. However, Medicare Part D would provide enrollees with a wider choice in drug coverage. So under the bill, seniors enrolled in RIPAE could also join the Medicare Part D program, with the state paying for Medicare’s premiums and deductibles.
About 39,000 low- and moderate-income seniors and disabled persons are enrolled in RIPAE, which provides state co-payments to help consumers pay for covered prescription medications. RIPAE covers drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease, arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, glaucoma, heart problems, high cholesterol, Parkinson’s Disease, osteoporosis and other medical conditions.
Approximately 9,229 (24 percent) of RIPAE beneficiaries are enrolled in the Medicare drug card program. Beginning in January 2006, Medicare will unveil a voluntary prescription drug benefit (Medicare Part D) program.
Under the program, beneficiaries would pay a $35/month premium and pay the first $250 in drug costs (deductible); pay 25 percent of total drug costs between $250 and $2,250; pay 100 percent of drug costs between $2,250 and $5,100, equal to $3,600 out-of-pocket; and then pay $2 for generics, $5 for brand drugs, or 5 percent coinsurance after reaching the $3,600 out-of-pocket limit ($5,100 catastrophic threshold.)
It would cost consumers $2,850 to pay 100 percent of the drug costs between $2,250 and $5,100, a considerable gap in coverage for low- and moderate-income seniors, said Representative Sullivan.
“Three thousand dollars is a significant amount of money for someone living on a fixed income,” said Representative Sullivan, who was recently appointed to the National Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices (NLA-Rx). “This bill will make it considerably easier for those enrolled in RIPAE to participate in the Medicare Part D plan without any gaps in coverage.”
The bill has been sent to the House Finance Committee for consideration.

January 27, 2005
Rep. Sullivan appointed to national prescription drug board

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, Jr. (D-Dist. 29) of Coventry and West Greenwich has been appointed to a national board that works to increase the affordability and accessibility of prescription drugs, House Speaker William J. Murphy has announced.
“Providing affordable prescription drugs to all Rhode Islanders is one of my top legislative priorities,” said Representative Sullivan, who is currently serving his first term in the House of Representatives. “Serving on this board will allow me to find out what other states are doing to reduce costs and allow me to share ideas and information with other like-minded legislators.”
The National Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices (NLA-Rx) is a non-profit organization founded in 1999 by state legislators from the Northeast. The group works to reduce the cost of prescription medications for all Americans by serving as a clearinghouse for information and by creating model legislation that would help states increase their bargaining power, among other endeavors.
Representative Sullivan will travel to Washington, D.C., tomorrow (Friday, Jan. 28) to attend the group’s January meeting. Panels will be held on what states are doing to reduce prescription drug costs, various reimportation initiatives and price negotiation agreements.

January 4, 2005
Rep. Sullivan sworn in as General Assembly convenes

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan Jr. (D-Dist. 29) of Coventry and West Greenwich was formally sworn into office on Tuesday, January 4, as the 2005-2006 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly convened.
Representative Sullivan was one of 13 new members of the House of Representatives who took the oath of office, which was administered to all 75 House members by Secretary of State Matthew A. Brown.
The House of Representatives began its legislative year at 3 p.m. Tuesday with a program of activities that included the election of the Speaker of the House.
Representative Sullivan will receive his House committee assignment within the next few weeks.