General Assembly Tackles Hot Button Issues
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
The Rhode Island General Assembly is kicking off February with hearings on two controversial issues—illegal immigration and gay marriage.
Today, the House Labor Committee will hold a hearing on a bill to re-institute the federal E-Verify program—which allows state departments to verify the immigration status of new hires. It is also used to confirm the status of new employees at companies that do business with the state.
Former Gov. Don Carcieri introduced E-Verify to Rhode Island—and the program has stirred controversy ever since. The program was rescinded by Gov. Lincoln Chafee the day after he took office. The bill to restore it is sponsored by Reps. Peter Palumbo, D-Cranston, and Rep. Joseph A. Trillo, R-Warwick.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe committee hearing, which is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., will be in Room 35 at the Statehouse. It will also be broadcast live on Capitol TV (Channel 15 for Cox customers and Channel 34 for Verizon.)
Click here to read the bill.
Gay Marriage Too
The House Judiciary Committee is also set to hold the first hearings on Wednesday on a bill to legalize gay marriage.
The bill is widely expected to set off a heated debate inside and out of the Statehouse—something which top lawmakers are hoping to deal with earlier in the session, so they can then focus on the budget.
A number of prominent advocacy groups are lining up on either side of the issue, including Marriage Equality Rhode Island, which has mounted a grassroots campaign to win over lawmakers. The leading opponent of gay marriage, the state chapter for the National Organization for Marriage, is launching a television ad campaign to get out its message to the public.
The bill has backing from key lawmakers, including Edith Ajello, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, and Gordon Fox, the House Speaker. Both are Providence Democrats. The lead sponsor is Art Handy, D-Cranston.
The hearing is scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m. at the Statehouse in Room 313. It will be broadcast live on Capitol TV.
Click here to read the bill.
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