Oversight Over Gubernatorial Executive Orders Needed, Says RI Democratic State Rep

Oversight Over Gubernatorial Executive Orders Needed, Says RI Democratic State Rep

Rhode Island State Representative William O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) is calling on the House Oversight Committee to hold hearings regarding the executive orders issued by the governor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

O’Brien’s call comes after the House Republican Caucus recently announced they were introducing legislation to "ensure proper checks and balances on the Governor’s powers during a declared State of Emergency." 

One of the GOP bills would bill would establish in law a new bi-partisan Permanent Joint Disaster Oversight Committee, comprised of members from both the House and the Senate. This committee would be required to regularly meet during a declared state of emergency to review the policies and actions of the Governor. The Committee would have the power to subpoena witnesses and documents. 

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On November 9, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo issued her 91st supplemental emergency declaration. 

READ ALL EXECUTIVE ORDERS HERE

O’Brien served as Democratic Majority Leader under defeated Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello. At the recent Democratic caucus following the election,  House Democrats backed Majority Leader Joe Shekarchi to be the body’s next Speaker — and Rep. Chris Blazejewski as the new Majority Leader. 

O’Brien’s Call for Oversight

“As we enter another month of this public health crisis, it is important that the House Oversight Committee upholds its constitutional duty to provide oversight of the governor’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said O’Brien. 

“While I do think the governor is doing a good job, the legislature also must have the ability to ask questions, obtain data, and oversee and analyze the governor’s executive orders so that Rhode Islanders are best protected and that their needs are being served during this unprecedented time,” he added. 

“As a member of the House Finance Committee, we have been meeting diligently to assess what is being done to help struggling Rhode Island residents.  I know our small businesses are truly in a precarious place and the processes and operations to secure them help, through grants or other means, appears to be lacking and the House Oversight Committee is the proper venue for these business owners, residents, and legislators to receive the answers that we all rightfully deserve," said O'Brien.

When reached for comment on Wednesday, House Oversight Chair Pat Serpa said she was unaware of O'Brien's request.