Restore Checks and Balances During State of Emergencies, Says RI House GOP in Proposed Legislation
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Rhode Island House Republicans announced Tuesday they will submit legislation to "ensure proper checks and balances on the Governor’s powers during a declared State of Emergency."
"Rhode Island has been without a legislative branch of state government for the past eight months," said the GOP in a joint statement. "Rather than elected lawmakers passing laws, we are governed by a succession of executive orders issued by Governor Raimondo. Many of these executive orders are legislative in nature because they deeply affect our personal lives, including; our freedom to associate in our own homes, to practice our religion, to bury our departed loved ones, and to make a living."
About Legislation
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe first proposed 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.
The second proposed bill would amend the Declaration of Emergency statute (§ 30-15-9) by requiring legislative action to continue a declared state of emergency past 90-days.
"The General Assembly has failed to exercise its basic constitutional oversight function of the Governor’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including: for our seniors dying in our nursing homes; our children failing with remote education; our struggling over-regulated businesses, and our declining economy," said the House GOP.
"Sadly, Speaker Mattiello stated last week that his secret closed-door meetings with Governor Raimondo and Senate President Ruggierio is an appropriate level of oversight, and those that disagree are 'political noise' that want Rhode Island to fail for political gain," the added. "It is most unfortunate that Speaker Mattiello has failed to lead the House of Representatives during this crisis, and that he has chosen to attack the motivations of those seeking to respect basic constitutional norms."
About Caucus
The Rhode Island House of Representatives Minority Caucus (Republican) is comprised of the following elected members representing constituents who live in the following districts throughout the Ocean State: Minority Leader, Blake Filippi, District 36 (Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly, New Shoreham); Minority Whip, Michael Chippendale, District 40 (Foster, Glocester, Coventry); Representative John Lyle, Jr., District 46 (Lincoln, Pawtucket); Representative George Nardone, District 28 (Coventry); Representative Brian Newberry, District 48 (North Smithfield, Burrillville); Representative David Place, District 47 (Burrillville, Glocester); Senior Deputy Minority Leader Justin Price, District 39 (Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond); Deputy Minority Leader Robert Quattrocchi, District 41 (Scituate, Cranston); Deputy Minority Whip Sherry Roberts, District 29 (Coventry, West Greenwich).
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