Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:02:13 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 AS Daily News Roundup: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/22/as-daily-news-roundup-wednesday-february-22-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/22/as-daily-news-roundup-wednesday-february-22-2012/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:02:13 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=847 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Education
ProJo: An incentive for full-day kindergarten
Health and Wellness
ProJo: Insurer told to reduce premium
Politics and Government
PolitiFact: Legislator overreaches in smoking ban claim
ProJo: Elections Board to consider new voter-ID rules
ProJo: Pension legislation still unfinished
ProJo: Council issues plea for legislators to act
Opinion
ProJo: Bob Kerr: We’re all equal, but some more than others
ProJo: Overcoming R.I.’s higher-ed challenge

Education

ProJo: An incentive for full-day kindergarten (A3)
By Jennifer D. Jordan
PROVIDENCE — Even as Rhode Island surges ahead with an ambitious agenda to improve its public schools, a key component is missing — universal full-day kindergarten.

Health and Wellness

ProJo: Insurer told to reduce premium (A4)
By Felice J. Freyer
Health Insurance Commissioner Christopher F. Koller has ordered Blue Cross to reduce premiums for its Direct Pay plans by an estimated average of 1.1 percent.

Politics and Government

PolitiFact: Legislator overreaches in smoking ban claim (A3)
By Alex Kuffner
Rhode Island would extend the current ban on smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars to a slew of public places, including beaches, parks and playgrounds, under legislation introduced by state Rep. Richard P. Morrison.

ProJo: Elections Board to consider new voter-ID rules (A3)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE — New state regulations affecting this year’s elections may be formally adopted, following a public hearing by the state Board of Elections on Wednesday.


ProJo: Pension legislation still unfinished (A5)

By John Hill
CENTRAL FALLS — Lawyers for the city’s retirees and the state-appointed receiver said they may need a month or two to finish drafting legislation to create a $2.6-million fund that would lessen the effect of the deep bankruptcy-driven cuts in the retirees’ pensions.

ProJo: Council issues plea for legislators to act (A5)
By Alisha A. Pina
PROVIDENCE — The City Council says Providence is facing a financial crisis and needs fast action from the General Assembly.

Opinion

ProJo: Bob Kerr: We’re all equal, but some more than others (A4)
By Bob Kerr
Civil unions are a fraud. They are a low-rent, out-the-back-door way of saying “Yeah, we care but not all that much.”

ProJo: Overcoming R.I.’s higher-ed challenge (B6)
By Lorne Adrain
Owing to its small scale, Rhode Island can respond quickly to opportunity as well as to challenges. This strategically significant capability is reflected very well in the agenda facing our public higher-education system.
]]> http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/22/as-daily-news-roundup-wednesday-february-22-2012/feed/ 0 AS Daily News Roundup: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/21/as-daily-news-roundup-tuesday-february-21-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/21/as-daily-news-roundup-tuesday-february-21-2012/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:30:41 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=844 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Education
ProJo: Status of schools critical issue in bankruptcy
ProJo: Key committee endorses revised retirement plan
Health and Wellness
ProJo: R.I. chosen as ‘hub’ for 2013 rally
PBN: Rhode Islanders in 2011 saved $8.2M in Medicare costs
PBN: Fine identifies public health agenda for R.I.
PBN: Health group, Assembly host annual ‘think tank’
Politics and Government
ProJo: Hassenfeld lured Lynch to position at institute
ProJo: Few take advantage of civil union law
ProJo: Last chances to comment on redistricting
ProJo: Rhode Island Tea Party founder resigns
ProJo: Sesse offers less-drastic plan to tax R.I.’s wealthiest
ProJo: Bill would end check-casher exemption
ProJo: Mayor appoints pension panel
WRNI: VP Joe Biden to visit Ocean State
Opinion
ProJo: Fessing up to funding a senator
ProJo: Apply to charter schools


Education

ProJo: Status of schools critical issue in bankruptcy (A1)
By John Hill
PROVIDENCE — Is the Central Falls School Department, financed by state money and run by a state-appointed board, in effect, a state agency and therefore not part of city government or the city’s pending bankruptcy proceeding, as the school district’s teachers union argues?

ProJo: Key committee endorses revised retirement plan (A1)
By Gina Macris
WARWICK — A key committee on Monday recommended the Board of Governors for Higher Education approve a URI retirement incentive aimed at realigning faculty and still save millions of dollars on salaries. Eligible retirees would be offered a one-time payment equal to 40 percent of their current salaries to step down.

Health and Wellness

ProJo: R.I. chosen as ‘hub’ for 2013 rally (A5)
By G. Wayne Miller
Based on its success with a decade of Rally for Recovery events celebrating people who have overcome drug and alcohol addiction, Rhode Island has been selected as National Hub Recovery site for 2013, officials with the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals announced on Monday.

PBN: Rhode Islanders in 2011 saved $8.2M in Medicare costs
WASHINGTON – In 2011, 14,822 Rhode Island residents with Medicare saved a total of $8.2 million on their prescription-drug costs, thanks to the health care reform law, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

PBN: Fine identifies public health agenda for R.I.

PROVIDENCE – R.I. Department of Health Director Michael Fine detailed his agency’s public-health priorities and prevention strategies for 2012 in a presentation on Feb. 6 before the Rhode Island Public Health Study Commission.

http://www.pbn.com/Fine-identifies-public-health-agenda-for-RI,65476?sub_type=stories,packages


PBN: Health group, Assembly host annual ‘think tank’

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Public Health Association hosted its sixth annual Rhode Island Public Health Think Tank on Feb. 8, in partnership with the General Assembly.

http://www.pbn.com/Health-group-Assembly-host-annual-lsquothink-tankrsquo,65472?sub_type=stories,packages


Politics and Government

ProJo: Hassenfeld lured Lynch to position at institute (A1)
By Katherine Gregg and Tom Mooney
PROVIDENCE — The latest revelation in the saga of Dan Doyle and his Institute for International Sport goes deep into the 2010 governor’s race, and the offer of a job worth “at least $200,000” to then-Attorney General Pat-rick C. Lynch.

ProJo: Few take advantage of civil union law (A4)
By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE — Pointing to just 46 same-sex unions during the first six months that they were available, the local affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union said Monday that Rhode Island’s civil-union law is “virtually useless” and amounts to “an embarrassment.”

ProJo: Last chances to comment on redistricting (A5)
By Alisha A. Pina
PROVIDENCE — Time is running out for residents to share their views on proposed changes to the city’s political boundaries.

ProJo: Rhode Island Tea Party founder resigns (A5)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE –– Colleen Conley, founder of the Rhode Island Tea Party, has stepped down as head of the nearly three-year-old organization, which gained notoriety, along with other national tea party groups, for criticizing President Obama’s economic stimulus plan.

ProJo: Sesse offers less-drastic plan to tax R.I.’s wealthiest (A7)
By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE — He was one of the architects of an income-tax structure that eased the burden on Rhode Island’s top wage earners, but as the debate rages over whether the state’s wealthiest should pay more, Gary S. Sasse says the answer is yes.

ProJo: Bill would end check-casher exemption (A7)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE –– A state lawmaker has introduced legislation into the General Assembly that would strike a provision that she says gives convenience stores, grocers and other retail businesses an unfair advantage over licensed check-cashing businesses like the one her brother owns.

ProJo: Mayor appoints pension panel (A8)
By Michael P. McKinney
PAWTUCKET –– Mayor Donald R. Grebien has announced that a recently named panel will aim to find ways to deal with Pawtucket’s underfunded pensions and health benefits.

WRNI: VP Joe Biden to visit Ocean State
By Ian Donnis

Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to headline a fundraiser at the Providence Biltmore Thursday evening for Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Whitehouse already has an enormous fundraising lead over Republican rival Barry Hinckley.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrni/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1906425/RIPR.News/VP.Joe.Biden.due.to.visit.Ocean.State


Opinion

ProJo: Fessing up to funding a senator (B7)
By Edward Achorn
Twelve years ago, unions helped John Tassoni, then president of Graphic Communications Local 239, topple a 21-year incumbent Rhode Island state senator. On its Web site, Mr. Tassoni’s union boasted about his victory, saying it was “in keeping with a campaign by organized labor to get more union members into public office.”

ProJo: Apply to charter schools (B6)
By Stephen A. Nardelli, 2/19/2012
With the March 1 lottery date for charter public schools fast approaching, Rhode Island’s families should consider the innovations and exciting work happening in these schools. Whether a charter or traditional public school is the best fit, families benefit from public-school choice options and selecting a school that fits their child’s individual needs and interests.
]]> http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/21/as-daily-news-roundup-tuesday-february-21-2012/feed/ 0 AS Daily News Roundup: Friday, February 17, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/17/as-daily-news-roundup-friday-february-17-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/17/as-daily-news-roundup-friday-february-17-2012/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:23:31 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=841 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Education
ProJo: Panel won’t appeal
ProJo: Tracing the roots of institute at URI
Health and Wellness
ProJo: Youths show support for anti-tobacco measures
WRNI: The plan for avoiding costly ER visits
PBN: Survey: Providers unhappy with insurers
Politics and Government
ProJo: Pension panel considers overhaul
ProJo: Support aired for R.I. PBS
ProJo: Gay-rights advocates introduce several bills
ProJo: Five qualify for GOP primary
ProJo: R.I. leaders back donor-disclosure bill
ProJo: Catholic leaders petition R.I. delegation
Opinion
ProJo Editorial: East Side sidewalk snit
ProJo: Rhode Islanders weather the storm
ProJo Letter to the Editor: Stop harsh ‘no excuses’ approach to education


Education

ProJo: Panel won’t appeal (A1)
By Lynn Arditi
CRANSTON — As about 600 people looked on, the Cranston School Committee voted late Thursday night not to appeal a federal judge’s order to remove a prayer banner displayed in Cranston High School West’s auditorium.

ProJo: Tracing the roots of institute at URI (A1)
By Katherine Gregg and John E. Mulligan
PROVIDENCE — Daniel Doyle’s relationship with the University of Rhode Island began in 1986, when his brother, Michael — who was then-Gov. Edward D. DiPrete’s top aide — introduced him to URI President Edward “Ted” Eddy.

Health and Wellness

ProJo: Youths show support for anti-tobacco measures (A2)
By Alisha A. Pina
PROVIDENCE — Just as the city was sued by national tobacco companies, dozens of youths crowded the City Council chambers Thursday night to show their support for the council’s efforts to have, as their signs read, a tobacco-free Providence.

WRNI: The plan for avoiding costly ER visits
By Megan Hall

Roughly 90% of the ambulance rides in Providence are unnecessary. That’s one of the findings in the final report on keeping Rhode Islanders out of costly emergency rooms.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrni/news.newsmain/article/0/1/1905243/RIPR.News/The.plan.for.avoiding.costly.ER.visits

PBN: Survey: Providers unhappy with insurers
By Richard Asinof

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island medical providers voiced general dissatisfaction with commercial insurance carriers across a spectrum of issues, including fair treatment of providers, promotion of affordability and quality of health care, according to the results of a survey released on Feb. 15 by the R.I. Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner.

http://www.pbn.com/Providers-dissatisfied-with-insurers-survey-finds-,65421

Politics and Government

ProJo: Pension panel considers overhaul (A4)
By Alisha A. Pina
PROVIDENCE — Get a new pool of doctors to examine employees seeking a disability pension.

ProJo: Support aired for R.I. PBS (A5)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE — Governor Chafee’s administration faced criticism on Thursday for a proposal to eliminate state funding for Rhode Island PBS in next year’s budget.

ProJo: Gay-rights advocates introduce several bills (A6)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE — Following last year’s historic passage of a law creating civil unions for same-sex couples, gay rights will again be a focus of debate at the state General Assembly this year.

ProJo: Five qualify for GOP primary (A6)
PROVIDENCE — Voters who go to the polls on April 24 to choose a Republican presidential candidate will see five GOP contenders listed on the ballot.

ProJo: R.I. leaders back donor-disclosure bill (A6)
By Katherine Gregg
PROVIDENCE — With Governor Chafee at their side, General Assembly leaders pledged Thursday to support passage of legislation requiring big-dollar donors to state and local campaigns to disclose the source of their money.

ProJo: Catholic leaders petition R.I. delegation (A9)
By Richard C. Dujardin
PROVIDENCE — The presidents of the state’s two Catholic colleges and Catholic hospital are among those who have joined Bishop Thomas J. To-bin in urging the state’s lawmakers in Washington to help rescind an Obama administration rule requiring faith-based schools and hospitals, among others, to offer free contraception coverage.

Opinion

ProJo Editorial: East Side sidewalk snit (B6)
Was Providence City Councilman Samuel Zurier just tired and grumpy when he sent a foolish letter Jan. 3 to Dee Dee and Gary Wit-man on the East Side chastising them for not contributing to his campaign fund after their sidewalk was fixed?

ProJo: Rhode Islanders weather the storm (B7)
By Anthony Maione
A Jan. 31 front-page article “National report finds many in Rhode Island living on the edge” told the story: Rhode Island ranks 38th in the nation in financial stability of local households. About a third of us do not have the resources to last more than three months if our income is cut off.

ProJo Letter to the Editor: Stop harsh ‘no excuses’ approach to education (B7)
By Maurice Methot
In his Dec. 31 Commentary column (“Don’t give Achievement First both charters”), Providence city Councilman Samuel Zurier proposes to grant only one Mayoral Academy charter to Achievement First instead of granting both charters to this privately run organization.
]]> http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/17/as-daily-news-roundup-friday-february-17-2012/feed/ 0 AS Daily News Roundup: Thursday, February 16, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/16/as-daily-news-roundup-thursday-february-16-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/16/as-daily-news-roundup-thursday-february-16-2012/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:04:01 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=839 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Education
ProJo: J&W will triple its payments to help city
ProJo: Bill seeks single retirement system
Health and Wellness
PBN: Five Questions With: Scott B. Laurans
WRNI: Heart attacks down since smoking ban
Politics and Government
ProJo: Audit: Institute cannot account for all of grant
ProJo: An effort to ban smoking outdoors
ProJo: Restaurant community decries meal tax plan
ProJo: Bills aimed at safer streets
ProJo: Groups blast family-benefits plan
ProJo: House OKs creating historian laureate
Opinion
ProJo: Ed Fitzpatrick: Changing name reflects changing circumstances of middle class
ProJo Editorial: Mayor’s clairon call


Education

ProJo: J&W will triple its payments to help city (A1)
By Alisha A. Pina
PROVIDENCE — Johnson & Wales University will more than triple the voluntary payments it makes annually to Providence — from $308,890 to $958,000.

ProJo: Bill seeks single retirement system (A13)
By Linda Borg
PROVIDENCE — Rep. John Savage thinks that all teachers, including those who work for mayoral academies, should participate in the state retirement system.

Health and Wellness

PBN: Five Questions With: Scott B. Laurans
By Richard Asinof

Scott B. Laurans is the new chairman of the Lifespan board of directors, succeeding Alfred J. Verrecchia after 10 years as chairman.Laurans assumes Lifespan’s leadership mantle in a time of great change – both within the Lifespan hospital system and throughout the health care delivery system in Rhode Island. George A. Vecchione, president and CEO of Lifespan, is stepping down at the end of the year. Hospitals, both large systems and unaffiliated community hospitals, are facing difficult financial pressures.

http://pbn.com/Five-Questions-With-Scott-B-Laurans-,65277?sub_type=stories,packages

WRNI: Heart attacks down since smoking ban
By Flo Jonic

The Rhode Island Health Department says hospital admissions for heart attacks have dropped 28 percent since a smoking ban took effect seven years ago. The ban made most public spaces and work places smoke-free.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrni/news.newsmain/article/7035/0/1904543/Healthcare/Heart.attacks.down.since.smoking.ban

Politics and Government

ProJo: Audit: Institute cannot account for all of grant (A1)
By Katherine Gregg
PROVIDENCE — The Institute for International Sport and its executive director, Daniel E. Doyle, are able to account for how they spent only $163,000 of the $575,000 legis lative grant they were given with top-tier political support in 2007, to construct a building on the University of Rhode Island campus that, five years later, remains an empty shell, with no electricity, plumbing or heat.

ProJo: An effort to ban smoking outdoors (A1)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE –– Smoking would be prohibited in public places such as beaches, parks and playgrounds, if a bill introduced by state Rep. Richard P. Morrison is approved by state lawmakers this year.

ProJo: Restaurant community decries meal tax plan (A1)
By Andy Smith
SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Tara Mulroy, of Tara’s Family Pub in Matunuck, is worried that her 25 summer employees, many of them college students, will lose tips. Chris Spino, of Dunn’s Corners Market in Westerly, is worried that his takeout and catering customers will buy their meals across the border in Connecticut.

ProJo: Bills aimed at safer streets (A4)
By Gregory Smith
PROVIDENCE — “What happened to me should not happen to anyone else,” said City Councilman Terrence M. Hassett.

ProJo: Groups blast family-benefits plan (A11)
By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE — Calling it an insult to two groups of public employees who routinely put themselves in harm’s way, police officers and firefighters urged the House Finance Committee on Wednesday to reject a budget article that would cap and in some cases reduce the benefits paid to the families of officers and firefighters who are seriously injured or die in the line of duty.

ProJo: House OKs creating historian laureate (A11)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE –– The state House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved creation of an unpaid post of historian laureate of Rhode Island, a proposal that has raised concerns from independent Governor Chafee’s administration and was twice vetoed under former Republican Gov. Donald L. Carcieri.

Opinion

ProJo: Ed Fitzpatrick: Changing name reflects changing circumstances of middle class (A4)
By Edward Fitzpatrick
It makes sense for The Poverty Institute to change its name to The Economic Progress Institute.

ProJo Editorial: Mayor’s clairon call (B6)
You’ve got to hand it to Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. He is not sugar-coating the severe financial problems that Providence faces. “We are on the edge and staring into a black hole,” the mayor declared during his State of the City address Monday night.
]]> http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/16/as-daily-news-roundup-thursday-february-16-2012/feed/ 0 AS Daily News Roundup: Friday, February 10, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/10/as-daily-news-roundup-friday-february-10-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/10/as-daily-news-roundup-friday-february-10-2012/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:20:05 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=837 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Education
ProJo: 10 states freed from provisions of landmark law
WRNI: Community groups against test scores as graduation requirement
Health and Wellness
ProJo: Furor over contraceptive coverage
ProJo: Bracing for free dental clinic, organizers call for volunteers
Politics and Government
ProJo: What happened to state’s $575,000
ProJo: Councilors ask for a ‘plan B’
ProJo: 2 bills would redistrict the power of state receiver
ProJo: Case for pension subsidy proposed
ProJo: Kilmartin backs a new statue on mortgage fraud
ProJo: Would DNA samples overload crime lab?
ProJo: McSally contender for Giffords’ seat
PolitiFact: Providence’s commercial tax rate among highest
ProJo: Protesters demand Brown increase payments to city
Opinion
ProJo Bob Kerr: At Highlander, lessons come in many ways
ProJo: New Providence tobacco rules overreach
The Pulse: Making it understandable
GoLocalProv: Who’s hot and who’s not in RI politics


Education

ProJo: 10 states freed from provisions of landmark law (B3)
By Kimberly Hefling and Ben Feller, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — It could be the beginning of the end for No Child Left Behind. The goal was lofty: Get all children up to par in math and reading by 2014. But the nation isn’t getting there, and now some states are getting out.

WRNI: Community groups against test scores as graduation requirement
By Elisabeth Harrison

Rhode Island’s new graduation requirements are the subject of a proposal on Smith Hill. Some lawmakers and community groups are looking to ban the use of standardized test scores as a graduation requirement. They are filling legislation that would make it a violation of state law to use a test score to stop a student from graduating.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrni/news.newsmain/article/7034/0/1902993/Education/Community.groups.against.test.scores.as.graduation.requirement 

Health and Wellness

ProJo: Furor over contraceptive coverage (A1)
By John E. Milligan
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration’s new plan to require all employers to offer insurance coverage for contraceptives has triggered intense reaction in heavily Catholic Rhode Island, where church-affiliatedcolleges and hospitals stand to lose a religious exemption from such mandates.

ProJo: Bracing for free dental clinic, organizers call for volunteers (A4)
By Richard Salit
Will Rhode Island’s free, two-day dental clinic this spring attract the kind of turnout that has overwhelmed related Mission of Mercy events around the country?

Politics and Government

ProJo: What happened to state’s $575,000 (A1)
By Katherine Gregg
Acting Auditor General Dennis E. Hoyle says the Institute for International Sport has been unable to fully account for how it spent a $575,000 grant for a building on the University of Rhode Island campus that, after five years, remains an empty shell, with no plumbing, electricity or heat.

ProJo: Councilors ask for a ‘plan B’ (A1)
By Alisha A. Pina
PROVIDENCE — The mayor’s top adviser painted a grim picture of where Providence would be if it doesn’t get relief from its retirees, tax-exempt institutions, a supplemental tax increase or bankruptcy.

ProJo: 2 bills would redistrict the power of state receiver (A2)
By W. Zachary Malinowski
PROVIDENCE — Two Central Falls legislators, who have been critical about the powers bestowed on state-appointed receiver Robert G. Flanders Jr., have introduced bills in the General Assembly that would restrict the duties of fiscal overseers appointed to manage the finances of any of the state’s troubled cities or towns.

ProJo: Case for pension subsidy proposed (A1)
By W. Zachary Malinowski
PROVIDENCE — The architects of the plan to subsidize the slashed retirement pensions of more than 100 Central Falls police officers and firefighters appeared before the Senate Finance Committee Thursday and presented their case that the General Assembly would be wise to approve the $2.6-million bailout.

ProJo: Kilmartin backs a new statue on mortgage fraud (A5)
By John Hill
PROVIDENCE — People who lie to get mortgages, people who misuse the Internet and contractors who might be intimidated into making campaign contributions are addressed in a package of bills being supported this legislative session by Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin.

ProJo: Would DNA samples overload crime lab? (A5)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE — Weighing a bill to require the collection of DNA samples from anyone arrested for a violent crime in Rhode Island, a state Senate panel on Thursday questioned how the proposal might affect the state’s already overburdened crime lab.

ProJo: McSally contender for Giffords’ seat (A7)
By Tatiana Pina
When Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Arizona, announced that she was leaving Congress to focus on her recovery, it lit a fire under retired Col. Martha McSally.

PolitiFact: Providence’s commercial tax rate among highest (A10)
By Alex Kuffner
In his State of the State speech, Governor Chafee declared this “the year of the cities and towns” and promised to work to relieve the burden on property taxpayers.

ProJo: Protesters demand Brown increase payments to city (A10)
By Karen Lee Ziner
PROVIDENCE — Three dozen people, nearly all of them members of the Providence firefighters’ union, marched against Brown University on Thursday in “Tax Fairness Rally II,” their second such protest in a month. A few taxpayers and members of the Providence police union joined in.

Opinion

ProJo Bob Kerr: At Highlander, lessons come in many ways (A4)
By Bob Kerr
You have to get this bracelet. It goes with your very best stuff. Slide it on your wrist and put yourself in some very good company.

ProJo: New Providence tobacco rules overreach (B6)
By Viral Patel
When government functions the way it is supposed to, it makes common-sense regulations designed to meet the needs of its constituents. Unfortunately, the Providence City Council missed the mark on this when it recently passed two ordinances affecting tobacco sales. 

The Pulse: Making it understandable
By Megan Hall

Last week I spent a few hours with a classroom of RISD students who were struggling with a question I often ask myself- how to make health care reform understandable?

http://wrnihealthcareblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/making-it-understandable/

GoLocalProv: Who’s hot and who’s not in RI politics 
By Dan McGowan

Every Friday, Dan McGowan breaks down who’s rising and who’s falling in the world of Rhode Island politics. Check out who makes the list this week.

http://www.golocalprov.com/politics/

]]> http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/10/as-daily-news-roundup-friday-february-10-2012/feed/ 0 AS Daily News Roundup: Thursday, February 9, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/09/as-daily-news-roundup-thursday-february-9-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/09/as-daily-news-roundup-thursday-february-9-2012/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:40:28 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=834 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Education
ProJo: 71 teachers get layoff notices due to fiscal uncertainty
ProJo: Bill would block ‘high-stakes’ testing
Health and Wellness
ProJo: New health-related fees considered
WRNI: BCBS opposes Hospital Conversions Act
PBN: Steward: Eliminating waiting period matters for Landmark deal
Politics and Government
ProJo: Votolato stepping down from bench after 40 years
ProJo: Records reveal robust year of fundraising
ProJo: GOP plans suit against redistricting
ProJo: New payday for ex-House speaker
ProJo: Bill would cap lawyer fees
ProJo: Council members to lose benefits
Opinion
ProJo: Ed Fitzpatrick: White House, Whitehouse back ‘Buffett rule’
ProJo: Receivers must be accountable to public


Education

ProJo: 71 teachers get layoff notices due to fiscal uncertainty (A4)
By Jennifer D. Jordan
CENTRAL FALLS –– Facing a $5.6-million deficit and uncertain enrollment numbers for next year, the Central Falls School Board of Trustees Tuesday night agreed to send formal layoff notices to 71 teachers.

ProJo: Bill would block ‘high-stakes’ testing (A8)
By Jennifer D. Jordan
PROVIDENCE –– Two state lawmakers known for their advocacy for disabled and minority students are seeking to prevent the use of standardized tests to decide whether a student can receive a high school diploma, reigniting a passionate debate that raged in 2011.

Health and Wellness

ProJo: New health-related fees considered (A7)
By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE — The state could collect an additional $1.5 million next year and $3.8 million the following year by adopting a new fee schedule for hundreds of health-related professions, Health Director Michael D. Fine told the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday.

WRNI: BCBS opposes Hospital Conversions Act
By Megan Hall

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island is coming out in opposition to legislation allowing for-profits to buy multiple hospitals in a year.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrni/news.newsmain/article/7035/0/1902609/Healthcare/BCBS.opposes.Hospital.Conversions.Act

PBN: Steward: Eliminating waiting period matters for Landmark deal
By Richard Asinof

PROVIDENCE – A three-hour hearing was held Tuesday evening on legislation filed at the request of Steward Health Care before the R.I. House Corporations Committee. But the import of the legislation was revealed in the Statehouse corridors after the hearing concluded by Steward spokesman Christopher Murphy.

http://pbn.com/Steward-Eliminating-waiting-period-matters-for-Landmark-deal,65223?category_id=31&sub_type=stories,packages

Politics and Government

ProJo: Votolato stepping down from bench after 40 years (A1)
By Tracy Breton
PROVIDENCE — After more than 40 years as the state’s first and only bankruptcy judge, Arthur N. Votolato Jr., 81, is preparing to retire.

ProJo: Records reveal robust year of fundraising (A1)
By Philip Marcelo and Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE –– In a busy legislative year that included a contentious budget debate and passage of a historic overhaul of the state pension system, the campaign coffers of the General Assembly’s two top Democrats saw plenty of activity in 2011.

ProJo: GOP plans suit against redistricting (A7)
By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE — With legislation that recasts the state’s political boundaries signed into law, the state Republican Party said Wednesday that it will file a lawsuit within days.

ProJo: New payday for ex-House speaker (A9)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE –– With a proposal to rein in high interest rates charged by payday lenders again introduced into the General Assembly, Advance America –– one of Rhode Island’s leading payday lenders –– has enlisted some influential help.

ProJo: Bill would cap lawyer fees (A9)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE — A proposal to cap lawyer fees charged to cities and towns for labor-contract negotiations could provide taxpayer relief by curtailing a significant municipal expense, according to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Scott Guthrie, D-Coventry.

ProJo: Council members to lose benefits (A10)
By Gina Macris
EAST PROVIDENCE — The cash-strapped city will save about $55,000 by ending health, dental and life insurance for the five members of the City Council in the next municipal budget, if not sooner.

Opinion

ProJo: Ed Fitzpatrick: White House, Whitehouse back ‘Buffett rule’ (A4)
By Edward Fitzpatrick
In his State of the Union speech, President Obama turned the “Buffett rule” into a prime-time proposal aimed at making millionaires pay more in taxes. He cited billionaire investor Warren E. Buffett’s complaint that he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary.

ProJo: Receivers must be accountable to public (B6)
By Ryan Pierannunzi
The recent news that Rhode Island Governor Chafee had requested nearly $400,000 in additional state funds, on top of what was already budgeted, to offset the costs of Central Falls’s receivership and associated legal expenses provides ample evidence that the ongoing developments in Central Falls deserve Rhode Islanders’ full attention and scrutiny.
]]> http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/09/as-daily-news-roundup-thursday-february-9-2012/feed/ 0 AS Daily News Roundup: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/08/as-daily-news-roundup-wednesday-february-8-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/08/as-daily-news-roundup-wednesday-february-8-2012/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:56:48 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=832 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Economy and Housing
ProJo: State to join in settlement
ProJo: Big boost expected from 2013 AHL event
ProJo News Digest: Soup kitchen at State House to raise awareness
WRNI: Candy bar will help needy kids in Central Falls
Education
ProJo: Prayer banner gets wooden cover
PBN: RIF grant to ‘restart’ 3 Providence schools
Health and Wellness
ProJo: Bill spurs debate on for-profit hospitals
ProJo: Cut in dental coverage criticized
Politics and Government
ProJo: Council looks at replacing Pelletier
ProJo: Doherty meets with House Republicans
ProJo: Again, Senate OKs bill to limit ‘good behavior’ credit
Opinion
ProJo Editorial: Governor Chafee’s budget

Economy and Housing

ProJo: State to join in settlement (A1)
By Christine Dunn
PROVIDENCE — Attorney General Peter Kilmartin said Tuesday that he intends to sign on to the tentative federal-state settlement with the nation’s five largest mortgage lenders over foreclosure abuses, saying the agreement would bring the state “significant money” to address the housing crisis.

ProJo: Big boost expected from 2013 AHL event (A4)
By Kate Bramson
PROVIDENCE –– Winning the right to host the American Hockey League All-Star Game in January 2013 provides a boost for the capital city’s economy during the winter season, when there isn’t as much economic activity downtown.

ProJo News Digest: Soup kitchen at State House to raise awareness (A6)
By Associated Press
Advocates for Rhode Island’s homeless are planning to hold a soup kitchen at the State House to raise awareness about homelessness and highlight their call for more affordable housing. The soup kitchen is planned for Thursday afternoon in the rotunda.

WRNI: Candy bar will help needy kids in Central Falls
By Catherine Welch

There’s a new chocolate bar for sale that will help needy children in Central Falls. The brown and blue wrapper features a picture of the William Wheat Chocolate Mill. It was in the city when Central Falls was known as Chocolateville back in the mid-18th century.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrni/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1902345/RIPR.News/Candy.bar.will.help.needy.kids.in.Central.Falls

Education

ProJo: Prayer banner gets wooden cover (A2)
By Lynn Arditi
CRANSTON — A prayer banner hanging in the auditorium of Cranston High School West has been covered with wood in accordance with an agreement filed in U.S. District Court Tuesday.

PBN: RIF grant to ‘restart’ 3 Providence schools
By PBN Staff

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation announced Tuesday that it will grant $100,000 in a first step toward overhauling three Providence schools.

http://pbn.com/RIF-grant-to-restart-3-Providence-schools,65204?category_id=31&sub_type=stories,packages

Health and Wellness

ProJo: Bill spurs debate on for-profit hospitals (A6)
By Felice J. Freyer
PROVIDENCE –– A State House hearing on a proposal to amend the law governing hospital mergers became a lively two-hour debate Tuesday on the merits of for-profit hospital ownership and the plight of community hospitals.

ProJo: Cut in dental coverage criticized (A6)
By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE — A mix of doctors, dentists and advocates for the needy urged the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday to reject Governor Chafee’s plan to eliminate dental coverage for adults on Medicaid, saying the move would lead to other health problems that would raise the cost of health care.

Politics and Government

ProJo: Council looks at replacing Pelletier (A4)
By Paul Davis and Maria Armental
CRANSTON — City officials are exploring ways to replace Councilman Robert J. Pelletier, who resigned Monday amid questions about where he lives.

ProJo: Doherty meets with House Republicans (A6)
By John E. Mulligan
WASHINGTON — Congressional candidate Bren-dan Doherty presented himself to House Republicans Tuesday as a New England moderate who enjoys support across the political spectrum.

ProJo: Again, Senate OKs bill to limit ‘good behavior’ credit (A7)
By Katherine Gregg
PROVIDENCE — For the second year in a row, the state Senate has responded to the public uproar over the potential release, 12 years early, of convicted child killer Michael Woodmansee by approving legislation to disqualify murderers, rapists, child molesters and other violent criminals from early release from prison for “good behavior.”

Opinion

ProJo Editorial: Governor Chafee’s budget (B6)
Governor Chafee’s $7.9 billion proposed Rhode Island state budget is better than last year’s, but he still seems to be missing a key point: Raising taxes in a grim economy will not help Rhode Islanders. 
]]> http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/08/as-daily-news-roundup-wednesday-february-8-2012/feed/ 0 AS Daily News Roundup: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/07/as-daily-news-roundup-tuesday-february-7-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/07/as-daily-news-roundup-tuesday-february-7-2012/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:19:20 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=829 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Education
ProJo: School partnership awarded $100,000
ProJo: Still now word on school budget
Health and Wellness
ProJo: Upgrades, layoffs for Landmark
ProJo: Family feedback seen as key to revealing hidden dementia
WRNI: Bill allows for buying RI hospitals in bulk
RI Future: New Providence subcommittee on women & healthy communities
Politics and Government
ProJo: R.I. leaders vow to help city avert bankruptcy
ProJo: Making returns a bit less taxing
PolitiFact: Email is wildly misleading on house-sales tax
ProJo: Governor reclaims EDC’s energy fund
ProJo: Canvassers pursuing councilman on address
Opinion
ProJo Ed Fitzpatrick: Central Falls needs to keep its post office
ProJo Editorial: Sunshine in doctor’s office
ProJo: What’s ‘irrational’ is ignoring R.I. ills
ProJo: Journal story an unfair attack on North Providence
ProJo Letter to the Editor: Landmark saved my life


Education

ProJo: School partnership awarded $100,000 (A6)
By Linda Borg
PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Foundation will give $100,000 to support a groundbreaking collaboration between the Providence School Department and the teachers union to reform three of the district’s lowest-performing schools.

ProJo: Still now word on school budget (A7)
By John Hill
WOONSOCKET — At a time of year when most school committees are putting together the official budget plans for next year, city and School Department accountants here are still picking up the pieces of this year’s budget and trying to reassemble them into a coherent document that will tell them if they are looking at a deficit.

Health and Wellness

ProJo: Upgrades, layoffs for Landmark (A7)
By Felice J. Freyer
If Steward Health Care System succeeds in buying Landmark Medical Center, the Bos-ton-based hospital chain plans to spend $30 million on capital improvements, consolidate a variety of administrative functions and eliminate about 90 jobs.

ProJo: Family feedback seen as key to revealing hidden dementia (B8)
By Lauran Neergaard
WASHINGTON — Alexis McKenzie’s mother had mild dementia, but things sounded OK when she phoned home: Dad was with her, finishing his wife’s sentences as they talked about puttering through the day and a drive to the store.

WRNI: Bill allows for buying RI hospitals in bulk
By Megan Hall

This afternoon, a House committee on Smith Hill will review legislation that changes a law governing the sale and mergers of local hospitals. The bill itself is only a paragraph, but the language could have a massive effect on Rhode Island’s hospital system. Morning Edition host Elisabeth Harrison spoke with Rhode Island Public Radio’s health care reporter Megan Hall about the proposal.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrni/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1901951/RIPR.News/Bill.allows.for.buying.RI.hospitals.in.bulk

RI Future: New Providence subcommittee on women & healthy communities
By Libby Kimzey

At the February 2nd meeting of the Providence City Council, Council President Michael Solomon (Ward Five) announced the creation of a new Women and Healthy Communities subcommittee of the Committee on Ordinances. Councilmembers Sabina Matos (Ward Fifteen), Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), David Salvatore (Ward 14), Seth Yurdin (Ward 1), and Samuel Zurier (Ward 2) were named as members of the subcommittee.

http://www.rifuture.org/new-providence-subcommittee-on-women-healthy-communities.html

Politics and Government

ProJo: R.I. leaders vow to help city avert bankruptcy (A1)
By Alisha A. Pina and Tom Mooney
PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island’s political leaders assured Mayor Angel Taveras and the city’s State House representatives Monday that the capital city has their full support in fighting off bankruptcy, whether their help comes in the form of legislation, or perhaps, political persuasion.

ProJo: Making returns a bit less taxing (A1)
By Paul Grimaldi
Some Rhode Islanders who are preparing their state income-tax returns are discovering the changes made in 2010 to the state’s personal income-tax system. The changes include eliminating itemized deductions, fewer tax brackets and higher standard deductions. 

PolitiFact: Email is wildly misleading on house-sales tax (A5)
By C. Eugene Emery Jr.
“THIS WILL BLOW YOU AWAY!!!!!” said the message that arrived in our e-mail box on Feb. 2, which warned of a “ploy to steal billions from unsuspecting homeowners.”

ProJo: Governor reclaims EDC’s energy fund (A5)
By Kate Bramson
PROVIDENCE –– Governor Chafee wants his administration to take back control of a $5.8-million energy fund that the state’s Economic Development Corporation has used to lure businesses to Rhode Island, encourage local firms to install solar-power systems and entice Toray Plastics (America) Inc. to expand its Quonset Point facility.

ProJo: Canvassers pursuing councilman on address (A7)
By Paul Davis
CRANSTON — The Board of Canvassers wants City Council Vice President Robert J. Pelletier to answer questions about where he lives at a meeting Wednesday in City Hall.

Opinion

ProJo Ed Fitzpatrick: Central Falls needs to keep its post office (A4)
By Edward Fitzpatrick
He figured the ficus tree was a fake, so when he first started working at the Central Falls post office, he didn’t water it. But when the leaves started to fall off, postal clerk Edward G. Ferguson began taking care of it. He even gave it a nickname: Skippy.

ProJo Editorial: Sunshine in doctor’s office (B6)
As mandated by the new federal health-care law, the Obama administration has prepared rules requiring drug and medical-device manufacturers to disclose payments to doctors. Frequently, doctors accept payments for consulting on or lecturing about companies’ products. Before accepting a prescription, consumers should, at the very least, be able to find out whether a possible conflict of interest exists.

ProJo: What’s ‘irrational’ is ignoring R.I. ills (B7)
By Edward Achorn
A man goes to the doctor with searing pain. The doctor orders up some tests, discovers the man has cancer and prescribes treatment.

ProJo: Journal story an unfair attack on North Providence (B7)
By Jaclyn Pringle
This is a wonderful community; it is a community of neighbors and family and people who stay here forever. It’s the true blood,” stated Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Maureen Mc-Kenna Goldberg last Nov. 29, when Rhode Island’s Traveling Supreme Court held trial sessions at North Providence High School (“Justices visit N. Providence,’’ by Mark Reynolds, news, Nov. 30).

ProJo Letter to the Editor: Landmark saved my life (B7)
By Daniel M. Couture
I owe my life to Landmark Medical Center, in Woonsocket. If not for the quick, professional response of the nurses, medical staff and doctors — in particular, Dr. Walid Saber — I would not be here today to tell you how great a hospital Landmark Medical Center is. 
]]> http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/07/as-daily-news-roundup-tuesday-february-7-2012/feed/ 0 AS Daily News Roundup: Monday, February 6, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/06/as-daily-news-roundup-monday-february-6-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/06/as-daily-news-roundup-monday-february-6-2012/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:10:11 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=827 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Education
ProJo: Bard’s lines fall trippingly
PBN: Business has a stake in education reform
PBN: Neumont eyes slice of R.I. market
Health and Wellness
ProJo: New nursing home payment policy a worry for some
PBN: Five Questions With: Howard Dean
Politics and Government
ProJo: Speechwriter took unplanned route to State House
ProJo: Doherty kickoff: It’s about leadership
GoLocalProv: PowerPlayer: Providence Councilwoman Sabina Matos
Opinion
ProJo: A judge’s misunderstanding of Medicare
ProJo: Absent Cicilline accountable for his role in city’s crisis
ProJo: The Ocean State is a misbegotten debt-collection state
ProJo Letter to the Editor: Mental-health visionary
PBN: Brown ready to up payment to city, talk about more

Education

ProJo: Bard’s lines fall trippingly (A4)
By Gregory Smith
PROVIDENCE — “All the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts …”

PBN: Business has a stake in education reform
By Denise Perreault

Two local reports give the R.I. Department of Education high marks for progress made to date in education reform, but both warn that much more needs to be done and involvement of the business community is essential for the state’s future prosperity.

http://www.pbn.com/Reports-Business-has-a-stake-in-education-reform,65132?search_filter=stake+in+education+reform&sub_type=stories,packages

PBN: Neumont eyes slice of R.I. market
By Kimberly Donoghue

Edward H. Levine has been CEO and president of South Jordan, Utah-based Neumont University LLC since 2007.

http://www.pbn.com/Neumont-eyes-slice-of-RI-market,65118?page=1

Health and Wellness

ProJo: New nursing home payment policy a worry for some (A1)
By Philip Marcelo
PROVIDENCE — A plan to restructure how nursing homes are paid by the state will “devastate” the industry, resulting in layoffs and hurting care of the elderly, according to LeadingAge RI, an association representing a dozen Rhode Island nursing homes.

PBN: Five Questions With: Howard Dean
By Richard Asinof

Doctor and former Democratic candidate for president discusses his views on the future of health care.

http://www.pbn.com/Five-Questions-With-Howard-Dean,65039?sub_type=stories,packages

Politics and Government

ProJo: Speechwriter took unplanned route to State House (A2)
By Katherine Gregg, Philip Marcelo, Randal Edgar and John Mulligan
Richard Nixon had William Safire. John F. Kennedy had Ted Sorenson. Ronald Reagan had Peggy Noonan, among others. On Tuesday, Rhode Islanders got a glimpse of Governor Chafee’s own speechwriter as the two were captured, shirtsleeved and deep in thought, in a photograph that ran on providencejournal.com, a few hours before the governor delivered his combination budget and State of the Stateaddress to lawmakers.

ProJo: Doherty kickoff: It’s about leadership (A5)
By Andy Smith
CUMBERLAND — Republican congressional candidate Brendan P. Doherty kicked off his election year campaign with a hometown rally for supporters and volunteers Sunday morning at the Lusitana Club.

GoLocalProv: PowerPlayer: Providence Councilwoman Sabina Matos
By Dan McGowan

This week’s PowerPlayer is Providence City Councilwoman Sabina Matos. Councilwoman Matos was kind enough to chat with us about her first year on the Council and her vision for the future of the city.

http://www.golocalprov.com/news/powerplayer-providence-councilwoman-sabina-matos/

Opinion

ProJo: A judge’s misunderstanding of Medicare (B6)
By Steve Kirkpatrick
Judge Sarah Taft-Carter’s decision to freeze the City of Providence’s plan to move retired police and firefighters into Medicare is counter to the interest of both taxpayers and retired police and firefighters.

ProJo: Absent Cicilline accountable for his role in city’s crisis (B7)
By Anthony Gemma
I was present last Thursday morning at Providence City Hall to hear Mayor Angel Taveras deliver a frank assessment of his city’s dire financial straits. The somber directness of his call for across-the-board sacrifice and his conclusion — that absent the imposition of what a year ago would have been considered politically unthinkable solutions, Providence would not be able to avoid bankruptcy — were not mitigated by concerns that they might damage his political standing. 

ProJo: The Ocean State is a misbegotten debt-collection state (B7)
By Steve Bucci
Recent enforcement action by the Federal Trade Commission to curb abuses by debt collectors has gained national publicity. Some collectors have been threatening consumers with legal action or credit-report damage if they don’t pay debts they no longer owe.

ProJo Letter to the Editor: Mental-health visionary (B7)
By Joseph J. Bevilacqua
It was my privilege and honor to work for Gov. J. Joseph Garrahy as his director of the Rhode Island Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals, as it is was then known, from 1975 until 1981.

PBN: Brown ready to up payment to city, talk about more
By Marisa A. Quinn

Brown University has been a vital part of Providence for almost 250 years, and the university community looks forward to partnering constructively with Providence for many years to come. In the spirit of rediscovering the valuable relationship we know can exist, I am writing today to correct some misinformation about this relationship so that this town-and-gown pairing can realize its full potential.

http://www.pbn.com/Brown-ready-to-up-payment-to-city-talk-about-more,65097?sub_type=stories,packages

]]> http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/06/as-daily-news-roundup-monday-february-6-2012/feed/ 0 AS Daily News Roundup: Friday, February 3, 2012 http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/03/as-daily-news-roundup-friday-february-3-2012/ http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/2012/02/03/as-daily-news-roundup-friday-february-3-2012/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:24:40 +0000 Advocacy Solutions http://advocacysolutionsllc.com/?p=825 Continue reading →]]> Table of Contents
Education
ProJo: Regents approve charter school
Energy
ProJo: Reaching the heights of power
Health and Wellness
ProJo: Block looking for Medicaid fraud
Politics and Government
ProJo: Mayor says city near ‘bankruptcy’
PolitiFact: Trillo leaves out part of Quonet’s benefit
ProJo: Chafee wants cooperation on jobs
ProJo: Governor seeks ‘fairness’ in state raises
WRNI: Political Roundtable: Chafee’s budget and Providence’s fiscal woes
Opinion
ProJo: Bring Pats’ winning ways to government


Education

ProJo: Regents approve charter school (A1)
By Linda Borg
PROVIDENCE –– The state Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education gave the go-ahead Thursday to a controversial charter-school proposal that has divided education reformers over the future of public education in Rhode Island.

Energy

ProJo: Reaching the heights of power (A4)
By Barbara Polichetti
PROVIDENCE –– The 600-ton crane stood at the ready Wednesday, its black and red boom reaching high above the Fields Point wastewater-treatment plant.

Health and Wellness

ProJo: Block looking for Medicaid fraud (A10)
By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE — Governor Chafee has turned to a former rival in the hopes of saving the state and its taxpayers some money.

Politics and Government

ProJo: Mayor says city near ‘bankruptcy’ (A1)
By Tom Mooney and Alisha A. Pina
PROVIDENCE –– Nearly a year after the then-new mayor announced a “Category 5 fiscal hurricane” threatening Providence, Angel Taveras Thursday predicted bankruptcy for Rhode Island’s capital city unless he receives benefit concessions from retirees and more money from tax-exempt institutions.

PolitiFact: Trillo leaves out part of Quonet’s benefit (A7)
By Alex Kuffner
State Rep. Joseph A. Trillo wants someone to build a “super-casino” in the Quonset Business Park. It’s a can’t-miss proposition, the Warwick Republican says. Cruise ships could dock at the Port of Davisville, bringing visitors from afar to a 7.5-million-square-foot facility that would include such amenities as an indoor amusement park and an aquarium.

ProJo: Chafee wants cooperation on jobs (A9)
By Kate Bramson
PROVIDENCE –– Governor Chafee is seeking “unprecedented coordination and cooperation” among state agencies with a new group he announced Tuesday — a Governor’s Jobs Cabinet — to create an atmosphere that encourages job creation, according to the man he has charged with organizing the effort.

ProJo: Governor seeks ‘fairness’ in state raises (A9)
By Katherine Gregg
PROVIDENCE — Governor Chafee, citing “fairness,” wants state agency directors, whose salaries range from $94,769 to $156,876, to get raises anytime the state’s unionized employees get a negotiated raise.

WRNI: Political Roundtable: Chafee’s budget and Providence’s fiscal woes
By Ian Donnis

Governor Lincoln Chafee talks about his budget, and Providence’s fiscal crisis. That’s part of the discussion this week on Political Roundtable.

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrni/news.newsmain/article/0/13/1901079/Top.Stories/Political.Roundtable.Chafee%E2%80%99s.budget.and.Providence%E2%80%99s.fiscal.woes

Opinion

ProJo: Bring Pats’ winning ways to government (B6)
By Brendan Doherty
On Sunday, Patriots fans will watch our team play in its fifth Super Bowl in 11 years. Yet even more impressive is that so few of the current players were with the team for the four previous Super Bowls. The Pats no longer rely on such stalwarts as Tedy Bruschi, Troy Brown and Rodney Harrison, but now look to a new generation of stars, such as Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Jerod Mayo.
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