We have unique challenges in our coastal towns (Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown). First, we’re a coastal community in the time of sea level rise and stronger storms. Second, we are seeing fewer families here and more out-of-towners who only come during the summer. The cost of everything: housing, gas, food, childcare, and healthcare, is stretching many families’ budgets. I will continue to work hard so that everyone who has roots here can afford to stay here. Highlights from my work:

Protecting Access to the Shore

• Required oceanfront rentals to disclose Rhode Island’s public shoreline access rights
• Passed a law protecting against new parking reductions near rights-of-ways to the water

Climate & Environmental Leadership

• Passed the Act on Coasts to strengthen climate resilience planning
• Helped secure $5 million in Green Bond funding for local flood and sea level rise projects
• Required 60 days’ notice before nonrenewal of homeowners’ insurance policies, giving homeowners more time to find coverage in a more difficult coastal insurance market

Mental Health & AI Safety

• Added Medicaid reimbursement for school psychologists and social workers
• Added the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to middle and high school student IDs
• Led AI safety legislation requiring chatbot companions to include safeguards for users in crisis

Priorities for the Next Term

• Reforming for-profit utilities like RI Energy so they don’t price-gouge customers on delivery costs
• Upgrading Westerly Station for more frequent, affordable transportation options
• Establish sustainable funding for community paramedicine to improve access to healthcare