Woonsocket Radio News Room

RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus Seeks Prioritized Access to COVID-19 Vaccine for Communities of Color

 

STATE HOUSE – The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus is calling on Governor Raimondo and the COVID-19 Vaccine Subcommittee to prioritize access to the COVID-19 vaccine for Rhode Island’s communities of color and high-density populations which have been the state’s hardest-hit populations by the virus.

“As the data has revealed consistently since the beginning of the pandemic, Rhode Island’s community of color and those living in high-density settings have been the most affected by this deadly virus.  Whether we are speaking about the essential workers who have continued to serve the public, even at great risk to themselves or families, or individuals living in tight spaces where the opportunity to properly quarantine is impossible, we must protect these populations that are struggling immensely.  This will only be possible if the state’s community of color and those living in the most-affected areas are prioritized to receive this game-changing vaccine as soon as possible,” said Rep. Jean Philippe Barros, chairman of the caucus (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket).

The other members of the caucus are Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist 73, Newport, Middletown); Rep. Joseph S. Almeida (D-Dis. 12, Providence); Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket); Rep. Liana Cassar (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence); Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence); Rep. Joshua Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls), Rep. Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence); Rep. Mario F. Mendez (D-Dist. 13, Johnston, Providence); Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell (D-Dist. 5, Providence); Rep. Carlos E. Tobon (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket); Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence); Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket); Sen. Harold M. Metts (D-Dist. 6, Providence); and Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence).

President Trump is preparing to head to Europe later today as he marks one-year since taking office for the second time. He's set to attend this week's World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump will be arriving against the backdrop of increasing tensions over the control of Greenland. The president has threatened tariffs on European allies that oppose his plans and the EU is considering retaliatory tariffs.        The National Championship is heading to Bloomington, Indiana - home of the Hoosiers - for the first time ever. IU took down the Hurricanes 27-21 in Monday's College Football Playoff title game from Miami. The top-ranked Hoosiers finished a perfect, 16-and-0 on the season.        The Department of Justice is appealing a judge's order dealing with how federal agents can and can not act when it comes to anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota. The ruling issued late last week following the death of Renee Good bars federal agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters or using "pepper-spray or similar nonlethal munitions." It also bars agents from stopping vehicles that are following them as long as they're maintaining a safe distance.        An Indiana judge and his wife are recovering after being shot in their home on Sunday afternoon. It reportedly happened when Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer [[ My-er ]] and his wife, Kimberly, went to answer the door after someone knocked and said they had the couple's dog. The shooter is still on the loose and the FBI has now joined the investigation. No word on a motive.        The massive nurses strike in New York City has now reached Day Nine. Some 15-thousand nurses remain off the job and on the picket lines as they continue to call for better pay, better benefits and safer working conditions. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders are joining the striking nurses to show their support.        A boiler explosion at the studio of video game developer Rockstar North seems unlikely to cause any additional delays for Grand Theft Auto 6. The explosion was reported Monday at the studio in Edinburgh [[ ED-in-burra ]], Scotland. There were no injuries. The game, after several delays, is now slated for release this November.       

Old News Archives