Woonsocket Radio News Room

Nov. 9, 2017

Rep. Michael Morin at (401) 265-0910

                                                                       

Rep. Michael Morin receives a pen after Gov. Gina Raimondo ceremonially signed a veterans’ bill he sponsored on November 7.

 

Rep. Morin, Sen. Cote bill giving a leg up to

veteran-owned businesses is signed into law

 

STATE HOUSE — Pro-veteran legislation sponsored by Rep. Michael A. Morin (D-Dist. 49, Woonsocket) and Sen. Marc A. Cote (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) has been signed into law by Gov. Gina Raimondo during a ceremonial bill signing Tuesday.

The legislation (2017-H 5280A / 2017-S 0085A) gives veteran-owned small businesses a preference in the state purchasing process, akin to the benefit that is awarded women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

“A veteran’s preference is a way to use the power of state contracts in a way that upholds our state’s values of supporting our veterans. But we think it’s also a smart investment for the state. Veterans have already proven themselves disciplined, hard workers who are committed to the job. That’s exactly what we should be looking for when we sign contracts,” said Representative Morin.

The legislation sets a goal that at least 3 percent of the total value of all state contracts available to businesses in each fiscal year be awarded to those owned by veterans.

“Rhode Islanders are very appreciative of veterans. I’m sure our citizens will be proud that the state contracts that their tax dollars fund will have the additional benefit of supporting veterans under this bill,” said Senator Cote. “One of the best ways our state can thank veterans for the sacrifices they made for our country is to help ensure they are employed after they are discharged. A veterans’ preference in state contracts is a way we can leverage the state’s buying power to do just that and help veteran-owned businesses succeed.”

The legislation was signed during a ceremony, along with other veterans-related legislation.

                                   

 

 

-30-

 

For an electronic version of this and all press releases published by the Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau, please visit our Web site at www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

House Speaker Mike Johnson is at Columbia University, demanding its president resign unless she reigns in anti-semitic protests. Speaking on the campus steps of the New York school with other GOP lawmakers, Johnson said no Jewish student should have to live in fear. Johnson said he's going to speak with President Biden about the situation, and raised the possibility of calling in the National Guard.        Arizona's House of Representatives has voted to repeal a Civil War-era abortion law. State Democrats successfully pushed through a bill that repeals the 1864 that banned nearly all abortions. The bill now heads to the state Senate, where it is expected to be passed early next month.        The Supreme Court will hear arguments Thursday on Donald Trump's claim he has absolute immunity on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. The outcome could determine whether Trump faces a federal trial this year on four felony counts brought by special counsel Jack Smith, which include conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruction of an official proceeding. Trump's legal team argues the former president should have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for any official acts taken while in office.        Airlines will soon have to give refunds for canceled and excessively delayed flights. The Department of Transportation announced the rollout of the new rules Wednesday that call for automatic cash refunds if a flight is canceled or delayed for more than three hours or six hours for international flights. Refunds of checked bag fees will also be required if a passenger's luggage is lost and not returned within 12 hours.        Former University of Southern California running back Reggie Bush is getting his 2005 Heisman Trophy back. Bush had his trophy taken away in 2010 after the NCAA imposed sanctions on USC for infractions including Bush receiving improper benefits. The Heisman Trust told ESPN the "reinstatement" of Bush's trophy comes as there has been "enormous changes in the college football landscape."        Tupac Shakur's estate is threatening legal action against Drake after he used the late rapper's AI-generated vocals in his diss track for Kendrick Lamar. Billboard obtained a copy of a cease-and-desist letter that was sent to Drake on Wednesday. In it, litigator Howard King explains that neither the family nor Tupac himself would ever approve the blatant misuse of his likeness.        

Old News Archives