Nora Crowley Named Senate Policy Director
STATE HOUSE, Providence – President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio announced today that Nora Crowley will serve as Policy Director for the Rhode Island Senate beginning December 21, 2020.
Ms. Crowley presently works as the executive director of the Governor’s Workforce Board, and she previously served as chief public affairs officer for the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
“I want to welcome Nora Crowley to the Rhode Island Senate,” said President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio. “Rhode Islanders are struggling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and Nora understands what it will take to rebuild our state’s economy to ensure it works for everyone. From her early experience working as a staff assistant in the education policy office of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy to her time at CityYear, Nora has demonstrated a passion for building an inclusive future through public policy development. Her experience in workforce issues will serve Rhode Island well as we adjust to a labor market that is changing significantly as a result of the pandemic.”
Crowley earned a B.A. in Politics from Brandeis University and Master’s Degree in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Prior to working in state government, she served as the managing director of impact for City Year Providence for eight years.
"I am honored to join the talented Senate Policy Office, and I deeply appreciate President Ruggerio giving me this opportunity to serve my home state," said Crowley. "This is a critical time for our state as we weather the COVID-19 pandemic and search for public policy solutions to emerge stronger and more vibrant. I'm humbled by the responsibility of contributing to the complex and significant work the Senate will undertake in 2021 to ensure we build a Rhode Island economy that works for everyone."
The Senate’s Policy Office is responsible for developing public policy recommendations on behalf of the members of the Senate. Additionally, they provide staffing support for committees and assist in legislative drafting and research.
Earlier this year, President Ruggerio and Majority Leader Michael J. McCaffrey unveiled a policy agenda for the 2021 Session that includes: raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, legalizing adult cannabis use, addressing climate change, securing increased support for small businesses, and improving access to behavioral and mental health care.
