State Representative Jon D. Brien Announces Re-Election Bid for District 49

 

State Representative Jon D. Brien, an Independent serving House District 49 in Woonsocket/North Smithfield, plans to run for re-election.

Brien cited the high cost of living, rising energy costs, safe streets and secure elections as issues facing every Rhode Islander that require real leadership and real solutions. Brien will also continue to work to make the State more competitive while seeking to control spending. “We can only pay for the government we can afford, not the government we want.  This is how we run our businesses and households, and we should expect the same from our State.”

Brien also cites his Independent status as a plus for District 49 and for Rhode Island as a whole.  “Serving as an Independent in this climate of political gridlock and consistent conflict, I believe it is truly important to elect candidates that will govern with an open mind, and an open heart, to do the right thing regardless of party or personality. Neither political party has a monopoly on good or bad ideas.  Holding our City, Town, or State back because of a party designation holds us all back from the successes that we could otherwise achieve.”

Brien went on to state “Over the past term I have advocated tirelessly for my very diverse district.  I have been a very vocal member of the General Assembly as I continue to fight for our taxpayers, students, veterans, teachers, retirees, public safety, the elderly, the underserved, and even our defenseless animals.  The only promise I will consistently make is that I will continue to serve with honesty, integrity, and transparency, as these are the hallmarks of any good public servant.”

President Trump says the tariffs imposed on other countries are having the desired effect, and he's now open to negotiations. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his initial tariff plan is over, and he's watching it settle in. He said every country has called, asking to cut a trade deal with the U.S. to avoid the tariffs.        Stocks are closing sharply lower one day after President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs. The S&P 500 had its worse day since 2020 as the White House announced a baseline tariff rate of ten-percent against most countries yesterday that will go into effect on Saturday. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 16-79 to 40-545. The S&P 500 lost 274 points to 53-96. The Nasdaq lost 10-50 points to 16-550.        A multi-day severe weather event is unfolding for more than 55-million people. It comes after at least seven people were killed in the South Central U.S. after storms that included several tornadoes hit the region yesterday. Tonight, there is still a tornado threat for the same areas, but forecasters warn there could also be potentially catastrophic flooding in the Mid-South and Midwest.        The Federal Aviation Administration is offering more support to air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport. The Critical Incident Stress Management team will be meeting with airport personnel sometime early this month. The FAA is also reviewing the arrival rate at the airport and will conduct regular wellness checks.        The Senate has confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The television personality was confirmed on a party-line vote of 53-45. Oz now assumes a role that provides health insurance to roughly 160 million Americans.        Steven Spielberg and George Lucas top the latest Forbes list of celebrity billionaires. The latest Forbes ranking of the world's wealthiest people includes 18 celebrities, with film director Steven Spielberg topping the list at five-point-three-billion dollars. Star Wars creator George Lucas is in second place with a net worth of five-point-one-billion dollars.