<![CDATA[RI STATE SENATOR RAPTAKIS - DISTRICT #33 - Newsroom]]>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:12:33 -0400EditMySite<![CDATA[Appeals Court Sides with State: Johnson's Pond Update From State Senator Lou Raptakis]]>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:59:44 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/appeals-court-sides-with-state-johnsons-pond-update-from-state-senator-lou-raptakis
Johnson's Pond, RI, USA
Article by Brian Crandall, and Photographic Image Credited to NBC 10 NEWS
"The state of Rhode Island wins another round in court over its actions related to Johnson’s Pond in Coventry.
A federal appeals court Friday affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit brought against the state by the now-former owners of the reservoir, who still have another lawsuit pending against the town of Coventry.

Soscia Holdings, a local family company, sued the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management in 2022, challenging the state law signed by Gov. Dan McKee that summer requiring the pond owners get DEM permission to raise and lower water levels. DEM subsequently found Soscia in violation of the law." Read the full article: Click/Tap here. 
]]><![CDATA[Senator Raptakis and RI become first state in the United States to issue Hellenic Heritage and  Ahepa motor vehicle license plate]]>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/senator-raptakis-and-ri-become-first-state-in-the-united-states-to-issue-hellenic-heritage-and-ahepa-motor-vehicle-license-plateRaptakis - RI Mayor & State Representatives


Greek RI Plate
Photo & Article Credit: Greek News - Consulate General of Greece in Boston
CRANSTON, RI (Greek News USA): "This past week, Rhode Island’s AHEPA chapters joined State Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis, State Representative Joseph M. McNamara, Governor Dan McKee, and Consul General of Greece in Boston Symeon Tegos to unveil newly approved legislation establishing a Rhode Island Greek Heritage motor vehicle license plate. The initiative was created in partnership with the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). Introduced earlier this year by Senator Raptakis and Representative McNamara, the legislation makes Rhode Island the first state in the nation to issue a license plate specifically honoring Greece, Hellenism, and AHEPA." Click/tap here to read more.
]]><![CDATA[RI STATE SEN. RAPTAKIS & ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH HONORS PARISHIONER VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICE]]>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/ri-state-sen-raptakis-assumption-of-the-virgin-mary-greek-orthodox-church-honors-parishioner-veterans-for-their-service
Raptakis
From Left to Right, organizer Sharon Turk, Rhode Island State Senator Lou Raptakis, Father Philip Zymaris, Veterans who were present, Theodore Soukatos, Charles Lehourites, Samuel Matook, Matthew Joanidis, Dr. Thomas Walsh, and Alexandria McNamara
Father Zymaris
From Left to right: Father Philip Zymaris, Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Veterans, their families and Rhode Island State Senator Lou Raptakis,
Veterans
Rembering past veterans and members Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Community Pawtucket, RI, Father Philip Zymaris, RI State Sen. Leonidas Raptakis, Ahepa Chapter 121 President Ioannis Apostolakis and Parish Council President George Karalis attend church service and luncheon to commemorate the deceased and current veterans. “Most important this was an opportunity to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Assumption’s deceased and current veterans, honoring them for their service and bravery,” said Raptakis. Click/tap here for the full story.
Credit: From the Office of State Senator Leonidas "Lou" Raptakis - Press Release (11/21/25)
]]><![CDATA[CCRI Ribbon Cutting]]>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/ccri-ribbon-cutting
From the Chief of Staff at CCRI: As the school welcomed back thousands of students, he extended an invitation to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Student Services space on our Warwick Campus. The Student Services spaces were completely gutted and renovated thanks to a $12 million GO bond in 2021, transforming the space from a dark, non-accessible rabbit hole into a bright, spacious, and centralized new area, ready to welcome our students, including an elevator – something that was sorely lacking in the old space. State Senator Lou Raptakis was honored to be there and participated in the ribbon-cutting festivities. 
]]><![CDATA[A push for 9/11 to be recognized in schools]]>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/a-push-for-911-to-be-recognized-in-schools
9/11 School Recognization
Credit: WPRI.com / 12
WPRI: “It’s important that we never forget,” Sen. Leonidas Raptakis said. “I think that’s the whole issue. You never forget, because if you forget something, history always repeats itself. We want to be vigilant and to prevent anything like this happening again.” To read the original story by Kayla Fish and Leah Crowley, click/tap here.
]]><![CDATA[Sen. Raptakis / RI Veterans Remember 9/11 Ceremony]]>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/sen-raptakis-ri-veterans-remember-911-ceremony
9/11 Ceremony
Photos by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current
Rhode Island Current: "Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis, a Coventry Democrat, presented a proclamation to William Pennoyer of the American Legion. The proclamation states that new legislation passed this year by the General Assembly allows teachers or administrators in Rhode Island public schools to hold a brief moment of silence after the pledge of allegiance on the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. The new law, ceremonially signed Thursday afternoon by Gov. Dan McKee, was modeled on a measure enacted in New York to commemorate the attacks on the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon." To view the complete article, click/tap here.
]]><![CDATA[Raptakis, McEntee legislation to increase insurance coverage for hearing aids is signed into law]]>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/raptakis-mcentee-legislation-to-increase-insurance-coverage-for-hearing-aids-is-signed-into-law
Hearing Aid - Specialist
Pressreader (Insurance/Society): “New legislation signed by Gov. Dan McKee raises the insurance cap for hearing aids from $1,500 to $1,750 per ear and lets Rhode Islanders buy new devices every year instead of every three"... “Lawmakers note that children already receive $1,500 per ear, more than double the adult allowance. That disparity fueled the new bill, sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett) and Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich). It will also be beneficial for parents with children who have hearing loss, with children possibly losing their expensive hearing aids more than adults.” ...Raptakis framed the measure as basic relief. ...“Too many Rhode Islanders are struggling these days, and the people of Rhode Island need some assistance and support. Hearing aids are critical to individuals who need them and rely upon them to go about their day,” he said. He added, “This legislation will keep more money in individuals’ pockets by increasing the amount insurance companies will pay to buy hearing aids.” Read the full article at Kent County Daily Times (Vol.CXXV No. 145) by Bill Seymour.


]]><![CDATA[RI Senate HEARD testimony on gun bills (Plus a 2nd Amendment rally Well Attended)]]>Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/ri-senate-heard-testimony-on-gun-bills-plus-a-2nd-amendment-rally-well-attended
RI Gun Rally
Video Key Frame Credit: WJAR NBC-10
May 14, 2025 - WJAR: "Rhode Island lawmakers heard testimony on several gun bills on Wednesday," one being the RI Assault Weapons Ban Act (2025.) A 2nd Amendment rally took place at the RI Statehouse. Rhode Island Current: "Todd Patalano, and Sen. Leonidas Raptakis, a Coventry Democrat, voiced their opposition to the bill." For more information by WJAR click/tap here or, here from the RI Current.
]]><![CDATA[Raptakis Bill: Seeks Felony Charges for Organized Shoplifting]]>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/raptakis-bill-seeks-felony-charges-for-organized-shoplifting
Shoplifting
Credit: Rhode Island Current - Article by Christopher Shea and Photo by Michael Salerno
Photo Taken Inside Providence Place Mail at Boscov's Department Store: "Those accused of working together to steal from retailers in Rhode Island could face felony charges under legislation under consideration in the state Senate. The bill sponsored by Sen. Leonidas Raptakis would impose up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 if two or more people are found guilty (the same punishment given to a repeat offender who has taken over $100 worth of merchandise.)" Read or view the full news story at one of these resources: Rhode Island Current, Yahoo News, and WPRI.

]]><![CDATA[Hobey Baker Award recipients]]>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.leoraptakis.com/news/hobey-baker-award-recipients
Hobey Baker Award
Credit: Capital TV - Senate Communications Office
RI Senate, Capital TV: State Senator Lou Raptakis with the Hobey Baker Award recipients. Congrats! About the award: Click/Tap Here
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