"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. 

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.

RI Senate, Capital TV: State Senator Lou Raptakis with the Hobey Baker Award recipients. Congrats! About the award: Click/Tap Here

"STATE HOUSE – Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis is praising today’s court ruling affirming the town’s condemnation of the pond that transfers ownership of Johnson’s Pond to the residents of Coventry. “This has been a long time coming and the residents of Johnson’s Pond and Coventry will no longer by harassed and victimized by the environmental terrorism that has devastated the pond and the community for too long.  Justice was truly served this morning and this ruling is a huge victory for everyone who has made wonderful and lasting memories on this beloved natural resource,” said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich). Senator Raptakis has been fighting for the property rights of residents who live on Johnson’s Pond and the environmental health of the pond for several years."

View the press release at: RI General Assembly