RI State Senator Lou Raptakis (District 33, Coventry, E Greenwich, & W Greenwich) joined ABC's "In the Arena" Paolino Properties - Joe Paolino in discussing legislative efforts to raise awareness about:

• Impacts to small businesses regarding the raise of the minimum wage
  
• Lou's efforts to increase penalties for driving under the influence, and
• The national politics climate

“Drunk drivers, especially repeat offenders and especially those whose irresponsible actions cause harm to others, should not be on the road, period,” said Senator Raptakis. “I don’t care how remorseful they seem when they appear before a judge. The punishment for this type of reckless disregard for the welfare of others needs to be much tougher. Until it is, drunks are going keep getting behind the wheel and the mayhem on our roads will continue.”

Senator Raptakis points to the recent local story of a man who was arrested twice for driving under the influence in an 18-hour span.  He has introduced these bills several times in the past and he believes that Rhode Island can no longer afford to wait to pass these important public safety bills.

The first bill (2020-S 2259) sponsored by Senator Raptakis would increase the penalties for those convicted of driving under the influence resulting in death and driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury.

The second piece of legislation (2020-S 2282) would increase from 5 years to 10 years the period in which prior DUI convictions qualify a person for increased penalties for subsequent convictions.

The National Herald, by TNH Staff: "COVENTRY, RI – Greek-American Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis is calling on Congressmen Jim Langevin and Davic Cicilline, as well as Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, to support sanctions against the Turkish government for their recent incursion into northern Syria.

Raptakis said the Turkish invasion threatens to turn into a genocide against the Kurdish people who had established a stable area where some two million Kurdish citizens were able to reside in relative peace compared to the rest of the troubled country." Read the full article at The National Herald.

Rhode Island State Senator Lou Raptakis discusses, on live TV, the RI abortion bill that was transferred to the Health and Human Services Committee. Click/tap on graphic to play this impactful Dan Yorke show.

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI: Senator Lou Raptakis (representing Coventry, West Greenwich, East Greenwich) sat down with Dan Yorke to discuss his no vote on the abortion rights bill. Credit WNAC

“Pro-choice activists aren’t giving up hope to pass an abortion-rights bill this session after a Senate committee struck it down on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, leaving pro-lifers cheering.” (WJAR)

Raptakis said women who want to get an abortion in Rhode Island can still do so. He doesn't think there's any urgency to pass the bill. “If there's a fear with the Supreme Court happening, we've got time,” said Raptakis. “We're coming back in six months.” See the full coverage at: WJAR

"STATE HOUSE – Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich) and Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) are highlighting the release of Auditor General Dennis Hoyle’s report on the long-troubled Coventry sewer program and the high costs being levied on Coventry’s taxpayers. The Auditor General completed the report at the request of Senator Raptakis, Representative Serpa, and other members of the Coventry delegation in the General Assembly.

The report lays out a detailed analysis of the operations and implementation of the controversial sewer project and offers several recommendations to rectify concerns about the program, as well as, recommendations to ensure the project’s short-term and long-term financial viability and success." Read full report... Click/tap here.