The Providence Journal (February 8, 2023): "Raptakis and Mezera both said the benefits of linking the increases to inflation would be that businesses paying the minimum wage would know what to expect each year and legislators could stop arguing over it and move on to other topics. Raptakis said fellow legislators have previously said they would consider linking the minimum wage to inflation if it hits $15 an hour. Now that it is set to do that by 2025, he is hoping to get more traction." Read the full article at this link.

“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 to keep getting behind the wheel and causing mayhem on our roads will continue.” To read the complete article click/tap here. The original press release was by Andrew Caruolo, Publicist

Rhode Island Senate State Senator Lou Raptakis spoke about the importance of treating our four-legged officers with dignity. This took place as the “Nero’s Law” was signed into law. RI K9s will receive medical care and transportation to a veterinary hospital if injured in the line of duty. Excerpt credit M. O'Brien's Facebook post

RI General Assembly News: “Not all heroes walk on two feet and I am glad that our heroic police K-9s will now be able to receive the care that they deserve if they are injured in the line of duty. I thank the sponsors, my colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor McKee for supporting this worthy piece of legislation,” said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33). For more detailed information please reference:

General Assembly News
https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=373016

Capital TV - Live Video Recording
https://ritv.devosvideo.com/show?video=5130665a1dbc...

General Assembly Passes Child Endangerment Bill
"The General Assembly passed legislation (2022-H 7807, 2022-S 2808) introduced by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett) and Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich) that would establish felony penalties for guardians convicted of child endangerment. The bill would establish criminal penalties for a wanton or reckless act or omission of a parent, guardian or any other person who has custody or control of a child, where those acts or omissions result in substantial risk of serious bodily injury to the child or sexual abuse of a child in their care. The legislation now heads to the governor’s office for consideration." Read the Full News Release at General Assemble News.

Bill Passed (S 2181 Sub A) to Protect Johnson's Pond in Coventry Heading to Governor's Desk:
"The bill requires dam owners across Rhode Island to get permission to raise or lower water levels, or face a $60,000 fine per day." Read All About It by Jimmy Bentley (Patch Staff Reporter) and View the Live Video on Capital TV.

Assembly Passes Rep. McEntee and Sen. Raptakis’ Child Endangerment Bill

RI STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE – The General Assembly passed Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis’ legislation (2022-H 7807, 2022-S 2808) which would establish felony penalties for guardians convicted of child endangerment... “Any parent or guardian who willingly ignores their duty to protect the children in their care deserves to be punished for risking the health and safety of the child. Too often, tragedies occur and the neglectful parent or guardian suffers a slap on the wrist, if any punishment at all. The legislation will also allow law enforcement officers to hold habitual offenders accountable for leaving children unattended in cars for long periods of time, hopefully protecting more kids in the state from abuse, neglect or endangerment,” said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33). For more information, contact: Andrew Caruolo, Publicist, (401)222-6124

Providence Journal: "The Biden administration's response to Russia's unprovoked Invasion of Ukraine has been dominated by a series of escalating sanctions which have damaged the Russian economy but not reduced Vladimir Putin's appetite for raining death and destruction upon a country whose very existence he has questioned... What can the Biden administration and its European allies do In the face of this act of grand theft in plain sight? It can Immediately begin to transition from a focus on sanctions to one that centers on reparations." Read the full guest column by State Senator Lou Raptakis - view it here.

COVENTRY, RI – WPRI Local News: The ongoing dispute between the owners of a Coventry pond and the residents who live around it has made its way to the R.I. State House. Johnson’s Pond has been a point of contention for residents since it was purchased by Soscia Holdings, LLC - last year… In an effort to intervene, Senator Lou Raptakis introduced a bill that would give the town control of the water levels.

Raptakis said Soscia Holdings is “taking drastic actions to manipulate water levels as a means of punishing residents who dare to complain about the company’s actions.”

“They’ve sought to limit residents’ access to the area by putting up gates, called the police to try to stop people from enjoying the pond, filed frivolous suits and even threatened to turn the pond into a solar panel farm,” Raptakis said. “There’s not a wetlands area this company wouldn’t trash if it meant putting money in their pockets.” Read the full article posted by: Sarah Doiron and Anita Baffoni - Click/Tap Here

March 6, 2022: RI State Senator Lou Raptakis with fellow Southern New Englanders are seen showing their support for Ukraine as the war with Russia continues. Ukrainian-American community members gathered in Woonsocket to raise money for Ukraine and call for an end to the violence. The rally took place on the steps of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Article by  Gabrielle Caracciolo, NBC 10 NEWS