“Our state motto is hope, and we must always be ready to put that hope into action with all of the chaos that’s going down in D.C.,” said Senator Tiara T. Mack, a Providence Democrat who co-chairs the caucus. “We know that the state level is now the new defender of our democracy and of our rights.”
The caucus held a news conference at the State House on Tuesday to announce its 2025 legislative policy agenda, which includes proposals to tax the richest Rhode Islanders, increase the minimum wage, and provide eviction protections for tenants.
“We have 15 bills that are people centered and dedicated to fighting back against the Trump administration, but also focused on building a Rhode Island that works for everyone,” Mack said. “There are local leaders who are saying that even in the face of all that chaos, we’re providing Rhode Islanders with the tools in order to protect us from the worst effects of this administration.”
She noted there have been a series of recent demonstrations against Trump administration policies at the State House.
“Now I want those same people to come inside of the State House,” Mack said. “Testify on bills. Reach out for a coffee chat with your legislator.”
As the Trump administration attempts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and begin mass deportations, state Representative David Morales said he has been inspired by the support provided by community organizations.
“Locally, there are leaders that are here and prepared to fight for you,” Morales. “But even beyond just legislative leaders and elected officials, we have community (members) that have compassion and care for one another.”
Morales said the caucus is getting behind legislation that would apply an additional tax of 3 percent on the top 1 percent of Rhode Island tax filers with personal income of more than $625,000.
“We’re most excited about establishing a fair tax system, where the wealthiest pay their fair share,” he said, “because that allows for us to have the revenue needed in order to fund programs that are most important to our communities, from public education to transportation.”
Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, a North Providence Democrat, has made clear he opposes raising the income tax rate for the richest Rhode Islanders, saying he fears they would move elsewhere.
But Mack called that argument “a myth,” and noted that Massachusetts enacted a millionaire’s tax that generated $2.2 billion in its first year.
Morales said the caucus will push to raise the minimum wage, which now stands at $15 an hour, so that it reaches $20 per hour by 2030. He said more than 70,000 Rhode Islanders earn the minimum wage, “and more often than not, it is a person of color working a low wage job.”
Mack said the caucus also will back the CROWN Act, which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of race by expanding the definition of race to include “hair texture and protective hairstyles.” She said, “All of the research has shown that Black and brown women oftentimes face hair-type and texture discrimination in their workplace.”
The caucus includes 21 of the General Assembly’s 113 members — the same number as last year.
In the November elections, the caucus gained two new members in Senator Lammis J. Vargas, a Cranston Democrat, and Representative Jenni A. Furtado, an East Providence Democrat, but two caucus members did not return — Senator Sandra C. Cano, a Pawtucket Democrat, and Representative Brianna E. Henries, an East Providence Democrat.
Mack said the caucus is beginning to have an impact on the laws passed on Smith Hill. “I think the more that we continue to flex our muscles as a group of Black and brown and traditionally marginalized voices in the State House, the more power we have in advancing conversations around important policies,” she said.
To get the latest episode each week, follow Rhode Island Report podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcasting platforms, or listen in the player above.
Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.
