Patrick Anderson

2 weeks ago | newportri.com | Patrick Anderson |Katherine Gregg

Valarie Lawson has ascended to Rhode Island Senate president with Sen. Frank Ciccone as her top lieutenant. Lawson is the most left-leaning Senate president in Rhode Island history, but her partnership with the more conservative Ciccone suggests a balance of power. Lawson's support from moderate-to-conservative Democrats may give them more influence on policy decisions. In a week of change and turmoil at the Rhode Island Senate, Valarie Lawson's ascension to Senate president with Sen.

2 weeks ago | newportri.com | Katherine Gregg |Patrick Anderson

The Rhode Island Senate has elected Majority Leader Valarie Lawson to succeed the late Dominick Ruggerio, with veteran Sen. Frank Ciccone assuming the role of Senate majority leader. The new leadership team represents an unusual liberal-conservative alliance. Key policy areas like gun control, gambling regulations, and income tax could see shifts under the new leadership.

3 weeks ago | newportri.com | Katherine Gregg |Patrick Anderson

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Senate is on hiatus after the death on April 21 of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, at age 76. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, and Senate Majority Leader Valarie Lawson and Majority Whip David Tikoian appeared at a brief press conference to ask the media and the public to give senators some time to grieve the loss of their friend and colleague.