From the State House

Rep. Kazarian Reelected House Majority Whip

State House – Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket) was reelected to the position of House Majority Whip at a House Democratic caucus held before today’s session.

The Majority Whip is the third-highest ranking position within the Rhode Island House of Representatives and Whip Kazarian is only the second woman to hold the position. She was first elected Whip by her House Democratic colleagues in 2021.

Whip Kazarian will work closely as part of the Democratic leadership team headed by Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) and Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski (D-Dist. 2, Providence).

“It is truly humbling to be reelected Whip by my peers in the House and I thank them, as well as Speaker Shekarchi and Leader Blazejewski, for their support and faith in my abilities to further the caucus’s legislative priorities this session. From economic challenges to climate change, there are numerous and significant issues our state will face in the coming days, months and years, and it is an honor to serve the people of Rhode Island in this role as we work toward the solutions that will lead us to a prosperous and successful future,” said Whip Kazarian.

First elected in 2013, she has a strong background in the tech field, having previously worked at both Upserve and Virgin Pulse, and she was previously a Senior Planner for the City of Pawtucket. She is currently a student at the Roger Williams University School of Law.

Whip Kazarian received a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and economics from Columbia University’s Barnard College and was inspired to run for office by President Barack Obama’s commencement address to her graduating class in 2012.

Whip Kazarian Introduces Bill Banning Large Commercial Trucks from Pleasant Street

State House – House Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian (DDist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket) has introduced a bill (2023-H 5206) that would ban heavy commercial trucks from traveling on Pleasant Street in Rumford.

“It was only less than a year ago when the Hunts Mill Bridge was closed due to structural deficiencies and now that the bridge has been fixed, we must protect the taxpayers’ investment. Combine this fact with the obvious concerns of excessive noise, traffic and speeding through a residential neighborhood and it becomes clear that large commercial trucks should not be on this stretch of road,” said Whip Kazarian.

The act would prohibit commercial motor trucks, with a gross weight rating of 26,001 lbs. or more, from traveling on Pleasant Street / Route 114A in East Providence from between Pawtucket Avenue and the Massachusetts state line.

“There are no businesses on this stretch of roadway, only homes, residents and children who wait by the side of the road at their school bus stops every morning. Heavy industrial trucks quickly passing through the area pose a significant safety risk to these kids while also negatively contributing to the quality of life of this neighborhood. It is for these clear reasons that I introduced this bill,” concluded Whip Kazarian.

Whip Kazarian Introduces Bill to Reduce Power Outages Across RI

State House – House Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian (DDist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket) has introduced a bill (2023-H 5656) that would help reduce power outages and long-term energy system costs through the development of a more holistic, statewide approach toward managing vegetation that threatens electric grid reliability.

“All of us have felt the anxiety, frustration and stress that comes with the loss of electricity to our homes, and most of these events are tied to vegetation-related damage. We know that power outages can be costly for utility customers and our economy, and represent a threat to public safety,” said Whip Kazarian. “Rhode Islanders are also feeling the very real effects of climate change. We are witnessing the increased frequency and intensity of storm events, as well as new pests and fungi that impact tree health, and these factors further threaten power system reliability. Our utility customers deserve a statewide approach to vegetation management that strengthens public safety and enhances electric system reliability, with a goal of reducing power outages and long-term costs. This bill will allow the power company to look holistically at our grid, propose specifications that enhance its vegetation management practices on a statewide basis, and ensure that their plans receive a thorough review by state regulators before implementation. The least harmful, least costly power outage is the one that never happens in the first place and I am confident that this approach will strengthen an energy system that Rhode Island families and businesses are so dependent on.”

According to the legislation, each electric distribution company having greater than 100,000 customers will have to file a vegetation management specifications and practices plan for application across its service territory with the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. The plan would include specifications for vegetation clearing on and around utility infrastructure along public and private rights of way; a notification process for municipalities, state agencies, and/ or private property owners that may be impacted by vegetation management activities; and the establishment of a “right tree, right place” program that details the types of trees and other vegetation that can be safely planted near utility-owned power lines and other electric system infrastructure.

Upon receipt of the plan, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers will post the proposed specifications and practices plan on its website and conduct a review of the proposed plan to ensure it complies with industry standards, accounts for the impacts of a changing climate, and facilitates the operation of a safe and highly reliable electric distribution system for all ratepayers.

“I wish to thank Whip Kazarian for her leadership in recognizing that we can do more to improve grid reliability across the state. Rhode Islanders deserve a dependable electric grid to power their homes and businesses. Our company is committed to improving system reliability and customer satisfaction, and this bill represents an important opportunity to do both,” said Dave Bonenberger, President of Rhode Island Energy. “Today’s climate is presenting new risks to local vegetation and our power system; reducing the likelihood of future power outages is vital to public safety, customer satisfaction, and a more affordable energy system for all. We look forward to working with the General Assembly and our regulators to ensure we have the tools needed to reduce system outages and costs, while providing customers with valuable resources to foster a “right tree, right place” approach to planting new vegetation in the vicinity of overhead utility infrastructure.”