House honors Dominican-American leaders and Rhode Island College Day during March 19 session
March 19, 2026 | 2026 Legislature RI, Rhode Island
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
During the March 19, 2026 session, members of the Rhode Island House used the announcements and introductions period to honor the Dominican-American community, mark Rhode Island College Day and introduce visitors from a new sister city partnership with Athlone, Ireland.
Chairwoman Grace Diaz opened the ceremonial remarks by noting the "hundred and 82 anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence" and introduced guests including Miss Rhode Island USA Brianna Vega and community leaders. "Let us always remember to appreciate and honor the people of Dominican Republic," she said during the invocation/recognition sequence.
Representative Leonela Felix introduced local small-business owners and community leaders — naming Alvin Candelario (Candelario Supplies LLC) and Judy Santiago (Mia Hair Creations) — and noted employment counts for those businesses (21 employees at Candelario Supplies; 7 at Mia Hair Creations) as examples of small-business contributions to the state's economy.
Representative Duffy Messia introduced a civic delegation from Athlone, Ireland, noting the recent sister-city relationship with Providence and that visitors planned to march in the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade.
Members also placed several ceremonial resolutions on the desk for signatures: Chairwoman Elzate introduced a resolution marking Rhode Island College Day; Deputy Whip Ackerman introduced a resolution designating March 20, 2026, as Alzheimer's Awareness Day and cited figures stated on the floor (about 24,000 Rhode Islanders living with Alzheimer's and about 37,000 caregivers). Chairwoman Serpa introduced an immediate-resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Michael J. Murphy; the House observed a moment of silence and adjourned in his memory.
What happens next: the ceremonial resolutions were left on the desk for signatures and clerks were instructed to transmit matters on the desk to the governor and secretary of state.
Chairwoman Grace Diaz opened the ceremonial remarks by noting the "hundred and 82 anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence" and introduced guests including Miss Rhode Island USA Brianna Vega and community leaders. "Let us always remember to appreciate and honor the people of Dominican Republic," she said during the invocation/recognition sequence.
Representative Leonela Felix introduced local small-business owners and community leaders — naming Alvin Candelario (Candelario Supplies LLC) and Judy Santiago (Mia Hair Creations) — and noted employment counts for those businesses (21 employees at Candelario Supplies; 7 at Mia Hair Creations) as examples of small-business contributions to the state's economy.
Representative Duffy Messia introduced a civic delegation from Athlone, Ireland, noting the recent sister-city relationship with Providence and that visitors planned to march in the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade.
Members also placed several ceremonial resolutions on the desk for signatures: Chairwoman Elzate introduced a resolution marking Rhode Island College Day; Deputy Whip Ackerman introduced a resolution designating March 20, 2026, as Alzheimer's Awareness Day and cited figures stated on the floor (about 24,000 Rhode Islanders living with Alzheimer's and about 37,000 caregivers). Chairwoman Serpa introduced an immediate-resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Michael J. Murphy; the House observed a moment of silence and adjourned in his memory.
What happens next: the ceremonial resolutions were left on the desk for signatures and clerks were instructed to transmit matters on the desk to the governor and secretary of state.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
