House recognizes Providence Promise, proclaims Social Work and Music months and adopts condolence resolutions

The Rhode Island House on March 12 approved or introduced a set of ceremonial resolutions and proclamations, including a recognition of Providence Promise, proclamations marking National Social Work Month and Music in Our Schools Month, and condolence resolutions for the late James Donlon and Frank J. Almonte.

Representative DeSimone asked the chamber to recognize Providence Promise, describing the nonprofit’s program for Providence students: it opens 529 college savings accounts with a $100 seed deposit for each enrolled child, offers incentive deposits up to $3,000 per year for positive engagement, and — she said — now serves roughly 1,300 students from about 700 families and has helped families save more than $2,000,000 toward higher education. DeSimone said Providence Promise maintains a student retention rate exceeding 97% and requested that the resolution be left on the desk for signatures.

Chairwoman McEntee introduced a resolution proclaiming March 2026 as National Social Work Month in Rhode Island, citing the profession’s role across schools, hospitals, child welfare and other settings and noting that there are more than 6,000 social workers in the state. Representative Noray introduced a resolution proclaiming March as Music in Our Schools Month and highlighted local school music programs and upcoming competitions.

Several members also offered memorial resolutions: Chairman McNamara read a resolution honoring former state senator James Donlon (noting his service representing Warwick and sponsorship of a statute commonly referred to on the floor as Rhode Island’s ‘good driving’ statute), and Leader Blasajewski asked the House to leave a condolence resolution on the desk for Frank J. Almonte of Cranston, describing his work as a self-employed contractor and community involvement.

The chamber observed a moment of silence before adjourning in memory of Donlon and Almonte. The clerk read the full text of multiple resolutions to be transmitted or left on the desk for signatures.

What this means: these actions are ceremonial and do not change state law or appropriations; they transmit commendations and condolence messages and highlight community programs and events.