Senate adopts St. Patrick’s Day resolution, approves consent calendar and refers gubernatorial appointment to finance committee

The Rhode Island Senate concluded a short March 17 session with several routine actions: it adopted a resolution recognizing Saint Patrick’s Day and Irish‑American contributions to the Revolutionary War, approved the consent calendar, and read a gubernatorial appointment that was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.

Chairman Burke introduced the Saint Patrick’s Day resolution and, after the clerk read its text honoring Irish‑American patriots and historical references, moved passage. "May our speeches be shorter than our agendas," Chairman Burke quipped before the vote. The presiding officer called for the ayes and declared the resolution adopted.

The consent calendar was moved and seconded; the clerk reported 32 votes in the affirmative and zero negative votes, and the calendar was adopted. Earlier in the session the clerk read a gubernatorial appointment transmitting William Sonos (vice Neil Steinberg) as chair of the Life Sciences Hub of Rhode Island for a term expiring Jan. 1, 2030; that appointment was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.

Members used the post‑calendar period for introductions and committee scheduling announcements, including a finance committee meeting and an education committee meeting. Whip DeCohen moved adjournment, the motion was seconded, and the Senate adjourned.