Media Updates
Senator Murray Named Senate Deputy Majority Leader
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Melissa A. Murray will serve as a Senate deputy majority leader this session.
Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio announced the appointment yesterday as the Senate began its 2024 legislative session.
“I’m truly honored to be part of the leadership team in our Senate, and I’m thankful to President Ruggerio, Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, and my colleagues in the Senate for their trust and support …
Murray touts session success: Local legislator sponsored 10 bills that passed General Assembly
WOONSOCKET – Ten of the 21 bills Sen. Melissa Murray sponsored are becoming law, covering a wide range of policy areas in a legislative session that saw a higher than usual number of bills introduced.
“I worked really hard this year and I was fortunate that the issues I cared about, others cared about too,” she said…
HIV-prevention and post-exposure medications now available with no out-of-pocket cost to insured
PROVIDENCE — Dozens gathered Wednesday at a clinic specialized in servicing the LGBTQ community in the South Side to watch Rhode Island’s governor sign a bill expanding access to drugs which fight exposure to HIV. The ceremony focused on S563A, sponsored by Sen. Melissa Murray, a Woonsocket Democrat, which guarantees no out-of-pocket costs to patients covered by health insurance plans for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PReP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
“A cure for a disease cannot be revolutionary unless it is accessible to all,” said Senator Murray…
Sen Murray’s tangible property tax bill is now law
PROVIDENCE – The new tangible property tax exemption sponsored by Sen. Melissa A. Murray is now law.
The legislation (2023-S 0928A), approved by the General Assembly June 15 and signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee late last week, exempts the first $50,000 of tangible property from the tangible personal property tax to help businesses – especially small businesses – statewide…
New law requires crime lab to audit DNA databank for missing offender profiles
STATE HOUSE — The state crime lab will audit the DNA databank to determine how many offender profiles it is missing under a new law introduced by Majority Floor Manager John G. Edwards and Sen. Melissa A. Murray that was signed by Gov. Dan McKee this week.
The databank is used to search previously collected profiles for matches with DNA collected at crimes scenes to identify potential suspects. State law requires offenders convicted of violent crimes to submit DNA samples for entry into the databank. But due to loopholes in the justice system, many offenders’ samples are never submitted…
New law formalizes protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals in health care
PROVIDENCE — As debate roils across the country around health care for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Rhode Island formalized protections for their access to health care.
“This is a very simple change, but it’s really important, because our law now affirms Rhode Island’s commitment to protect all citizens, especially LGBTQIA+ people who were not explicitly protected in the previous law,” Murray said in a statement.
Business owners, lawmakers call for tangible tax relief
“The tangible tax is both a financial and administrative burden for small businesses. Complying with it is complex, and it’s also an enforcement burden for cities and towns. Eliminating this tax for smaller businesses will give them genuine, much needed relief. It’s a way our state can provide help for the small businesses that support our cities and towns, make our communities unique, and most importantly, employ Rhode Islanders,” said Murray…
Governor signs bill allowing AA/NA meetings during a state of emergency
STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Rep. Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (D-Dist. 21, Warwick) and Sen. Melissa A. Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) to permit Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to hold meetings during a declared disaster emergency has become law….
R.I. Senate leadership unveils bills aimed at lowering drug prices
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Melissa A. Murray, D-Woonsocket, to limit the copay for prescription insulin to $50 for a 30-day supply for health plans that provide coverage for insulin.
Brewery to open in Woonsocket as city, state leaders look to revitalize area
WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WJAR) — Downtown Woonsocket is filled with empty storefronts, but Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt is hopeful strong revitalization efforts will change that.
Most notably, a brewery is opening at 122 North Main St., which is just down the road from the Stadium Theater. Lops Brewing will include a taproom, trivia and live music.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Melissa Murray, a Democrat who represents District 24, and Rep. Michael Morin, another Democrat who represents District 49), to help pave the way for the brewery is now headed to the governor.
This Could Be the Next State to Secure ‘Roe’ Protections
Despite a powerful anti-choice lobby and the presence of anti-choice Democrats who have blocked the bill in the past, many Rhode Island lawmakers are determined to protect abortion rights.
…Many of the newcomers are champions of the bill—like state Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Woonsocket, North Smithfield), who told Rewire.News she has heard from an increasing number of constituents who want the bill to move out of committee and come to a full vote….
Murray wins state Senate seat
It came down to getting out and meeting voters, and in the end, Tuesday, Woonsocket City Councilwoman Melissa A. Murray claimed the prize of state Senator Marc A. Cote’s Dist. 24 seat representing Woonsocket and North Smithfield.
Murray, a Democrat, pulled in 3,239 votes between the two communities to best second-place finisher, Independent candidate Glenn F. Dusablon. Richard L. Garrepy, one of the two other Independents in the contest, collected 1,152 votes and Michael Disney, the fourth candidate, 278 votes.
Woonsocket Councilor Murray running for Senate 24
WOONSOCKET – At-large Woonsocket City Councilor Melissa Murray is announcing her candidacy for State Senate District 24, serving Woonsocket and North Smithfield.