Raimondo's Roundup
August 14, 2015
Good afternoon,

Please join me in remembering First Sergeant P. Andrew McKenna Jr., 35, of Bristol, Rhode Island , who died August 7, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

I ordered the U.S. and Rhode Island flags to be flown at half-staff beginning Tuesday, August 11 in honor of his service and sacrifice.

He served our nation with great valor and courage. All Rhode Islanders are grateful for his service, and our prayers are with his family and loved ones. We have lost a patriot and a hero.
 
Sincerely,
Gina
Fixing Schools
This week we launched the School Building Authority, a component of the Raimondo Jobs Plan that includes conducting the first statewide school construction assessment as well as a new funding mechanism for public schools with immediate renovation needs.

We know our kids can't learn in crumbling school buildings and that they must have access to a learning environment that inspires them to do their best. We are hitting our school building challenges head on. With this plan, kids and teachers will get better schools and our construction crews will get back to work.
Tackling Opioid Crisis



Despite promising efforts by state and community partners to combat opioid abuse, Rhode Island has seen slow but steady increases in accidental drug overdose deaths, which rose three percent in the last year.

Addiction and opioid abuse are public health priorities that affect Rhode Island's families, communities, and economy, and it's time for a statewide strategy to address them. Raimondo's Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force is committed to working collaboratively with dedicated partners across the state to tackle this issue and keep our families and communities safe.
Search Launches for Veterans Affairs Director



Raimondo recently hosted a discussion with Veterans, servicemembers and military families to kick off the search for a new Cabinet-level Director of the Division of Veterans Affairs. It was important to hear from this group about the necessary qualities the new Director should possess as well as provide guidance on the most pressing issues and challenges facing our Veterans.
In This Issue


This week the Governor held multiple bill signing ceremonies to recognize legislation that will improve our quality of life and provide new protections so all Rhode Islanders have the chance to make it in the Ocean State.

The Governor had a great trip to Block Island, meeting with residents, and exploring the island.

The Governor toured Graphic Ink in East Providence to discuss how she can help small businesses make it in Rhode Island.


The Governor and First Gentleman enjoyed the festivities of the Dominican Parade and Festival in Providence.
The Governor and her family celebrated Governor's Bay Day with a trip to Roger Wheeler State Beach and a sand castle competition.