OUR MISSION
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence (RICAGV) is a coalition of organizations, activists, advocates, educators, legislators, and community members who address gun violence as an urgent public health issue. Since 2013, RICAGV has utilized the collective power of its membership and grassroots organizing methods to advance programs and policies that will reduce gun violence resulting in safer, healthier Rhode Island communities.
RICAGV 2024 ENDORSEMENTS FOR RI GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence (RICAGV) today announced their first round of 2024 endorsements of candidates running for public office, including 62 candidates for the General Assembly: 40 running for state representative and 22 running for state senate.
RICAGV Board Chair Ariana Wohl said, “After the passage of the life-saving safe storage bill during this past legislative session, we now turn our attention to the elections, ready to support our champions who stand for gun violence prevention. We know that the majority of Rhode Islanders support regulating military-style assault weapons, and we look forward to passing legislation that will help make Rhode Islanders even safer from gun violence.”
“Every endorsed candidate is committed to supporting and championing gun violence prevention and gun safety legislation. We are proud to stand behind these candidates,” said Wohl.
State Senate Endorsements
Jacob Bissaillon, District 1
Samuel D. Zurier, District 3
Samuel W. Bell, District 5
Tiara Tyshae Mack, District 6
Lori Urso, District 8
Linda Lee Ujifusa, District 11
Louis Di Palma, District 12
Dawn Euer, District 13
Valarie Jean Lawson, District 14
Meghan E. Kallman, District 15
Cameron J. Deutsch, District 17
Ryan W. Pearson, District 19
Lewis J. Pryeor, District 23
Melissa A. Murray, District 24
Jennifer T. Rourke, District 29
Mark P. McKenney, District 30
Matthew L. LaMountain, District 31
Pamela J. Lauria, District 32
Bridget G. Valverde, District 35
Alana M. DiMario, District 36
Victoria Gu, District 38
House of Representatives Endorsements
Edith H. Ajello, District 1
Christopher R. Blazejewski, District 2
Rebecca M. Kislak, District 4
Anthony J. DeSimone, District 5
David Morales, District 7
Grace Diaz, District 11
Jose F. Batista, District 12
Giona A. Picheco, District 14
Brandon C. Potter, District 16
Arthur Handy, District 18
Joseph McNamara, District 19
Evan Shanley, District 24
Vincent Marzullo, District 26
Patricia A. Serpa, District 27
Scott J. Guthrie, District 28
Justine A. Caldwell, District 30
Robert E. Craven, District 32
Carol Hagan McEntee, District 33
Teresa A. Tanzi, District 34
Kathleen A. Fogarty, District 35
Tina L. Spears, District 36
Linda A. Nichols, District 40
Kelsey Kristine Coletta, District 42
Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, District 46
Garrett S. Mancieri, District 51
Brandon T. Voas, District 57
Cherie L. Cruz, District 58
Jennifer A. Stewart, District 59
Karen Alzate, District 60
Leonela Felix, District 61
Katherine Sheena Kazarian, District 63
Jenni Azanero Furtado, District 64
Matthew S. Dawson, District 65
Jennifer Smith Boylan, District 66
Jason P. Knight, District 67
June S. Speakman, District 68
Susan Ann Donovan, District 69
Jay Edwards, District 70
Michelle Elise McGaw, District 71
Lauren H. Carson, District 75
Gov. McKee Signed the Safe Storage Bill!
After years of your advocacy and organizing, Rhode Island now has one of the strongest secure storage laws in the country. It is the ninth gun safety bill passed in the state since RICAGV was founded in 2013. A special thanks to bill sponsors and gun safety champions Senator Pam Lauria and Representative Justine Caldwell!
This is a strengthened version of Rhode Island’s previous firearm storage law, and requires all gun owners to securely store their guns when not in use, either in a safe or a container or with a safety device to prevent unauthorized access. It includes a gun safety education component which requires gun dealers to both post signs and give information to people who purchase guns about secure storage, suicide prevention, and Rhode Island’s gun safety laws. It also requires school districts to give information to students and their families.
Lives will be saved!
SECURE STORAGE PASSES SENATE!
On March 19th the Senate voted 28-7 in favor of secure storage. We are grateful for all of our volunteers, survivors and partners who made this happen. We are one step closer to a safer Rhode Island.
Now to the House!
Read all about it in our News Section.
Help us fight the pro-gun lobby at the State House!
Every dollar you give goes toward helping prevent gun violence in RI!
Highlights from the Blog
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, in third bout with cancer, is resolute about his role.
As a proud − and some close to him say “stubborn” − 75-year-old Italian man who has been a part of Rhode Island’s political life for more than four decades, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio was not keen on talking about his health − or the very private conversation he had about it with his No. 2.
401GIVES DAY IS 4/1
We need YOU to join with us in our efforts to decrease gun violence by becoming a fundraising champion for 401Gives Day! 401Gives is on Monday, April 1st, 2024 from 6am 4/1 – 6pm on April 2.
RI Senate approves ‘safe-storage’ gun bill. What to know.
The Rhode Island Senate overwhelmingly approved proposed new “safe-storage” requirements for guns on Tuesday night, despite warnings from a handful of Senators that the law will put law-abiding gun owners at risk “when seconds count.”
Safe weapons bill passes through Rhode Island Senate
After advancing out of committee through a partisan vote the week prior, the Democratic-led Rhode Island Senate on Tuesday approved legislation that would require gun owners to safely store their firearms when not in use.
It’s Time to Vote!
We were proud to stand with a diverse group of Rhode Island faith leaders and our partners at Moms Demand Action in the fight to pass our secure storage and assault weapons ban legislation….
In the News
In case you missed it, our ED was a guest columnist in the Providence Journal on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Her “My Turn” feature follows: “This Valentine’s Day marks six years since the Parkland massacre
Gun control advocates are again pushing for a RI ‘assault weapon ban.’ Now, the AFL-CIO is helping.
PROVIDENCE – The battle began anew Thursday for an assault-weapons ban and safe-storage requirements for firearms, with organized labor taking a lead role in the 2024 election-year drive.
RICAGV launches secure storage and assault weapons ban legislation at “Valentines Not Violence” State House Event
The Rhode Island AFL-CIO, NEARI, Moms Demand Action and RICAGV today at the State House for a special launch.
It’s Thanksgiving eve and we are grateful for YOU!
It’s Thanksgiving and We Are Grateful for YOU! We know practicing gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. It helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity…
Three Gun Safety Laws Signed in 2022!
Governor Dan McKee signed key reforms into law:
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Limiting magazines to 10 rounds
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Raising the age to buy long guns and ammunition from 18 to 21
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Prohibiting loaded long guns in public
Gun Safety Reform is Constitutional
In 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed:
“the [Second Amendment] right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”
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