I hope you are enjoying some time outside this summer. I'm grateful that Henri was not so bad here in Rhode Island, and hope that people who lost power (mostly on the coast) are restored soon. We're in for another rainy day. And, from the good news department, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine received fully approval from the FDA this morning. I sure hope this is the next step to finding our way out of this pandemic. I have been advocating for all schools in Rhode Island to require masks, and I am glad that our state is doing the right thing and requiring masks in schools. I also encourage everyone to follow CDC guidance and mask up indoors in public wherever you are - the Delta variant is no joke, and we can take this small precaution to protect ourselves and each other. If you haven't yet been vaccinated, now's a great time to do that. Information is below.
The RI House has established two new task forces which will likely meet this fall. I'm looking forward to serving on the House Health Policy Task Force. In addition, I will be following the work of the ARPA taskforce, which will convene to discuss how to spend the federal funds allocated to the state from the American Rescue Plan. Also, Providence is planning some community conversations about how to spend the city money; see below for information.
Now is the time to think about legislation for next session. Please feel free to come to one of my coffee hours, write or call to talk about what laws you think we should be working to pass.
As always, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, or write to me at info@rebeccakislak.com. You can also call or text me at 401-400-2338. I look forward to hearing from you!
Rebecca's Events
Fundraiser - Monday August 30
Please join me for a fundraiser at India, 1060 Hope Street, Providence on Monday August 30 from 5-7 p.m. Legislating is a team sport and I need and appreciate everyone who helps with this work in so many ways, from sending me e-mails about what you think to volunteering and, of course, donations in any amount that help me reach out to voters (stay tuned for a newsletter in the mail this fall!) You can donate here.
Join Rebecca for coffee!
Thursday Sept. 2 3-4 p.m. Seven Stars, 820 Hope Street
Friday September 10 10:30-11:30 a.m. Three Sisters, 1074 Hope Street
District 4 Community Meeting
Thursday September 30 - 7 p.m. - Zoom Link Here
Come here about what the General Assembly passed last year, Rep. Kislak's priorities for the next year, and share what is important to you.
Community Events
During July and August, Providence water parks and pools will be open Monday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., including the water park at Billy Taylor Park.
Monday Aug. 23 5:30 p.m. - Back to School Facebook Live information session with Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante Green and Dr. Alexander Scott, here.
American Rescue Plan Community Conversations
Tuesday August 24 5:30 with the NAACP, event information here.
Thursday August 26 5:30 with the Latino Policy Institute, event information here.
PVD Fest has lots of events on their calendar, here.
Billy Taylor Day Saturday August 28
Community Resources for COVID-19
General Information
Vaccine Information It is wonderful that there are vaccines that work well to protect against COVID and are fully approved for use in the US. Everyone over 12 is eligible for free COVID 19 vaccines. There are vaccine clinics planned at Providence schools all week long. There is also information here for people eligible for a booster 3d dose. Here is the main RI Department of Health information page for vaccination. There are multiple ways you might schedule your vaccine appointment, below. If you haven't been vaccinated yet, now is the time! State run vaccination clinics.
Make an appointment at CVS or Walgreens. Information if you or someone you know is homebound.
RI Department of Health has current information, guidance, links to announcements about openings and closings and more here: health.ri.gov/covid
The COVID-19 hotline is 401-222-8022 for any COVID-related questions.
Sign up for testing (whether you have symptoms or not) at portal.ri.gov It's really easy and often same day appointments are available. It's good to get tested if you have symptoms. Even though I have been vaccinated, my allergies have been awful. I got tested just to be sure it isn't a weird COVID breakthrough case (it is not, but it's good to be safe).
Rent Relief - There is funding available for tenants who need help paying the rent. You can call 2-1-1 or visit RentReliefRI.com to apply for rent relief funds.
