With 2026 drawing closer, the approval ratings for Gov. Dan McKee and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos declined in a new poll by the Pell Center at Salve Regina University. The poll shows approval falling two percentage points for each of the two state officials since an earlier Pell survey in June, with McKee showing a […]
Seth Magaziner
Posted inLocal, Politics, TGIF
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Aug. 30, 2024
You love it when Peter Farrelly sneaks in a Rhode Island reference. You can follow me through the week on threads and what we used to call the twitters. Here we go. *** Want to get my column in your inbox every Friday? Just sign up right here. *** STORY OF THE WEEK: Running for […]
Posted inOn Politics, Political Roundtable
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner on the presidential race, inflation, climate change and more
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner faces a very different election landscape than when he won his congressional seat in 2022. Although Republicans had high hopes, Magaziner beat GOP candidate Alan Fung two years ago by just under four percentage points. This time around, Magaziner faces token opposition, but it’s unclear if Democrats will be able to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Senate may be up for grabs, and polls show a close presidential race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. Magaziner describes Trump and the election deniers who support him as a threat to democracy. So how should Democrats respond if Trump wins in November and their fears come to fruition? What does Harris need to do to overcome voters’ concerns about inflation and other issues? And how does Magaziner see the outlook for strengthening democracy in the US and abroad? This week on Political Roundtable, The Public’s Radio political reporter Ian Donnis goes in-depth with the congressman from Rhode Island’s 2nd District.
Posted inLocal, Politics
RI, MA politicians react to President Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign
Political leaders in Rhode Island and Massachusetts offered swift reaction to Sunday’s bombshell announcement by President Biden that he would drop out of his race for a second term as president. “President Biden made a selfless and noble decision” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a prepared statement. “We are forever grateful for his […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Coronavirus Roundup For March 27
Question of the week: So many questions, and we’ve got so far to go, so how long will patience hold out? As always, I welcome your tips and comments, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) As the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow in Rhode […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Panel Approves Borrowing Up To $300M To Help RI Weather Coronavirus Crisis
A little-known four-person legislative panel created in the 1970s staged its first-ever meeting Thursday and approved up to $300 million in borrowing to help Rhode Island state government weather the coronavirus crisis.
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics/Media Roundup For December 13
Question of the Week: Will Rhode Island ever be able to leverage its small size to get better public transit? Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) RIPTA talks up the […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics & Media Roundup For May 3
Thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go. 1) If not now, when? That’s a pertinent question for efforts to improve Rhode Island’s locally administered pensions. As General Treasurer Seth Magaziner detailed, in […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
Report: RI’s Locally Administered Pensions Face $2.5B In Unfunded Liability
Rhode Island’s locally administered pensions face $2.5 billion in unfunded obligations and most have less than 60 percent of the money needed to meet their long-term obligations, according to a new report from General Treasurer Seth Magaziner. There are 35 locally administered pension plans in Rhode Island. A state law passed in 2016 calls for […]
Posted inArticle, Politics
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Politics & Media Roundup For January 25
The disruption of natural gas service on Aquidneck Island shows how unexpected events can have a big impact. The fallout from that will continue in the months to come. So thanks for stopping by for my weekly column. As usual, your tips and comments are welcome, and you can follow me through the week on […]