Sue's Plans and Priorities
The new energy Sue will bring to the Lieutenant Governor's office
AFFORDABLE, CLEAN ENERGY
For too long, we have allowed an out-of-state company to control our energy systems for the benefit of their shareholders.
It’s time to put the power back in your hands.
As Lieutenant Governor, I will partner with the General Assembly, administrative agencies, labor unions, advocates, and experts to implement an energy strategy that:
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Stabilizes energy rates for Rhode Island ratepayers
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Diversifies energy sources away from polluting, fossil fuels with price volatility
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Puts Rhode Island on track to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2033, as legally mandated by the 2023 Renewable Energy Standard
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Creates and sustains good, union jobs with family sustaining wages building the infrastructure we need
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Combats climate change, and its ever-increasing threats to our communities
And I know that good policy is a collaboration. My comprehensive energy plan, "New Energy for Rhode Island: Putting the Power Back in Our Hands" has been endorsed by Representatives Edith Ajello, Jennifer Boylan, Terri Cortvriend, Rebecca Kislak, Michelle McGaw, Brandon Potter, June Speakman, Jennifer Stewart, Senator Alana DiMario, and Climate Action Rhode Island.
TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS
DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE
Right now, our public transportation system is failing Rhode Islanders. Public transit options are limited and unreliable because government leaders keep bleeding the budgets dry. Our roads and bridges are ranked worst in the country. Bike and walking lanes are scarce, and often unsafe.
These failures go beyond just one issue, and Rhode Islanders can’t afford to wait for solutions. Improving our transportation system means more economic development, better quality-of-life for all Rhode Islanders—especially for seniors and those with mobility challenges, and stronger access to grocery stores, medical appointments, and other basic necessities.
As Lieutenant Governor, I will:
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Fund RIPTA — Rhode Islanders deserve a public transportation system that is reliable, safe, and accessible across the state.
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Commit to ending traffic-related deaths and serious injuries (Vision Zero)—I will push for common sense traffic safety measures that save lives and make our roads safer.
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Implement forward-thinking transportation plans currently sitting on shelves—the Long Range Transportation Plan, the Transit Master Plan, and Bike and Mobility Plan are well-researched, effective plans that I’ll set in motion on day one.
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Invest in high-quality transportation systems—I’ll partner with the Governor, state agencies, and outside experts to make it easier for Rhode Islanders to access every corner of our beautiful and diverse state.
PRODUCTIVE LEADERSHIP ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, LONG-TERM CARE, AND SMALL BUSINESS
The Lieutenant Governor oversees three critical councils: the Emergency Management Advisory Council, Long-Term Care Coordinating Council, and the Small Business Advocacy Council. These were designed to be active forums, where government leaders and key stakeholders convened to solve real issues and turn ideas into action.
We know that climate change is worsening the impacts of natural disasters in our coastal towns. I've seen it firsthand managing the Rhode Island Municipal Resilience Program and also serving on the advisory group overseeing the updates to Providence's Hazard Mitigation Plan: our different state and local agencies need leadership to enable them to better work together to invest in hazard mitigation and response.
We know that Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates are driving primary care physicians out of Rhode Island: we need to ensure our older adults are receiving the medical care they need.
We also know that these systems for older RIers are incredibly confusing and siloed: we need to streamline processes that enable RIers and their families to participate in these programs.
We know that Rhode Island is one of the hardest places to start your own business: we need to listen to the needs of small businesses and streamline processes and programs to incentivize one of the most important pillars of our economy.
Leading on these issues doesn't require you to be an expert in every one of them. rather, it requires us to leverage the deep expertise we have in our state, build diverse coalitions, and relentlessly drive solutions across every possible avenue until progress is made. I am no stranger to this kind of leadership -- from serving as RI's first Director of Food Strategy, to creating the North Main St. Task Force here in Providence, I know how to *rock* a government task force.