Latino Public Radio: Langevin Introduces Offshore WIND Act

By Reynaldo Almonte

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), who serves as Energy Task Force Chair on the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) in Congress, today introduced the Offshore Wind Incentives for New Development Act. The bill, also known as the Offshore WIND Act, is a House companion to legislation introduced by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ed Markey (D-MA).

“Clean energy is the future, without question, and we need to clear as many hurdles as possible to ensure that we are investing and innovating in cleaner, more efficient and more sustainable energy solutions. Wind power is an important piece of that puzzle, and the Offshore WIND Act would help incentivize additional offshore wind projects,” said Langevin.

Tax extenders approved in 2015 included wind and solar tax credits, but the timeline provided for offshore wind was not sufficient. Under current law, the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for offshore wind will expire in just three years. Due to the extensive siting and construction process of building offshore wind farms, however, the Department of Energy has found it unlikely that any additional projects would qualify before the current credit expires in 2019.

“I am so proud and excited that Rhode Island has positioned itself as a leader in offshore wind, but the Block Island Wind Farm is only the beginning. The possibilities and the capacity for offshore wind power are limitless, and we need the Offshore WIND Act to ensure that America is keeping pace in clean energy,” Langevin said. “Supporting additional offshore wind development will create jobs, strengthen the industry, serve our short-term energy needs, and make a long-term difference for our environment.”

Providence Journal: Langevin, Cicilline coast to wins in Democratic primaries

By Edward Fitzpatrick
Journal Columnist

 

U.S. Reps. David N. Cicilline and James R. Langevin coasted to victory in Democratic primaries on Tuesday night.

With 99 percent of precincts reporting in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, Cicilline had 68 percent of the vote, far ahead of Christopher F. Young at 32 percent, according to unofficial results from the state Board of Elections.

And in Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District, Langevin had 64 percent of the vote, far ahead of Steven Archer at 19 percent and former state Rep. John D. Hamilton Sr. at 17 percent.

“I’m incredibly proud to be the Democratic nominee,” Cicilline said. “I’m working hard everyday to deliver results for Rhode Island by revitalizing our manufacturing base, making college more affordable, bringing back funding for infrastructure and job training, working to end the pay gap for women, and standing up to the powerful gun lobby to reduce gun violence.”

In the Nov. 8 general election, Cicilline will face Republican Harold Russell Taub.

Cicilline, 55, is a former Providence mayor and state representative who has been in Congress since 2011 and now sits on the House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs committees. Young, 47, who lives in Coventry, is working for Local 23 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

In the Nov. 8 general election, Langevin will face Republican Rhue R. Reis and independent candidates Salvatore G. Caiozzo and Jeffrey C. Johnson.

“I am honored and incredibly grateful to the Democratic voters of the Second District for their support,” Langevin said. “I have long said that I do not see my position as a birthright – I am merely a steward of a seat that belongs to the people of Rhode Island, and I will keep working hard every single day to represent Rhode Islanders to the very best of my ability.”

Langevin, 52, of Warwick, is a former state legislator and secretary of state who in 2001 became the first quadriplegic to serve in Congress. He is on the House Armed Services and Homeland Security committees and is co-founder of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus.

Hamilton, 66, of Charleston, was a delegate for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and vice chairman of the state delegation to the Democratic National Convention. He ran to Langevin’s left, saying that the incumbent has failed to place sufficient emphasis on issues such as income inequality, free public college tuition and climate change.

Archer, 58, of Warwick, is a former paratrooper, quahogger and Warwick harbormaster who now owns Archer Anesthesia Providers. A former Republican, he ran to Langevin’s right, calling Obamacare a “disaster, calling for tort reform and talking about the public costs of illegal immigration.

The incumbents held enormous fund-raising advantages. As of Aug. 24, Langevin had $907,337 in campaign cash after raising $924,536, according to the Federal Election Commission. By contrast, Hamilton had $388 in campaign cash after raising $550, and Archer had $437 in campaign cash after raising $6,346. Meanwhile, Cicilline had $760,937 in campaign cash as of Aug. 24 after raising $1,196,440, while Young had not reached the $5,000 threshold for federal election reports.

Langevin Thanks Primary Voters for Support

I am honored and incredibly grateful to the Democratic voters of the Second District for their support. I cannot thank them enough. It’s their support that keeps me going and their experiences that inspire me to continue my journey in public service. I have long said that I do not see my position as a birthright – I am merely a steward of a seat that belongs to the people of Rhode Island, and I will keep working hard every single day to represent Rhode Islanders to the very best of my ability. I also want to thank my primary opponents, John Hamilton and Steve Archer. I am encouraged to see more people interested in getting involved in our democracy, and I congratulate them on their respective campaigns.

I am more passionate and enthusiastic about serving Rhode Island than ever before, and this victory will reinvigorate me as I work hard for every vote in the General Election. I take nothing for granted, and I will be campaigning vigorously over the next 56 days. I look forward to knocking on doors and meeting with more voters in the weeks to come to lay out my accomplishments and share my hopes for a brighter future for our state and our nation.

The East Greenwich Pendulum: EG Fire Dept. gets $88,191 grant

By GABRIELLE FALLETTA

EAST GREENWICH- The local fire department is the recipient of $88,191 in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, money that will allow the department to purchase new safety equipment.

The grant is a portion of $160,000 in federal funding that is being dispersed to both the East Greenwich Fire Department and Portsmouth Fire Department as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. In East Greenwich, the fire department will use the funds to purchase a rapid escape system for each member of the department.

“In today’s tight fiscal environment this grant comes at a great time,” said East Greenwich Fire Chief Russell McGillvary in a statement. “This award will provide the firefighters of the East Greenwich Fire Department with a much needed piece of life safety equipment.”
The rapid escape systems will allow firefighters to safely descend from burning buildings and help rescue residents inside, by giving firefighters a tool that can anchor to another structure and allow them to escape from a high point on a building. In addition, the EG Fire Department will purchase several pairs of turnout pants that will be fitted with the appropriate gear to support the escape systems.

“Our firefighters work hard to keep Rhode Island communities safe,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse in a statement. “Given tight local budgets, it’s important for the federal government to pitch in and help Rhode Island cities and towns afford the training and equipment firefighters need to do their job. I’m glad to see these grants headed to Portsmouth and East Greenwich.”

In Portsmouth the fire department will use their $71,896 grant to create a Rapid Intervention Team training program, a team that is dedicated solely to search and rescue of seriously injured firefighters.
“I am thankful for the outstanding work our firefighters do each day. These funds will enhance public safety and ensure our firefighters have the most up-to-date equipment and rescue training available,” said Senator Jack Reed in a statement. “It has been a pleasure to work with these fire departments and communities to help secure these competitive grants.”

The two grants add to the total of over $2.5 million in AFG funding in 2016 to help 13 fire departments throughout Rhode Island. Since 2001, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders across the state successfully secure over $27.3 million in AFG grants to pay for equipment upgrades, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources.

“I am always thrilled to see federal funds used to enhance public safety and protect the well-being of Rhode Islanders,”said Congressman Jim Langevin in a statement. “It is especially exciting in this case to see the implementation of equipment and training that can make the difference between life and death for the firefighters who put their lives on the line for us every day.”

The Westerly Sun: Hopkinton Democrats endorse Langevin

HOPKINTON — The Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee has endorsed U.S. Rep. James Langevin, D-2nd District, in his bid for re-election. “Jim shares our priorities, as well as our hopes for a stronger Rhode Island, a more equal nation, and a more peaceful world,” said committee Chairwoman Gloria Rhodes. “We’re proud to have him by our side as we all work together for the good of our state.” Langevin was elected to his first term in 2000, and currently serves as a senior member of the House Armed Services and Homeland Security committees. “I am as focused and enthusiastic as ever about serving the people of Rhode Island, and it means so much to have people like Chairwoman Rhodes and the Hopkinton committee members supporting me in my efforts,” Langevin said.

Latino Public Radio: Langevin Visits Edesia

By: Reynaldo Almonte

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI – Edesia was honored to welcome Rhode Island Congressman, Rep. Jim Langevin, to its new state-of-the-art 83-000 square foot facility today. The Congressman, who represents North Kingstown,
was given a tour of the factory and Edesia Founder and CEO Navyn Salem shared with
him an update on her company’s lifesaving work to combat malnutrition on a global
scale. “We were thrilled to have the Congressman come visit Edesia again but this
time in our new factory situated in the town he represents,” said Salem. “The
Congressman had the opportunity to see just how much we have increased production of
Plumpy’Nut and our other ready-to-use foods to keep up with the rising global
demands.” “After a month of fascinating business visits, constituent meetings and
conversations with community leaders, Edesia was the perfect way to end my
#LangevinRhodeTrip,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “The important work Edesia is
doing represents both the entrepreneurial spirit and the kindness and generosity of
Rhode Islanders, and I am so grateful to Navyn and her team for hosting me for a
fantastic visit.” Contact: Dee Dee Edmondson, RDW Group c) 617-835-3272 e)
[email protected] FOR A PDF OF THIS RELEASE CLICK HERE About Edesia: Edesia
is a nonprofit organization on a mission to help treat and prevent malnutrition in
the world’s most vulnerable populations. Edesia specializes in the manufacturing of
peanut-based, ready-to-use foods that change lives. To read more about their story
and the people they serve, click here. Each year millions of “miracle packets”
leave Edesia’s Rhode Island factory and are delivered into the hands of malnourished
children all over the world by humanitarians working in the hardest-to-reach and
most inhospitable places on the planet. Since it was founded in 2009, Edesia has
helped reach more than four million malnourished children in over 48 countries
across the world. Edesia proudly partners with USAID, UNICEF, the World Food
Programme, and many more humanitarian organizations working to end malnutrition.
Connect with Edesia – www.edesianutrition.org

Westerly Sun: Langevin ‘Rhode Trip’ stops in Hopkinton

Westerly Sun: Langevin ‘Rhode Trip’ stops in Hopkinton

By Cynthia Drummond – Sun staff writer

HOPKINTON — Festival Farm owner Jay Gray was putting up a scarecrow as he awaited the arrival of U.S. Rep. James Langevin Thursday. Gray and his wife, Judy, own the 2-acre farm, which includes a petting zoo of 50 assorted animals, fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs, and a small gift shop.

“I’m going to tell him how tough it is for the little guy,” Gray said. “I don’t know what help he can give me, but I’ll show him around.”

Langevin, who represents the state’s Second Congressional District, chose the farm on Route 3 in Hope Valley as one of the stops on what he calls his summer “Rhode Trip.”

“This is one of my 21-city-and-town tour,” he said. “I’m going to different communities in my district, and it’s an opportunity while I’m home during the district work period over the summer to stay in touch with my constituents and to get to parts of the community that I don’t often get to.”

Gray, a longtime employee of Electric Boat in Groton, bought his farm seven years ago and began transforming it into a family attraction. As Langevin toured the property, visiting goats, donkeys, assorted sheep and a jersey calf, Gray explained what had made him decide to turn the farm into an old-fashioned roadside attraction.

“All the small, family places in Rhode Island, where families would go to, they’ve all disappeared,” he said. “People think doing something with your kids now is going to Walmart. That sounds terrible, but that’s the way I feel.”

Gray told Langevin that he started by growing and selling pumpkins, but it wasn’t long before he started acquiring animals.

“I said ‘we’re going to try and grow some pumpkins to offset the taxes,’ and we started growing pumpkins, and I had no animals at that time, and I saw a couple of alpacas and said ‘it really wouldn’t hurt to buy an alpaca or two. We’ve got the room. I’ll build a pen.’ I started thinking, if those kids are going to come get a pumpkin, we’ve got to have something special for them to see.”

The tour ended in the gift shop. As a farm cat named Snickers watched from a perch high above the counter, Langevin and his staff enjoyed cold drinks and picked up jars of homemade jam.

“We wanted to come here, to a local farm, and they’re doing important work here,” Langevin said. “It’s important to support local growers. We have small farms popping up all over the state, and we should encourage them.”

The Grays said they had enjoyed the opportunity to meet Langevin and talk to him about their biggest concern: high taxes.

“He seemed truly interested, and that’s awfully nice,” Judy said.

“He’s down to earth,” Jay said. “Just a regular guy.”