PROVIDENCE — Although his health problems kept him away from the State House for much of the last legislative session, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio on Thursday reinforced what he told the media last week: He is running for re-election.
“I am very excited to formally launch our re-election campaign,” said Ruggerio, who represents Senate District 4, which overlaps Providence and North Providence. “I look forward to continuing to engage with constituents over the summer and talk about the ways we are working to make North Providence and Providence a better place to raise a family and run a business run.
In an earlier interview, Ruggerio, the 75-year-old political warhorse who has served in the Legislature since the early 1980s, confirmed to The Journal that he has battled cancer and other health issues but said he is in treatment and continuing to feel stronger.
Why it matters:
If he retains his seat in the Senate, Ruggerio said he would also seek re-election as Senate president.
In his formal announcement on Thursday, Ruggerio said: “Rhode Islanders are struggling under the weight of inflation. That is why my main focus is on providing relief to struggling residents and businesses.”
He touted his role as Senate chairman in the budget negotiations that resulted in a budget “that eliminated the car tax, eliminated the income tax on veterans’ pensions…expanded property tax expansion programs for seniors…more than doubling the amount.” of retirement income exempt from tax, from $20,000 to $50,000 for single filers and up to $100,000 for joint filers, and eliminating the burdensome tangible tax on small businesses.”
He also noted his leading role in efforts “to address the lack of primary care providers and reduce medical debt, while increasing investments in education and child care and providing assistance to public retirees,” he said.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve in the Senate. “I work every day to deliver results for the people of North Providence and Providence, and I hope they will do me the honor of supporting me again this year,” he said.
He announced a “signature party” at his campaign headquarters, 1355 Douglas Ave., North Providence, on July 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. to collect signatures for his nomination petitions. It is not yet clear whether he will meet an opponent, as in recent years.
This article originally appeared in The Providence Journal: At 75, Senate President Dominic Ruggerio is running again for his seat
