2020 -- S 2945

========

LC005489

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING SENATOR ERIN LYNCH PRATA ON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE

RHODE ISLAND SENATE AFTER TWELVE YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED AND

EXEMPLARY SERVICE

     Introduced By: Senators Ruggerio, McCaffrey, Goodwin, Conley, and Gallo

     Date Introduced: December 18, 2020

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Erin Lynch Prata is a 1993 graduate of Toll Gate High School. She attained

a Bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1997, and her Juris Doctor degree from the Catholic

University Columbus School of Law in 2000; and

     WHEREAS, In 2008, Senator Lynch Prata was elected to represent the citizens of the

City of Warwick in Senate District 31. Upon her election, she was promptly recognized by her

Senate colleagues for her expertise on legal issues and her thoughtful demeanor and tireless work

ethic, and as a freshman legislator, was named Chair of the Small Business Task Force which

helped to lead Rhode Island out of the 2008 Great Recession; and

     WHEREAS, In continuing acknowledgement of her diligence and erudition, in 2017,

Senator Lynch Prata rose to the position of Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. She has also

served as a member of the Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight Committee, and the Special

Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee; and

     WHEREAS, During her tenure as Chair of Senate Judiciary, Senator Lynch Prata has

been a fair and honorable steward of the issues and challenges facing the membership, always

focusing their efforts on protecting and expanding the rights of citizens, including building

consensus on the RI Parentage Act, protecting free speech, and broadening the diversity of Rhode

Island's Judiciary. She led hearings regarding issues that were deeply contentious with grace and

dignity, ensuring all voices were heard and all witnesses were treated fairly; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout her distinguished twelve years of service in the Rhode Island

Senate, the Honorable Erin Lynch Prata has been a leader and passionate advocate on behalf of

numerous causes and issues of key significance to Rhode Island's citizens. She has been the

Senate's champion for raising the minimum wage in support of working people and families, and

has worked tirelessly to protect Rhode Island’s wondrous environment for current and future

residents of our State. She has advocated for more renewable energy and has fiercely opposed

gender discrimination in insurance premiums; and

     WHEREAS, So revered and respected is she for her legal acumen, even-handedness,

fairness and compassion that Senator Lynch Prata was selected for a seat on the Rhode Island

Supreme Court and shall henceforth be known as "The Notorious ELP." Her vast knowledge and

thoughtful demeanor will be sorely missed; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby honors Senator Erin

Lynch Prata on her retirement from the Rhode Island Senate after twelve years of honorable and

dedicated service; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable Erin Lynch Prata.

========

LC005489

========

LC005489 - Page 2 of 2