State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Journal of the Senate
JANUARY SESSION of the General Assembly begun and held at the State House in the City of Providence on Tuesday, the seventh day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and three.
Volume 130, No.2
Wednesday, January 8, 2003
Second Day
The Senate meets pursuant to adjournment and is called to order by the Honorable William V. Irons, President of the Senate, at 4:03 o'clock P.M.
The roll is called and a quorum is declared present with 38 Senators present and 0 Senators absent as follows:
The Honorable President, by unanimous consent, presentsSenate Majority Leader Montalbano, to deliver the invocation.
(See Appendix for Invocation)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The Honorable President, by unanimous consent, presentsSenate Majority Leader Montalbano, to lead the Senate in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.
APPROVAL OF RECORD
The Senate Journal of Tuesday, January 7, 2003 proceedings is read in part.
Upon suggestion ofSenate Majority Leader Montalbano, and by unanimous consent, further reading of the Journal is dispensed with and the Journal approved as recorded.
ELECTION OF THE READING CLERK
The Honorable President declares that nominations for the office of Reading Clerk are now in order.
Senator Fogarty nominates John S. Baxter, Jr., of Pawtucket, as Reading Clerk for the 2003 and 2004 Sessions. The nomination is seconded by Senators Celona, Algiere, Polisena, Gallo, Goodwin, Blais, Felag, Tassoni, DaPonte and Pichardo.
The motion to elect John S Baxter, Jr., of Pawtucket, as Reading Clerk for the 2003 and 2004 Sessions is read and passed, by unanimous consent, upon a roll call vote with 38 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:
The Honorable Matthew A. Brown, Secretary of State, administers the Oath of Office to the Reading Clerk-elect, John S. Baxter, Jr.
COMMUNICATION
The Honorable President presents the following communication:
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
MATTHEW A. BROWN
Secretary of State
January 8, 2003
To the Honorable, the Senate:
I have the honor to inform you that I administered this day the oath of engagement as Senate Reading Clerk for the years 2003 and 2004 to John S. Baxter, Jr., of Pawtucket.
Respectfully yours,
MATTHEW BROWN
Secretary of State
Received and ordered to be placed on file.
NEW BUSINESS
Senators Celona and Montalbano present (03-S 2) An Act to vacate the forfeiture or revocation of the charter of Geneva Volunteer Fire Co., Inc.
Senator Celona requests unanimous consent for immediate consideration.
Unanimous consent for immediate consideration is granted.
Upon motion of Senator Celona, seconded by Senators Gallo and Tassoni, and by unanimous consent, read and passed, upon a roll call vote with 38 Senators voting in the affirmative and 0 Senators voting in the negative as follows:
By unanimous consent, all matters on the Clerk's desk are ordered to be transmitted to His Excellency, the Governor or to the Honorable House of Representatives forthwith.
APPOINTMENTS
The Honorable President presents the following communication transmitting the following appointments:
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
ROOM 317, STATE HOUSE
PROVIDENCE
02903
WILLIAM V. IRONS
President of the Senate
(401) 222-6555
January 8, 2003
The Rhode Island State Senate
State House
Providence, RI 02903
Dear Rhode Island Senate:
I hereby appoint the following to serve on the Senate Rules Committee:
Senator Daniel P. Connors, Chairperson
Senator David E. Bates, Member
Senator Daniel DaPonte, Member
Senator J. Michael Lenihan, Member
Senator M. Teresa Paiva Weed, Member
Senator Dominick Ruggerio, Member
Sincerely,
WILLIAM V. IRONS
President of the Senate
Received and ordered to be placed on file.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Senator Ruggerio announces that the Senate will meet on Thursday, January 9, 2003, at 4:00 o'clock P.M. in the State House.
Also:
Senator Connors announces that the Senate Rules Committee will meet on Thursday, January 9, 2003, at the rise of the Senate in Room 313 of the State House.
BEST WISHES
Senator Ruggerio extends congratulations and best wishes to Senator Fogarty on the very special occasion of his birthday.
The entire Senate joins in expressing best wishes to Senator Fogarty.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion of Senator Ruggerio, seconded by Senator Algiere, and upon suggestion of Senator Polisena, the Senate adjourns at 4:18 o'clock P.M. in memory and tribute to the Honorable John P. Bourcier, Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, who will be greatly missed.
RAYMOND T. HOYAS, JR.
Secretary of the Senate
Appendix
INVOCATION
SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MONTALBANO BEGINNING OF THE SESSION
As we again begin anew, Lord, we ask that strength and courage be given to all who work for a world of reason and understanding. May the good that lies in each of us be magnified. May we see not that which divides us but that which unites us. And may the true spirit of the Holiday Season, especially its hope and abiding faith, remain with us every day of this new year. We ask that You bestow a special blessing of good health and happiness on each member of this chamber and their families. Amen.
As always, your comments concerning this page are welcomed and appreciated.
