10-R350

2010 -- H 8289

Enacted 06/10/10

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING REPRESENTATIVE STEVEN M. COSTANTINO FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Fox, Mattiello, Watson, Kennedy, and JP O`Neill

Date Introduced: June 10, 2010

     WHEREAS, To the immense good fortune of the people of the City of Providence and

the State of Rhode Island, Steven Costantino was elected to the Rhode Island House of

Representatives on November 8th of 1994, representing what is now District 8. But long before

becoming a Representative for Providence, Steven Costantino was a native son and champion for

the city he knows and loves; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Steven Costantino graduated from LaSalle Academy in

Providence. He continued his education, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from

Providence College, and he is employed as a Manager of Venda Ravioli, Inc. on Atwells Avenue

in Providence; and

     WHEREAS, Over the past sixteen years, Representative Costantino has lent his vast

expertise and unique insights to a myriad of legislative committees, most notably for the last

seven years as the Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Finance; and

     WHEREAS, As Chair of one of the General Assembly’s most vital committees,

Representative Costantino has been responsible for shaping, adjusting, and honing the state’s

multi-billion dollar budget. During his tenure as chair, the state’s budget has been constructed

with no increase in either income or sales taxes. No easy task in an economically prosperous

year, and a downright dilemma in a recessive economy; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to the countless hours spent in Room 35 and on the House Floor,

Representative Costantino has also sponsored legislation on a panoply of vital issues, such as

repositioning the Industrial-Recreational Building Authority (IRBA) program to allow the state to

guarantee loans that will help companies get the credit they need from financial institutions for

expansion proposals. He also sponsored legislation creating an innovative, alternative basic

benefit health plan to be offered to small businesses, and legislation to bolster Rhode Island’s

knowledge and technology sectors; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Costantino’s commitment to the community also includes

membership with numerous local organizations, including the West Broadway Neighborhood

Association, the Federal Hill Commerce Association, and the Federal Hill Community Coalition,

and serving as a Board member for the International Institute; and

     WHEREAS, Over the past decade and a half, Representative Costantino has been

honored for his outstanding work by the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, was named “State

Legislator of the Year” by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare in 2008,

was a RI C.A.R.E.s award recipient, received a Heroes Award citation for his support of senior

community centers in the City of Providence, and received the CODAC Behavioral Healthcare

Board of Directors award; and

     WHEREAS, Representative Costantino’s abiding leadership and outstanding service on

behalf of the citizens of Rhode Island will long be praised, and we know that in his future

endeavors, he will continue to provide strong advocacy for all Rhode Islanders; now, therefore be

it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby joins the family and many friends of Representative Steven

Costantino in recognizing and celebrating the magnitude of his service to the Rhode Island House

of Representatives. We, moreover, wish The Honorable Steven Costantino continued happiness,

fulfillment, and much success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to The Honorable Steven M. Costantino.

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LC02893

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