Woonsocket Radio News Room

Sen. Kallman Honored for Housing Work


 

Sen. Meghan Kallman, center, and Rep. June Speakman, left, receive the “Friends of the Network” award from Jennifer Hawkins, right, of the Housing Network of Rhode Island.

 

STATE HOUSE – Sen. Meghan Kallman was honored by the Housing Network of Rhode Island at the organization’s annual meeting for her work promoting housing affordability. She, along with Rep. June Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol), received the “Friends of the Network” award.

“Our mission is to bring people together to make Rhode Island an equitable and affordable place to live for all our neighbors,” said Melina Lodge, executive director of Housing Network of Rhode Island. “That takes partners in government, and we have found excellent ones in Senator Kallman and Representative Speakman. Their leadership has helped so many Rhode Islanders secure a safe, affordable home for their families and we are grateful for their work.”

The Housing Network of Rhode Island is the state’s membership organization for agencies committed to the development of affordable housing and vital communities. It is composed of 15 community development corporations and affordable housing developers across Rhode Island. Housing Network members have created thousands of affordable housing units and are leading community revitalization and economic development efforts across the state.

The Friends of the Network Award is given to an individual or organization who has provided exceptional support to the Housing Network of Rhode Island and its membership.

The organization’s annual meeting was Monday night at the Providence G rooftop. Also honored were: Nancy Smith Greer, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Retired), receiving the Francis H. Smith Award; Anne Berman, from RIHousing, receiving the Joseph A. Caffey Award; Lynne Urbani, director of policy for Rhode Island House Speaker’s Office, receiving the Housing Innovation Award; and the Boston Globe RI and Uprise RI, receiving the Housing Elevation Award.

“The cost of housing is crippling our state,” said Senator Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence). “We know we can create vibrant, livable, affordable communities, but it takes all of us, pulling together. I am so grateful for all of the work the Housing Network of RI does and truly honored to be part of this work.”

 

The Supreme Court will hear arguments today on former President Donald Trump's claim he has absolute immunity on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election. The outcome could determine whether Trump faces a federal trial this year on four felony counts brought by special counsel Jack Smith, which include conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruction of an official proceeding.        The abortion issue was front and center in America on Wednesday. First, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case is over whether Idaho's near-total abortion ban conflicts with a federal law requiring hospitals to provide patients emergency care. A decision is expected in June. Later in the day, Arizona's House of Representatives voted to repeal a Civil War-era abortion law that bans nearly all abortions, and the bill now heads to the state Senate.        The seven World Central Kitchen workers killed in Gaza will be honored this morning at Washington National Cathedral. The workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike on April 1st while bringing food aid to people in the war torn Palestinian territory.        The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is suing the Federal Trade Commission over its banning of noncompete agreements. The FTC voted Tuesday to block new noncompete agreements and require employers not to enforce current noncompetes, with an exception for senior executives. Business groups argue that these agreements are actually necessary to protect their intellectual property. They accuse the FTC of regulatory overreach.       A Beatles guitar that's been missing for over 50 years has been discovered in the attic of a British house. Julien's Auctions says the 12-string Hootenanny acoustic guitar is the same one John Lennon played on classics like "Norwegian Wood," and he can be seen playing the guitar in the movie "Help!" It will be going up for auction next month in New York City.        The road to the NBA Finals continued on Wednesday. The Miami Heat pulled off a 111-101 upset victory over the Boston Celtics in Game Two at TD Garden. Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the New Orleans Pelicans 124-92 at the Paycom Center.        

Old News Archives