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Office of Energy Resources proposes $14 million for clean energy investments


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The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources has announced a plan to invest in clean energy, as well as reduce energy costs, by distributing $14 million in proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auctions.

Commissioner Marion Gold, courtesy of www.energy.ri.gov
Commissioner Marion Gold, courtesy of www.energy.ri.gov

RGGI, which was launched in 2009, allowed participating states to establish a cap on carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fueled electric generating facilities. The power plants in these areas must possess a tradable carbon dioxide allowance for each ton that they emit, and these allowances are distributed through quarterly auctions.

“Rhode Island’s participation in RGGI is a vital component of the state’s energy and environmental policy framework. This plan will not only advance important energy goals, but it will also contribute to local economic growth by investing in carbon-free energy resources, including energy efficiency and renewable generation,” State Energy Commissioner Marion Gold said.

The $14 million will support a number of clean energy programs. Three million will support the capitalization of the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, and another $3.6 million will go towards supporting energy efficiency measures for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. Two million more will support the installation of LED streetlights throughout the state, as well as support clean energy investments in state and municipal buildings. Another $300,000 will go toward funding residential rooftop solar panels.

LED streetlights will also be installed all along Rhode Island’s highways, not just within towns and cities. $2.8 million will be allocated towards that venture. Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti said that energy efficiency is a top priority.

“The conversion to LED streetlights not only has the potential of reducing statewide energy costs by approximately one million dollars per year, but it also demonstrates the financial benefits of good environmental stewardship,” he said.

The Office of Energy Resources also stated that the plan will support job growth along with enhancing sustainability.

“This is a smart plan that will grow jobs, reduce energy costs, and help protect our environment,” Governor Gina Raimondo said. “By investing in innovative clean energy initiatives like the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, Solarize Rhode Island, and energy efficiency programs, Rhode Island can help lead the nation towards a more sustainable energy future while also growing our economy.”

The financial impact is only one part, though. These investments also have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which will improve air quality throughout Rhode Island

“Each kilowatt-hour of energy saved or generated by a renewable energy source means one less kilowatt-hour generated from fossil fuel-fired sources,” said Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit. “Programs like these may start small, but the represent important steps forward toward achieving our greenhouse gas reduction goals and transitioning to a clean energy future.”

The Office of Energy Resources is currently taking public comment on the plan, and can be reached by emailing Barbara.Cesaro@energy.ri.gov, or by mailing One Capitol Hill, Providence, Rhode Island, 02908. There will be a public hearing on the proposal on July 29 at 10 am in Conference Room B on the second floor of One Capitol Hill.

 

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Raimondo signs executive order for state healthcare reform


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After the successes of Governor Gina Raimondo’s Reinventing Medicaid task force, today, at the Kent County YMCA, she announced a new initiative to overhaul the state’s healthcare system as a whole. Titled the Working Group for Healthcare Innovation, the group, under the leadership of Elizabeth Roberts, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, seeks to improve Rhode Island’s healthcare landscape, making it more competitive with other New England states.

Gov. Raimondo and Sen. Whitehouse with YMCA campers after signing the healthcare reform executive order
Gov. Raimondo and Sen. Whitehouse with YMCA campers after signing the healthcare reform executive order

“Today we are talking about keeping a dialogue going that you so successfully started on earlier this year,” Raimondo said, referring to Reinventing Medicaid. She added that she seeks to take the work that was done there, in the public healthcare system, and move it forward.

“Today is about bringing that same level of innovation in all that we do in healthcare delivery in the state of Rhode Island,” she said.

The Governor has set forth four specific goals for the task force to achieve, under specific deadlines. They are to develop a global healthcare spending cap; plan out and implement the “80 by ’18,” goal, which would tie 80 percent of healthcare payments to quality by 2018; bring the state’s healthcare system technologically up to date; and establish a framework to achieve health and wellness goals outlined by the Centers for Disease Control.

Raimondo said that the biggest goal, which all of these are to work together to achieve, is to reduce the costs of healthcare, improve outputs, and improve the patient experience. She said that these goals are the “holy grail,” of providing healthcare, and making Rhode Island more effective overall.

“I believe it’s doable, I know it’s doable. It’s doable if we commit ourselves,” she said. “We’ve got to catch up and we’ve got to be competitive. Rhode Island has to be competitive.”

The focus of the task force will draw from suggestions made by a group of healthcare stakeholders that Governor Raimondo received back in December. Many members of this group, which was put together by United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Rhode Island Foundation President Neil Steinberg, will now be serving with on the new task force.

Whitehouse also spoke in support of Raimondo’s initiative, citing that the United States spends more money per capita in relation to life expectancy than almost every other developed country. The United States’ life expectancy is also lower than many countries that pay less per capita. Whitehouse also mentioned that since 1960, health care expenditures have risen from $27.4 billion to $2.8 trillion. Healthcare spending has declined in recent years, but reducing costs remains a priority.

“It’s not a system where you can tell it what to do and it’s going to change,” Whitehouse said, speaking about how healthcare reform works. “You actually need to change the system. What you say is a whisper, how you pay is a shout.”

Secretary Roberts, who will head the group, said that even though healthcare reform is a very complex issue, the working group can find a solution because they want to get the community involved in the process. Rather than just having a conversation about what needs to be done, Roberts said, there will be collaboration on both ends of the project. By doing this, they will create a long-term plan.

“I am excited to see the Governor take a very direct interest, and give us a very direct charge, because that, to me, is absolutely crucial to a statewide approach,” Roberts said about her enthusiasm to begin working. “I am excited to see the range of people who have stepped forward to participate, and know that we will make some real progress.”

Roberts has had experience working with the Rhode Island healthcare industry in the past, as former Lieutenant Governor during the Chafee Administration. Roberts has also worked in health insurance before she was involved in government, and as a legislator, she chaired the Health Committee.

“Many of us have met before, and have worked together before,” she said. “But the charge of the Governor, to really come together, and really make some measurable differences, is going to move us forward.”

The Working Group for Healthcare Innovation will begin meeting in August, and give its first set of recommendations to Governor Raimondo in December. Members of the group come from several communities, including government, insurance, hospital workers, labor, and business. There are 36 total members.

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Tuesday to Tuesday: RI Future’s arts and entertainment calendar (UPDATED 7/22)

006Klimt-TheVirginRIFuture is a fine institution that has made important contributions to the Rhode Island news culture as the ProJo has shrunk in both scope and talent while the news channels have become more corporatized.  It is our hope that this new feature – the ‘Tuesday to Tuesday Arts and Entertainment Calendar’ will bring a lighter side to the fare.  As we move into the dog days of summer, I’m open to tips and press releases regarding the events you or someone you know may be holding in the next few weeks.  Feel free to e-mail data to me at andrew.james.stewart.rhode.island@gmail.com.

MY PICKS
Here is my selection of events that you should definitely consider checking out this week.

  • 7/21
    HOME/RUN: A Play at Matthewson Street Church Black Box, 8 pm, $5-10
    It would be a conflict of interest if I did not mention I know one of the writers here from my film festival days. But I honestly do think that this sort of interactive theatre is important, it helps generate a dialogue about our society and how it operates. And with Providence in the midst of all sorts of lunatic plots to gentrify the neighborhoods while bailing out billionaires so they can build baseball stadiums, we need these sorts of dialogues that democratize our understanding of home more than ever.
  • 7/22
    The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide
    The author of this play previous was nominated for a 2014 Pulitzer but returned to the drawing board for a second draft.  This should be impressive.
  • 7/23
    Movies on the Block: THE SHINING at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free
    Kubrick’s classic horror film remains chilling after 35 years because he was making a truly amazing film.  Having studied him in college, I can also say that this is much deeper than you think and that the recent ROOM 237 was closer to the mark than you might think in terms of the subtext about genocide.
  • 7/24
    FringePVD: “WRITER’S BLOCK” BY RADIOACTIVE THEATRE COMPANY at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $5-$10
    To be honest, I have no idea what this play is about but, since I know very well what writer’s block is, I imagine it might appeal to anyone inclined to epistolary.
  • 7/25
    Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton Four Corners Art Center, 10 am-5 pm, Free
    This is a arts and crafts festival featuring works from the so-called Third World, something that intrigues me to no end.
  • 7/26
    Outdoor Summer Concerts: French Roast at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, 6-8 pm, $10 General Admission/$5 Children 12 and under/$5 Botanical Center Conservancy members
    This is a Franco-American band that does especially Canadian and Bayou music, plus it’s located in one of my favorite parks in the state.  What’s not to love?
  • 7/27
    VIOLET / RRLEW / VALISE / MUYASSAR KURDI / GYNA BOOTLEG at Psychic Readings, 9 pm-1 am, $6
    Six dollars for five bands at one of the best locations in Providence, why not?
  • 7/28
    Get Out! Cardboard Rockets at Providence Children’s Museum, 1-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person
    Something fun to do with the kids and probably a minor refresher on the basic physics of aviation.

7/21
Get Out! Sundials at Providence Children’s Museum, 1-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

The Newport Music Festival at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 11 am, To purchase tickets, call Newport Festival Box Office at 401-849-0700

Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class, $60 for 6 classes

FringePVD: THE ROAD TO HIGH STREET: A BUSKER’S DIGITAL ROCK & ROLL STORY by Andrew Potter at AS220’s Blackbox, 7-1:15 pm, $5-$10

Kid Fame, Jaz Marley, Adrenaline the Rapper, and Project Five Star at AS220 Main Stage, 9:30 pm-1 am, $6

Slouch + Noway + Disipline + The Daffy and Daisy Chain at Psychic Readings, 9:30 pm-1 am, $6

HOME/RUN: A Play at Matthewson Street Church Black Box, 8 pm, $5-10

Tuesday Night Film Series: THEY WILL OUTLIVE US ALL (RI Premiere) at The Arctic Playhouse, 7 pm, $10.00/$7.00 seniors/$5.00 children under 12

7/22
Vinyasa Yoga with Julie Shore at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, Noon-1 pm, $5

Open Level Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Jenkins Construction presents A Concert by The Toe Jam Puppet Band at Ballard Park Quarry Meadow, 10-11 am, Free

Jenkins Construction presents A Concert by Meehan Krous at Ballard Park Quarry Meadow, 7-8 pm, Free

Wheels at Work: Backhoe Loader at Providence Children’s Museum, 10-Noon, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide

FringePVD: “EN-SEM-BLE” BY FREQUENCY WRITERS at AS220’s Blackbox, 7:30 pm, $5-$10

FringePVD: “a.vanishing.point” by PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE NOVELTY COMPANY at AS220’s Blackbox, 8:30 pm, $5-$10

SURVIVORS OF THE KRAKEN // GELATINUS CUBE // GREGORY MCKILLOP // RYAN PRATT at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm-1 am, $6

7/23
Best of Rhode Island Party 2015 at Providence Performing Arts Center, 5:30-9:30 pm, $55-$65

Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots at The Towers, 7-10 pm, $15

Summer Concert Series presented by ALEX AND ANI at Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, 6-9 pm, $10

newportFILM Outdoors! THE DIPLOMAT – presented by Lila Delman Real Estate I at Redwood Library & Athenaeum, 8:30 pm (sunset), Free

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide

Evening Yoga at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:15-7:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

FringePVD: THE ROAD TO HIGH STREET: A BUSKER’S DIGITAL ROCK & ROLL STORY at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $5-$10

FringePVD: “WRITER’S BLOCK” BY RADIOACTIVE THEATRE COMPANY @ AS220’s Blackbox, 8:30 pm, $5-$10

Mmere Dane Group and Four Agreements at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm, $5

FringePVD: “TOUCHSTONE/SALMON/FROSTING” BY THE ERGOT PLAYERS at AS220’s Blackbox, 9:30 pm, $5-$10

Movies on the Block: THE SHINING at Grants Block, 7:30 pm, Free

VERONICA GUERIN at Warwick Public Library, 7 pm, Free

Fringe PVD: TRANS* at Paff Auditorium in the URI Feinstein Providence Campus, 8 pm, $5-$10

7/24
Family Fun Friday: Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys at Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum, 11 am-1 pm, Free

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide

FringePVD: “WRITER’S BLOCK” BY RADIOACTIVE THEATRE COMPANY at AS220’s Blackbox, 7 pm, $5-$10

FringePVD: “OXYPROBLEM” BY MCQUADE8PRODUCTIONS at AS220’s Blackbox, 8 pm, $5-$10

FringePVD: “a.vanishing.point” by PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE NOVELTY COMPANY at AS220’s Blackbox, 9 pm, $5-$10

Toad and the Stooligans, True Blue, and Bored with Four at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm-1 am, $6

7/25
Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton Four Corners Art Center, 10 am-5 pm, Free

Stars and Night Sky at Providence Children’s Museum, 10 am-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, 7:30 pm, Pay What You Decide

Introduction to the Laser Cutter at AS220 Labs, 10 am-1 pm, $80

Traditional Irish Music Session at AS220 Bar & FOO(D), 4-7 pm, No cover

FringePVD: “SEARCH FOR THE FORBIDDEN BLANK: AN IMPROVISED CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE WITH PUPPETS” BY THE IMPROVISED PUPPET PROJECT at AS220’s Blackbox, 8 pm, $5-$10

Rampant Decay, Deathface and Timecop Beach Party at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm-1 am, $6

WHITE MYSTERY (CHI), DIRTY FENCES (NYC), ATLANTIC THRILLS (PVD) at Psychic Readings, 10 pm-1 am, $10

Saturday Night Leftovers 2.0 PART III at The Parlour, 7 pm, $5

Halfway Home / Sic Vita / Shore City / SPC / Bears Bears Bears at The Met, 8 pm-1 am, $8 adv/$10 day of

Fringe PVD: TRANS* at Paff Auditorium in the URI Feinstein Providence Campus, 7 pm, $5-$10

7/26
Cultural Survival Bazaar at Tiverton Four Corners Art Center, 10 am-5 pm, Free

Stars and Night Sky at Providence Children’s Museum, 10 am-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Core Workout with Daniel Shea at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 9-10 am, $5

Beginner Ballet at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 10:30-11:30 am, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Intermediate Ballet Class at 95 Empire Studio, Noon-1:30 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

Spiritual Recess, Great News and Bukkake Moms at Psychic Readings, 9 pm-1 am, $6

Outdoor Summer Concerts: French Roast at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, 6-8 pm, $10 General Admission/$5 Children 12 and under/$5 Botanical Center Conservancy members

7/27
BridgeFest Sunset Soiree at Sanford-Covell Villa Marina, 6-8:30 pm, $30

Newport BridgeFest at Queen Anne Square, 8 am-Midnight, Free

Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 6:30-8 pm, $13 per class/$60 for 6 classes

VIOLET / RRLEW / VALISE / MUYASSAR KURDI / GYNA BOOTLEG at Psychic Readings, 9 pm-1 am, $6

7/28
Get Out! Cardboard Rockets at Providence Children’s Museum, 1-3 pm, Free with Museum admission of $9.00 per person

Newport BridgeFest at Queen Anne Square, 8 am-Midnight, Free

Stretch & Strength at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 12-1 pm, $5

Open Life Drawing at AS220, 6 pm-8:30, $6

Intermediate Ballet Class with Danielle Davidson at AS220 Live Arts Dance Studio, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm, $13 per class, $60 for 6 classes

Native Giant, Neutrinos, Eric and the Nothing, Pyramid at Psychic Readings, 9 pm-1 am, $6

Armageddon Shop Presents: Windhand, Pilgram, and Second Grave at AS220 Main Stage, 9 pm-1 am, $10

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PTA involvement instead of prison mentality in schools


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ACIZero-tolerance policies were introduced into public schools in the 1990s, due to the rising rates of juvenile violence, according to the article, “The criminalization of school discipline in the USA”, by Paul Hirschfield. This zero-tolerance policy, he writes, also led to the importation of the criminal justice system into schools as a means of crime control.

In light of this dynamic, students get arrested for minor offenses, like simple assault, that were once handled internally by high school authorities. One former high school student, who was in maximum security prison when this article was published says his, “school was more like a prison than a high school. It don’t have to be nothing illegal about it. But you’re getting arrested. No regard for if a college going to accept you with this record. No regard for none of that, because you’re not expected to leave this school and go to college. You’re not expected to do anything.”

Students are pushed to the limit with little or no breathing space, no second chances, and no regard for whether these policies have helped kids to drop out of school with no direction in life. They are still supposed to be tomorrow’s elders in an ever-evolving society. However, it is important that society put in place some kind of disciplinary practices to instill moral and civic virtues, but equally important that this is done in a manner that does not marginalize kids and force them to choose between the choices that could send them to juvenile prison and further incarceration in the adult prison system, leading to conditions that deprive them from being productive and functional citizens.

In as much as I believe in maintaining security in school premises, I also believe that the society and the politicians could do a better job by giving students a second chance if they really want them to succeed in life. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) could be instrumental in this front. It is my profound belief that if parents are involved to help curtail their kids’ behavioral problems in school, that would have been more fruitful than dogs, metal detectors and the criminal justice systems. I know if my mother got a call from the school about my misconduct, it would be a profound deterrent. Most kids listen to their mothers’.

The PTA method of discipline could ensure that authorities and parents work hand in hand to model students’ behavior in a better way, instead of victimizing them. To this end, parents got called most of the time when the punishment is handed down to the student and the parent is left with a choice of trying to make the kid stay out of prison, instead of trying to make them stay in school. The PTA could put misbehaving student on probation, supervised by both school offices and the parent, leaving the state out of the equation at this point in time.

The state authorities should focus on helping students succeed in their education, and not to supplement school policies that remove underperforming students with the notion that they are not salvageable – especially not in the name of school accountability. These and other policies prove that the authorities value money more than they value students’ education. All of which takes the form of removing underperforming or disruptive students, which proved to be a cheaper alternative to renovating and modernizing schools and hiring more qualified teachers and counselors.

It’s the poor, the destitute, and in most cases the minority students who pay the highest price for misbehaving in the face of these measurements, under the perception of them not deserving good schools, socio-economic development, good representation, coupled with policies that criminalize students with behavior problems as a means of crime control.