Joe Shekarchi
@JoeShekarchi
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BIOGRAPHY A life- long resident of Warwick. RI House Speaker. Animal Lover. Advocate for economic development for Warwick and all of Rhode Island.
Joined July 2012
Thank you to @SecretaryPete for meeting with me to discuss federal funding in the infrastructure bill for Rhode Island - very excited to put this funding to work!
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The DEEP BLUE OCEAN STATE is proud to cast 34 ballots to elect our first female President, @KamalaHarris!
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My sincerest thanks go out to @RIPTA_RI bus operator Ellie Giblin, whose compassion and quick thinking saved a man's life. While driving her bus 4/3, Ellie spotted a man on the railing of the Henderson Bridge, ready to jump. Ellie stopped the bus, got out, and talked to him (1/2)
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Had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Mike Fitzgerald, the Democratic State Treasurer of Iowa since 1983 !!! Interesting discussion about Iowa Presidential Caucus Politics. Told me Mayor Pete is getting the biggest crowds when he speaks in Iowa.
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Random thought for the day. Let's try to make it through one day without posting or tweeting anything negative about people or events. Just one (1) day?.
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I am truly blessed to celebrate my Dad's 99 birthday with him! My best friend since I can remember.
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Thrilled & honored to represent RI in tonight's @DemConvention roll call!. RI is the smallest state but we have BIG ideas! Founded on the principles of religious freedom & tolerance, RI has always been a state of trailblazers. Today, we’re blazing new trails.
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Today I filed my paperwork to run for re-election for House District 23 in Warwick. I look forward to campaigning and asking my neighbors for their vote.
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Very excited to share that next week, I will testify before the U.S. Senate at a Senate Budget Committee hearing at the invitation of @SenWhitehouse to discuss housing unaffordability. More in @projo:.
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Rhode Island needs more housing. Period. And, affordable housing is good economic development. When our kids graduate, we want them to be able to afford to stay here. When businesses look for a place to locate, they look at whether their employees can afford to live here. 🧵.
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We did it!! Thank you to everyone - the volunteers who stood in the rain today to greet voters at the polls, my friends and colleagues who spent the summer knocking on doors with me in the heat, and every person who took the time to share ideas and encouragement.
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Happy 94th birthday to my Dad. I am the luckiest person in the world to be with my best friend all my life!!!
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Thank you to the members of the House Democratic Caucus, who have re-elected me to serve another two-year term as Speaker of the House and @CBlazejewski to serve another two-year term as Majority Leader. I am incredibly grateful for the trust you have placed in me.
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Proud of my colleagues for passing the #ActOnClimate. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the last seven years have been the warmest seven years in recorded history. (1/ ).
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Met with Secretary Buttigieg this morning a little politics, and thanks for the grant for Washington Bridge. I asked for more!
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The outpouring of support I’ve received to run for Congress has been humbling, overwhelming and inspiring. At this time, however, I believe I can do more to help our state by continuing in my role as Speaker. This decision is not a political one but a deeply personal decision.
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Congratulations to my beautiful niece Samantha on her graduation today from Suffolk Law School today
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Proud uncle: my niece Samantha was officially sworn in as RI's newest attorney! It was an honor to stand to present her as a candidate for the bar during a beautiful ceremony presided over by Judge Maureen McKenna Goldberg.
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Just wishing everyone a healthy happy New Years's Eve. Be well stay safe!!.
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I'm very proud to share that today I testified before the US Senate Budget Committee at a hearing on housing unaffordability at the invitation of Committee Chairman @SenWhitehouse; @SenJackReed introduced me. My testimony: Video:
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I thank the Warwick fire and police departments and the state fire marshal’s office for their excellence and professionalism. I am so grateful no one was in the building and that there were no injuries sustained in fighting the fire at my law office. (1/2).
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In RI, a household earning our state’s median income of $74,000 wouldn't be able to affordably buy a home in any of our cities/towns. I shared that sobering info during testimony before the US Senate Budget Cmte this week. More info from @ThePublicsRadio:
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Very honored to receive the Humane State Legislator Award from @HumaneSociety. Causes pertaining to animals are near and dear to my heart, and as the proud adopter of a shelter dog, Merlin, who brings so much joy to my life, I'm very thankful for the Humane Society’s great work.
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Big news in @RhodyBeat! I am thrilled to officially announce that I am running for reelection in House District 23 to continue representing my hometown of Warwick. Representing my community is truly the honor of a lifetime.
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Every year since I've been Speaker, I've hosted a golf tournament to benefit local animal rescue orgs. I'm very excited that tomorrow, I'll present a check for $31,000 to @WarwickPaws (Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter)!. More info in the @WarwickPost:
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Proud to join @GovDanMcKee and many others for the signing of the #ActOnClimate today. Special thanks to @LaurenHCarson for spearheading this legislation in the House. A lot of individuals and coalitions worked very hard for years to make this day happen. 👏👏👏
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It was great to catch up w/@SecretaryPete today. In addition to touring Washington Bridge, he also went to @goapprenticeRI to check out their excellent building trades apprenticeship programs. We talked about our bridges/infrastructure, & I really appreciate his support for RI.
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No one has been a stronger advocate for housing in Rhode Island than @SenJackReed. I’m thrilled to join him today, @hwri and @JusticeCenterRI to announce once in a generation assistance to keep people in their homes.
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Merry Christmas! Wishing everyone health and happiness this holiday season.
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Thank you to everyone who supported the 1st Annual Shekarchi Scramble golf tournament today! We had a great time and raised more than $30,000 for three animal rescue organizations.
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My first billboard is up on West Shore Road. I think Merlin is more popular than I am - if he was on the ballot, it would be a landslide!
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Sad news today: former Rep. Ray Sullivan passed away, far too young at the age of 44. Ray was smart, politically savvy and very talented. His work on issues including marriage equality impacted countless Rhode Islanders. He will be sorely missed.
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. until he agreed not to harm himself. She also offered to meet later to talk. Today, Ellie was honored at @RIPTA_RI's board meeting, and I was thrilled to present her with a citation in appreciation of her actions. Not all heroes wear capes. some wear RIPTA uniforms! (2/2).
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Alan Shawn Feinstein was a Rhode Island treasure. His philanthropy & generosity will live on for generations. Thousands of students accepted his challenge to perform good deeds & focus on their educational future. He was a source of inspiration to all RIers & will be truly missed.
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Every 2yrs @RIHouseofReps reorganizes & I've appointed @RepRayHull to serve as deputy speaker. He has the respect and admiration of the entire membership. Deputy Speaker Hull is very reflective of my leadership style -- we're both collaborative, consensus-building, moderate Dems.
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Great morning with Democratic colleagues in support of @gabeamo for Congress! The stakes for this election are incredibly high. We need to work like our country depends on it. Let’s keep RI blue!
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Great to talk misclassification and wage theft law with Gov. Newsom. If RI can do it, so can CA.
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I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin, who I will miss forever. All of her colleagues in the General Assembly loved her dearly. May she rest in peace.
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Although I am humbled that @JimLangevin and many others have mentioned me as a potential Congressional candidate, I love serving as Speaker and representing my Warwick constituents at the State House. I have no intention of seeking the Congressional seat this year. 1/4.
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I'm calling on the public to join me in supporting our local #RIHospitality industry. One of the things I was most looking forward to after I was fully vaccinated was going back out to my favorite restaurants, and they really need our support right now. @RIHospitality
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Happy Veteran's Day. My heartfelt gratitude to those who served, and those who continue to serve our great country.
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Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott has led Rhode Island’s Department of Health through unimaginably trying times, and I am grateful for her thoughtful, pragmatic leadership. She has been a steadfast and trusted resource for all of us. 🧵.
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Congratulations to my friend, Jennie Johnson, on this exciting new endeavor! @JjohnsonJennie is an extremely bright and talented person with an unlimited future in public service. Jennie, I wish you all the best in your new role at @CCRINews. @RhodyBeat:
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Today is not the day for political speculation. I want to thank @davidcicilline for his many years of outstanding public service to the people of RI. David is a tireless worker and advocate; I am confident he will lead @RIFoundation in the same strong manner as @NeilDSteinberg.
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Proud to vote today for all the bonds. A targeted approach to economic stimulus!!
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Congratulations to Councilman-elect Dan Wall on his huge VICTORY in Cranston.
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What a great night for RI!! We kept RI blue and made history. Congratulations to @gabeamo, our next Congressman!
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Very sad to learn of the passing of Brian Goldner, Hasbro Chairman & CEO. While Brian was perhaps most well-known for his exceptional business acumen, he also did a great deal to give back to our community. He will be very missed.
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Happy holidays to all! Wishing you health and happiness, now and always.
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Congratulations to @RICapitolTV's Billy Leiva, who was sworn in as a U.S. citizen! My dad came here as an immigrant, so I understand what a meaningful occasion this is for Billy - and how much hard work and determination went into this achievement. Congratulations, Billy!
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Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped my campaign, my friends and neighbors who took the time to share your ideas and feedback and my incredible family for your support. I‘m so thankful to have the honor of serving our community for another term.
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Thank you to House Finance for passing the budget tonight!.
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Just bought a pair of New Balance sneakers for walking: wore out the last pair. On the doors today!!
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Wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July. God bless America. 🇺🇸
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Collaboratively working together to get good things done for RI
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I'm really proud of our efforts to address RI's housing crisis, which is a collaborative effort btwn many people. Incredibly validating to have our work & ideas mentioned in @Slate! Pls take a moment to read this piece @DanielDenvir of @reclaimri co-wrote:.
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I'm disheartened by the US Supreme Court's extreme decision. Because the GA passed the Reproductive Privacy Act in 2019 when I was Majority Leader, Roe v. Wade was codified into state statute; RIers continue to be able to make the personal decision to access safe, legal abortion.
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Congratulations to @jakeforri! Great victory tonight. Looking forward to working with you (in your new capacity) at the legislature.
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It's official. I won the primary! Thank you all on Team Shekarchi.
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Rhode Island has a serious housing shortage, and I'm incredibly proud that my hometown of Warwick has embraced development: more than 1,000 new units are in the development pipeline!. @wpri12 reported on what's happening in Warwick:
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Congratulations to @Sabina_Matos! Your success is Rhode Island’s success. I look forward to working together to continue moving our state forward.
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In case you missed it on the 4:30pm news, today I spoke to @wpri12 about my enthusiastic support of Vice President @KamalaHarris as our next Democratic candidate for President.
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Thank you to my colleagues for voting to pass this legislation, which removes barriers to a college education for many RI students - in turn, helping strengthen our future workforce. RI Promise makes college attainable for students who may not otherwise think it's in reach.
The House today approved legislation sponsored by House Speaker @JoeShekarchi to permanently enact the Rhode Island Promise program, which provides up to two years of free tuition for eligible Rhode Islanders at Community College of Rhode Island.
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I was excited to check out @RISPCA’s new location in Warwick today! The facility has exam rooms, playrooms, an outdoor dog run & more. As the proud “parent” of a former shelter dog, I know how important RISPCA is, not just for the animals it saves, but their human families too.
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Thank you to @GovDanMcKee for making your support of #RIPromise permanent. As Governor McKee notes, more than 6,520 #rhodeIsland students have been able to go to college because of this program.
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Merry Christmas from Merlin and me to everyone celebrating today! Enjoy this day with the people you love.
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Back out knocking on the doors! I have new palm cards - thank you to all my neighbors who’ve taken the time to talk to me.
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Yesterday, I announced a 15-bill package of housing legislation. I want RI to be a state where families can have a good life & raise their children, where young people can live near their parents and hometowns, and where seniors can age in place w/dignity.
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Great time for a great cause: today I attended an event in support of Rhode Island’s top muckraking journalist, @steveahlquist!
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Great story in today's @projo on the #ActOnClimate. There have been a lot of misconceptions about this bill - thank you to @KuffnerAlex for digging in to the facts.
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Congratulations to @KimKalunian and her husband @TedNesi on the birth of their first child, Samantha!. Kim is from Warwick, and I've known her and her family from Warwick for many, many years. I wish Kim, Ted, and Samantha much health and happiness!
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We celebrated St Patrick's Day in House today and so did Merlin.
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Spent Sat at the State House speaking with RI Model Legislature and discussing State issues.
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I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Joe Solomon. He was truly a self-made man who came from humble beginnings and built several successful businesses. He developed a reputation as a tough but fair leader and a shrewd fiscal manager. (1/3).
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Thank you to @nrichamber! Last night I was very honored to receive the Barbara Burlingame Distinguished Public Service award, which I gratefully accepted on behalf of the work of @RIHouseofReps. It was a great night, and I'm so proud of all we've accomplished together.
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Congratulations to my dear friend and colleague, @repkazarian, who was officially sworn in to the RI Bar today! It was an honor to stand to present her as a candidate for the bar. She's one of the hardest-working @RIHouseofReps members and I know she'll be a phenomenal attorney.
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Happy to support my friend David Morales for his re-election !!
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