Rep. Katherine Kazarian announces re-election bid

East Providence – Rep. Katherine Kazarian, a strong voice on behalf of education, public safety and economic prosperity, has announced she is seeking re-election to the District 63 seat in the House of Representatives.

First elected in 2012, after graduating from Columbia University, Kazarian has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life in East Providence by championing education and the elderly. Kazarian’s frequent visits to East Providence’s schools and senior citizens’ housing reflects her dedication to these institutions. In addition, she is employed by Upserve, Rhode Island’s highly successful tech startup, where she has also developed insight into the needs of small businesses.

In this past legislative session, Kazarian strongly advocated for an article in the state budget that includes $250 million in state construction funding on the November ballot. “Investing in our infrastructure is long overdue. Building a state-of-the-art high school facility in East Providence will not only ensure that our children will receive a top-notch education, but also will show businesses that our city is a desirable place to invest, thereby improving our local economy,” said Kazarian, a Democrat. “So, I am urging everyone to support this bond referendum that will enable East Providence to build a much needed high school supported mostly by state funding.”

Kazarian also supported a budget provision that includes the second year of the car tax phase-out. It will reduce the car tax bill for thousands of East Providence motor vehicle owners before eliminating the tax entirely in the next four years.

Several pieces of Kazarian’s legislation have been approved by the General Assembly, including a bill that ensures that women have access to contraception and health services. Her successful legislation also includes a bill that has created a process to evaluate the need to potentially increase social worker services in schools. In that way, schools will be able to better assist students, and recognize potential mental health issues that lead to risky or dangerous behavior.

If re-elected, Kazarian will continue to fight for legislation that would ban guns from schools, except those possessed by law enforcement officers or those authorized by schools. “Guns are not allowed in our other public buildings, including the State House, our convention center, our court houses and our post offices. I believe that our schools belong under that same umbrella. Everyone deserves to feel safe in school.”

“While I am proud of our accomplishments at the State House, there is still much more work to be done. I want to continue building on the progress that we have made,” said Kazarian. “I am looking forward to a dialogue on the campaign trail with the wonderful people of East Providence, so that I can learn about the issues that are important to them and better advocate for them at the State House,” Kazarian added. “Representing my community has been the greatest honor of my life.”