March 29, 2024

Veteran Senate Finance Chair, Dan DaPonte Ousted by New Senate President Ruggierio

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By Bob Rodericks

Veteran East Providence State Senator Daniel DaPonte, District 14, was removed as Senate Finance Chairman by new Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. Ruggerio was just installed as Senate President to replace Teresa Paiva Weed who quit the Senate to take a job as president of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. DaPonte had been a long time member of the Senate Democratic leadership team. Ruggerio was unanimously approved by the Senate.

"I was informed by the Senate President that he’s removing me as chair of the Senate Finance Committee. His reason: I called senators to gauge support for Majority Leader. If this is a window into how the new “team” will operate, it does not bode well for the institution or the citizens of Rhode Island.During my eight year tenure as chair, it’s been an honor to work with many talented colleagues, committee members and professional staff. It has also been a privilege to have played an integral role in reforming our personal and corporate income tax codes, pension reform saving billions of dollars and establishing an education funding formula and technology infrastructure fund," said DaPonte.

Ruggerio is the most senior member, of the R.I. Senate. Ruggerio, of Providence, was arrested in September 1990 for shoplifting condoms from a CVS drug store, in Cranston. Ruggerio was not prosecuted. In 2012, Ruggerio was arrested in Barrington and charged with DUI and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer. Ruggerio appeared at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal admitted to refusing to submit to a chemical breathalyzer test. As a part of an agreement between the prosecution and defense, the Barrington Police agreed to drop the criminal driving under the influence charge against Ruggerio if he admitted to refusing the breathalyzer test. Ruggerio had his license suspended for six months, was ordered to perform ten hours of community service, and pay a $200 fine along and other court costs.

Senator Da Ponte was first elected to the Rhode Island Senate on November 3, 1998. Da Ponte is President & Chief Compliance Officer of Axis Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in East Providence, RI.

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