The Rhode Island State Constitutional Convention Clearinghouse

News

Belmore, Ryan, Representative Craven and Senator Euer to lead a panel discussion on Constituional Convention ballot question, What’s Up NewP, Sept. 13, 2024.

Shea, Christopher, ConCon Commission’s report is done. Now it’s up to the voters, Rhode Island Current, August 29, 2024. [J.H. Snider notes: Rep. Arthur Corvese is quoted as saying, “I thought it was a good, concise evaluation of what was presented in testimony….” I disagree with this claim, and I listened to every public meeting of the commission and read all the testimony submitted to it. Although some facts in the report appear incorrect, its major flaw is that its narrative reflected a strong, albeit subtle, bias against a convention, despite nominally being presented as a balanced, objective report. This bias includes cleverly disparaging a convention by flipping pro and con statements, cherry-picking and highlighting certain testimony, and presenting testimony out of context. My biggest single objection to the report is its indifference to constitutional theory and ignoring arguments presented to it that the democratic purpose of a convention is to empower the people to bypass the legislature in initiating and proposing constitutional amendments.]

Anderson, Patrick, RI lawmakers conclude final constitutional convention report, Providence Journal, Aug. 29, 2024.

Anderson, Patrick, Many variables at play in cost of a RI constitutional convention. How it might work, Providence Journal, August 22, 2024.

Shea, Christopher, Want a constitutional convention in 2026? Here’s how much it could cost the state, Rhode Island Current, August 21, 2024.

Shea, Christopher, Constitutional convention commission is firming up opinions and cost estimate, Rhode Island Current, August 20, 2024.

Belmore, Ryan, Commission prepares for Constitutional Convention discussion, What’s Up News, August 19, 2024.

Shea, Christopher, Opponents to constitutional convention ramp up campaign spending plan, Rhode Island Current, August 13, 2024.

Shea, Christopher, The cons keep lobbying hard as constitutional convention preparatory commission goes about its work, Rhode Island Current, August 8, 2024.

Voghel, Jacquelyn, Is holding an R.I. constitutional convention a danger?, Providence Business News, August 2, 2024.

Voters get their say on convention, Providence Business News, August 2, 2024.

Shea, Christopher, Proponents from both ends of political spectrum see wisdom of holding constitutional convention, Rhode Island Current, July 30, 2024.

Anderson, Patrick, Should RI have a Constitutional Convention?, The cases for and against, Providence Journal, July 30, 2024.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Constitutional Convention Commission meets tomorrow, Office of the Speaker, July 29, 2024.

Should Rhode Island hold its first constitutional convention since 1986?, Providence Business News, July 26, 2024.

Shea, Christopher, R.I. constitutional convention ballot question opponents mobilize to convince voters to just say no, Rhode Island Current, July 24, 2024. Also published by States Newsroom, July 24, 2024.

RIers launch campaign against constitutional convention ballot question, WPRI, July 24, 2024.

Anderson, Patrick, ‘Frightening prospect’: Why RI’s unions are organizing against a constitutional convention, Providence Journal, July 24, 2024.

McGowan, Dan, The R.I. Constitutional Convention Debate Begins Today, Boston Globe, July 24, 2024.

Coalition launches campaign against Constitutional Convention ballot question, Providence Business News, July 24, 2024.

DeAngelis, Gino, Campaign against Rhode Island constitutional convention launched, ABC6 Providence Now, July 24, 2024.

Ahlquist, Steve, Copy of Rhode Island Citizens for Responsible Government Press Release, July 24, 2024.

The Ocean State Poll, UNH Survey Center Polls, number 805, July 18, 2024.

Gregg, Katherine, New poll: Rhode Islanders unhappy with McKee, direction of the state. Here’s the takeaways, Providence Journal, July 18, 2024. “Few seem to understand the ‘Constitutional Convention’ question they will see on the November ballot.”

Nesi, Ted, Poll: McKee job approval at 29% as most Rhode Islanders say state is on wrong track, WPRI, July 18, 2024.

Shea, Christopher, Commission prepping for potential ConCon is short on time. But can it take the long view? Rhode Island Current, July 8, 2024.

Lavin, Nancy, Election-related wins and losses from the 2024 legislative session, Rhode Island Courant, July 5, 2024.

Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for July 5, 2024, The Public’s Radio, July 5, 2024.

Baccari, Raymond, RI assembles constitutional convention commission ahead of November vote, WPRI, July 3, 2024.

DeAngelis, Gino, Rhode Island General Assembly makes appointments for Constitutional Convention Commission, ABC6/Providence Now, July 3, 2024.

Gregg, Katherine, School’s in for summer: These are the topics lawmakers will be ‘studying’ in the offseason, Providence Journal, July 1, 2024.

Gregg, Katherine and Patrick Anderson, Legislature finishes with votes on $13.9B budget, granny flats, criminal records, Providence Journal, June 14, 2024.

Gregg, Katherine and Patrick Anderson, Legislature headed for finish with votes on $13.9B budget, granny flats, criminal records, Newport Daily News, June 13, 2024.

Fitzpatrick, Edward, Key issues to watch as R.I. General Assembly races to the finish line, Boston Globe, June 13, 2024.

Baccari, Raymond, What to keep an eye on as RI’s legislative session wraps up, WPRI, June 12, 2024.

Shea, Christopher, Constitutional conventions: a relic of old or a chance for reform? It’s time for voters to decide, Rhode Island Current, June 11, 2024. J.H. Snider correction: There are fourteen, not five, states in the U.S. that have the periodic constitutional convention referendum.

Anderson, Patrick, and Katherin Gregg, RI House lawmakers approve $13.9B budget, Providence Journal, June 7, 2024. “Rep. Evan Shanley, a Warwick Democrat, suggested an inspector general is an ‘excellent’ idea, but one that is better addressed in a Constitutional Convention than in the budget.” See also Office of Inspector General an idea whose time has come, Providence Journal, June 8, 2024.

Anderson, Patrick, Should RI reopen the state Constitution? Voters may decide in November, Providence Journal, June 4, 2024.

Fitzpatrick, Edward, R.I. debates whether to hold a state constitutional convention, Boston Globe, June 3, 2024.

Prosnitz, Frank, On the ballot: Constitutional Convention, WUN, Feb. 26, 2024.

Will RI vote for a Constitutional Convention in 2024?, Providence Journal, Jan. 9, 2023.

Frazier, Kevin, Vote Yes for a Constitutional Convention (for Rhode Island), Democracy Paradox, Jan. 9, 2023.