http://ripr.org en http://ripr.org/post/algiere-bates-join-ri-senate-gop-bloc-backing-bill-favored-same-sex-marriage-supporters <p>All five Republicans in the 38-member Rhode Island Senate - including Minority Leader Dennis Algiere of Westerly - plan to support the same-sex marriage bill backed by supporters of the issue, RIPR has learned.</p> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:29:00 +0000 Ian Donnis 13995 at http://ripr.org Algiere, Bates join RI Senate GOP bloc in backing bill favored by same-sex marriage supporters http://ripr.org/post/senate-judiciary-committees-12-hour-same-sex-marriage-hearing-and-whats-next <p></p><p>If hundreds of people offer heartfelt arguments over 12 hours to lawmakers whose minds are mostly made up on the controversial issue of same-sex marriage, does it make any difference?</p><p>"I don't know," says Senator Lou Raptakis (D-Coventry), one of the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that held a marathon hearing on the subject from 5 pm Thursday to 5 am Friday.</p><p>Raptakis says 9 of 10 committee members stuck it out to the end.</p> Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:42:08 +0000 Ian Donnis 12391 at http://ripr.org Senate Judiciary Committee's 12-hour Same-Sex Marriage Hearing -- And What's Next http://ripr.org/post/ajello-intros-bill-legalize-tax-regulate-marijuana <p>State lawmakers are trying once again to legalize marijuana. More on the proposal to regulate and tax the drug.</p> Wed, 06 Feb 2013 22:50:56 +0000 Kristin Gourlay 9930 at http://ripr.org Ajello intros bill to legalize, tax, regulate marijuana