Bill
HR 8459
Designates April 16, 2026 as CCRI Day to honor the community college’s leadership, student success efforts, and its significant role in Rhode Island’s economy and workforce develop
Ballot/Status
- Bill: HR 8459
- Session: 2026
- Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
- Title: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 16, 2026, TO BE "COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
- Introduced: April 16, 2026
- Action: House read and passed (same day)
- Sponsors: Reps. Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Noret, Chippendale, Paplauskas, Cortvriend, Diaz, Bennett, Felix, Voas (plus co-sponsors)
Purpose
- To formally proclaim April 16, 2026 as “Community College of Rhode Island Day” in the State of Rhode Island.
- Acknowledge and celebrate the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) as the state’s public community college and its role in higher education, workforce development, and economic growth.
Key Provisions
- Declaration: The Rhode Island House of Representatives designates April 16, 2026 as CCRI Day.
- Certification/Notification: The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of the resolution to the President of CCRI.
Background and Rationale (as reflected in the resolution)
- CCRI’s Mission and Role:
- Established in 1964; Rhode Island’s primary public community college.
- Provides accessible, affordable, high-quality education to tens of thousands annually.
- Supports pathways to academic achievement, career advancement, and lifelong opportunity.
- Leadership and Student Support:
- Recognizes leadership of CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan (appointed June 18, 2025; first alumna president in CCRI history).
- Highlights efforts to improve student success (guided pathways, year-round opportunities, enhanced advising, data-informed supports).
- Workforce and Economic Impact:
- CCRI is described as Rhode Island’s primary engine for workforce development across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction trades, IT, and emerging sectors.
- Partnerships with employers, industry, and labor to deliver workforce programs, short-term credentials, and apprenticeships.
- Emphasizes CCRI’s role in strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring access to economic opportunity.
- CCRI’s impact includes contributing nearly $900 million annually to the economy and supporting over 11,000 jobs (roughly 1 in 60 Rhode Island jobs).
- Education Value:
- CCRI provides affordable transfer pathways to four-year institutions, supporting continued education and cost minimization.
- CCRI is portrayed as delivering strong ROI, with graduates entering the workforce quickly, earning competitive wages, and carrying minimal debt.
Potential Impact
- Symbolic/Prestige:
- Enhances public recognition of CCRI’s contributions to Rhode Island’s education system and economy.
- May bolster community support and pride in CCRI and its programs.
- Policy/Resource Implications:
- The measure is ceremonial and does not create new programs, funding, or policy changes beyond the designation and a certification action.
- Public Perception:
- Draws attention to CCRI’s achievements, including leadership under a former alumna president and recent student-success initiatives.
- May influence stakeholders’ appreciation of CCRI’s role in workforce development and higher education pathways.
Timeline and Procedural Notes
- Nature: A non-binding ceremonial resolution.
- Effective/Operative Date: Not applicable (ceremonial proclamations do not create enforceable obligations).
- Next Steps: Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy to CCRI’s President.
In short, HR 8459 designates April 16, 2026 as “Community College of Rhode Island Day” to honor CCRI’s leadership, student success efforts, and substantial contributions to Rhode Island’s economy and workforce development.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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