SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING JUNE 4, 2026, TO BE "COX IMPACT DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates June 4, 2026 as Cox Impact Day to publicly recognize Cox Communications and Cox Charities for philanthropy in education, youth, and tech access.

06/04/2026 Senate read and passed

Summary of SR 3350 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

Establishes June 4, 2026 as “Cox Impact Day” in the State of Rhode Island.

Aims to recognize and thank Cox Communications for its charitable and community-focused activities in Rhode Island.

Key provisions and changes

Proclamation: The Senate proclaims a single day, June 4, 2026, as “Cox Impact Day.”

Acknowledgement of Cox: The resolution outlines Cox Communications as the largest private broadband company in the U.S., notes its fiber-powered networks, and highlights its national reach (nearly seven million homes/businesses) and its connection to Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898.

Philanthropy and focus areas: The resolution details Cox Charities’ long-running philanthropic effort (since 2001) and its more than $11 million in grants and in-kind support for STEAM enrichment programs in the Northeast.

Giving priorities: The bill enumerates Cox’s focused giving areas:

Environment (sustainability and conservation)
Civic and Community Engagement (supporting organizations that make a positive local impact)
Youth & Education (K-12 emphasis; ensuring essential supports for children)
Equal Opportunity (education, job training, and workforce development for underserved groups)
Technology (enhancing technology education for children)

Rhode Island beneficiaries (2026): Names specific Rhode Island recipients of Cox Charities grants for the year, including organizations such as ACE Mentor Program of RI, Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI, College Visions, DownCity Design, Federal Hill House Association, Junior Achievement of RI, Providence Public Library, and several others focused on youth, education, and community development.

Formal transmission: Directs the Secretary of State to provide certified copies of the resolution to Cox Communications representatives (Ms. Nora Crowley, Director of Government Affairs; Ms. Rosie Fernandez, Manager of Community & Public Affairs).

Who or what is affected

Recognizes Cox Communications and Cox Charities for public acknowledgment in Rhode Island.

Affects state audiences by designating a day of recognition; does not impose regulatory changes or new obligations on Cox or others.

Highlights and publicizes funding recipients and the company’s community engagement in Rhode Island.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction date: June 4, 2026.

Committee action: Referred to "Recommended for Immediate Consideration" by the Rhode Island Senate.

Effective action: Creates a ceremonial designation ( proclamation ) for a specific date; has no ongoing statutory program or funding mechanism beyond the acknowledgment.

Documentation: Requires the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies to Cox Communications representatives.

Overall assessment

This is a ceremonial resolution acknowledging a private company's philanthropic contributions and marking a single-day recognition in Rhode Island. It serves to honor Cox Communications and publicize its community impact, particularly in education, youth development, and technology access in the region. There are no new mandates, funding appropriations, or regulatory changes attached to the bill.