Senator Louis P. DiPalma is a Democratic state senator representing District 12 in Rhode Island, which includes Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, and Tiverton. Born on April 20, 1961, he is married to Margaret and has two daughters, Kellie and Abigail. He works as a Technical Director and Chief Engineer for Raytheon, focusing on undersea systems.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Notre Dame Catholic High School in 1979; earned a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Bridgeport in 1983; obtained a Master's in Computer Science from Brown University in 1989.
• Political Experience: Served on the Middletown Town Council from 2004 to 2008; elected to the Rhode Island State Senate in 2008 and has served continuously since, currently as Senior Deputy Majority Leader. Holds key committee roles including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Secretary of the Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies, First Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and member of the Senate Committee on Education. Previously chaired the Municipal Shared Services Commission and served on various commissions like the Joint Defense Economy Planning Commission.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Advocated for STEM education access, reinstatement of the state school construction program, and increased state education aid.
• Sponsored the Student Loan Bill of Rights and expanded apprenticeship opportunities.
• Led efforts on public utility improvements following the 2019 Aquidneck Island "freeze out," prescription drug cost reductions, and support for small businesses.
• Championed "complete streets" legislation, Sakonnet River Bridge toll removal, school safety laws, municipal service sharing, and defense economy strengthening.
• Active in community organizations including the Aquidneck Land Trust, Rhode Island STEM Advisory Committee, and St. Philomena School Board.