V. Susan "Sue" Sosnowski is a Democratic state senator representing District 37 in the Rhode Island Senate. Born on December 20, 1955, she has served since her first election in November 1996. Sosnowski is a leading advocate for coastal communities, environmental issues, fishing and seafood industries, farmers, small businesses, public health, and education.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Sponsored the 2005 statewide smoking ban in public places.
• Authored the 2018 law prohibiting hand-held cell phone use while driving and the 2014 ignition interlock requirement for impaired driving convictions.
• Championed the Safe Patient Handling Act of 2006 to reduce injuries in healthcare.
• Sponsored legislation establishing Rhode Island-style calamari as the state appetizer and enabling dockside fish sales.
• Advanced renewable energy, including Block Island wind farm support, brewery/distillery sales, URI Board of Trustees creation, and student mental health plans in higher education.
• Received awards like the Rhode Island Clean Water Association's 2021 Legislator of the Year and Rhode Island Farm recognition.

Education and Political Experience

Prior to the Senate, Sosnowski served as moderator for Richmond Voting District 1 in 1984 and as a member of the South Kingstown Planning Board. Specific details on her formal education are not detailed in available public records. Her long tenure includes prior local roles focused on community planning and elections.