Senator Walter S. Felag, Jr.

Walter S. Felag, Jr. is a Democratic member of the Rhode Island State Senate, representing District 10, which encompasses Bristol, Tiverton, and Warren. He was born on February 15, 1954. He is married to Elaine and has two children, Jake and Zeke.

Political Experience

Senator Felag began his public service career on the Warren Town Council, where he served for two decades from 1978 to 1998, serving as council president from 1986 to 1998. He first won election to the Rhode Island Senate in 1998, initially representing District 46 from January 1999 until January 2003, when he transitioned to representing District 10.

Notable Achievements and Focus Areas

Throughout his legislative career, Senator Felag has championed numerous causes:

• Veterans' Issues: He has been particularly active in sponsoring bills focused on employment rights and housing discrimination protections for military veterans. He also supported legislation to exempt military pensions from income tax and sponsored a proposal for a "U.S. Bronze Star Medal" specialty license plate.

• Public Safety and Social Issues: He sponsored legislation to close a loophole in the state's sexual assault statute and promoted litter prevention and recycling awareness in schools.

• Healthcare and Social Services: He expanded access to the Home Community Care Services Program for individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia and ensured customers have access to affordable prescription options.

• Environmental and Consumer Protection: He created new rules for PFAS in drinking water and exempted reusable bags from the state's sales tax.

• Economic Development: He increased the amount of beer breweries can sell directly to customers and worked to end budget "scoops" from quasi-public agencies.

Senator Felag has received recognition for his work, including an AARP Capitol Caregiver Award, the Rhode Island Farm Bureau's "Navigator" award, and recognition from the Veterans of Foreign Wars.