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Dear John,
This week, former President Trump was charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg with 34 counts of falsifying business records. One of the most enduring principles of the American justice system is that the law applies equally to everyone, and no one is above the law – even a former President of the United States.
Prosecutors and District Attorneys all across this country present cases to grand juries every day for the purpose of charging individuals with crimes. Those charged with wrongdoing are entitled to due process of law, and the former President, like all criminal defendants, is entitled to the same.
This is a difficult moment for our country, but it’s important that we respect the work of the Manhattan District Attorney and the decision of the grand jury to charge Mr. Trump and allow this matter to proceed as it would with any other defendant. I am confident that the facts in this case will guide the result. I also have complete confidence in the fairness and impartiality of our judicial system, and it must remain free from interference or intimidation from outside actors in any way.
Updates from Rhode Island
$500,000 in Federal Funding for the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV)
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is receiving $500,000 through the Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliances (DELTA) program.
Domestic and intimate partner violence is a serious public health and public safety issue. This federal investment will provide the RICADV with resources to build on its work and undertake new strategies in Rhode Island to reduce incidences of violence and respond to community needs. I thank Lucy Rios and the RICADV for their leadership and tireless advocacy working to end and prevent domestic violence.
RICADV is one of nine State DELTA programs across the nation funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC).
Financial Literacy Workshop at Esek Hopkins Middle School
Financial literacy is one of the most helpful tools we can give our kids, yet too many students don’t have access to this type of education.
Thank you to Esek Hopkins Middle School for hosting us on Tuesday for a workshop with students and to Fidelity Investments, Junior Achievement Rhode Island, and Teach for America for recognizing the importance of this type of education and organizing an age-appropriate and impactful event.
Healthcare Townhall
After 13 years, and numerous GOP attacks against it, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is still providing millions of Americans with affordable life-saving healthcare. It was great to join with The Womxn Project and the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition for a townhall on Monday night to talk about how we can continue to protect and better everyone’s access to affordable, quality healthcare in Rhode Island and around the country.
Week of the Young Child
To kick off this year’s Week of the Young Child, on Monday I spent the morning with the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children (RIAEYC) at Federal Hill House’s Early Learning Center. These programs are vital for our children’s development and education. We must continue to support and invest in these programs and ensure that all families can access quality, affordable early learning.
Welcoming President José Maria Neves to Rhode Island
I was proud to once again welcome the President of Cabo Verde, José Maria Neves, to Rhode Island early this week. Rhode Island has a thriving Cape Verdean community that makes up an important part of our identity and helps make our state the vibrant, diverse, and unique place we all know and love.
Jamestown Ukraine Relief Project
It's been more than a year since Putin launched his illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine. We must not relent in our support for the Ukrainian people and democracy.
The Jamestown Ukraine Relief Project has done incredible work to support Ukrainians in their hour of need, and it was a privilege to join them for a discussion on what the United States can and should do as the world continues to reckon with this crisis.
Meeting with the Rhode Island Food Policy Council
On Wednesday, I met with the RI Food Policy Council (RIFPC) at Farm Fresh Rhode Island. RIFPC does important work to support a more just and resilient food system in Rhode Island, and we had the opportunity to talk about the priorities they've outlined and are advocating for in the 2023 Farm Bill, a large, multiyear law that governs many of our country’s agricultural and food programs.
Filing Your 2022 Taxes
As of January 23, 2023, the IRS has started accepting and processing 2022 tax returns. You have until the April 18, 2023 deadline to either submit your 2022 tax return or request an extension.
Free File options through IRS.gov
Through IRS Free File, taxpayers can select and use commercial software to prepare and file their federal income taxes online if they earned $73,000 or less in 2022. For taxpayers who are comfortable completing their own tax forms, Free File Fillable Forms may be a good option. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly Locator tool is available to help find organizations that provide free tax assistance for taxpayers with low incomes, the elderly and disabled, or people whose preferred language isn’t English. MilTax is a free tax resource from the Department of Defense available to the military community.
IRS tools and resources for the filing season
The IRS encourages taxpayers to use and bookmark tools and resources on IRS.gov, where tax information, support and account management tools are available 24/7.
- Online account — An online account lets taxpayers securely access their personal tax information, including return transcripts, payment history, certain notices, prior-year adjusted gross income and power of attorney information. They can also pay their balance online or apply for a payment plan.
- Interactive Tax Assistant — Based on the taxpayer’s input, this tool provides answers to tax law questions specific to the taxpayer’s circumstances and doesn’t require a login. The system keeps provided information anonymous and discards all information when a taxpayer is done.
- Let Us Help You — This page provides support for common concerns, like how to understand and respond to a letter from the IRS, or how to amend a return. Taxpayers also can get help with identify theft or tax scam concerns, payment options, penalty issues and more.
- Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers — This tool allows individuals and businesses to search for tax preparers in their area who hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS.
- Where’s My Refund? — Using this tool, taxpayers can check the status of their refund within 24 hours after the IRS receives their e-filed return or four weeks after mailing a paper return.
- Forms, Instructions and Publications — This is a library of IRS forms, instructions and publications on virtually any tax topic, many available in multiple languages and accessible formats.
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers — Here, taxpayers can get plain language answers to the most frequently asked questions on a variety of topics.
The IRS provides information and resources in many languages and enhanced services for people with disabilities. Taxpayers who need accessibility assistance can call 833-690-0598.
Free COVID Tests Via the Postal Service
The Biden Administration announced yesterday that households can once again order free at-home COVID-19 tests though the Postal Service this winter. You can order your tests at CovidTests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Important Passport & Travel Information
Due to unprecedented demand, the State Department has recently released updated processing times for passports. For passport applications submitted after March 24, 2023, routine processing time is 10 to 13 weeks and expedited processing is 7 to 9 weeks.
Before booking international travel, please remember to check the expiration date on your passport and plan accordingly. Passports last for 5 or 10 years, depending on your age when the passport was issued. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
You can learn more from the State Department here.
Congressional Art Competition
My office is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition.
The competition is open to high school students who live in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. Students or teachers interested in participating should register by contacting André Herrera by email at [email protected] or by phone at 729-5600.
The deadline for submissions is 4:30pm on Friday, April 21, 2023.
My office will convene a panel to award first place, and the winner will have their artwork displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.
As always, I am here to serve you. If there is anything I can do, please call my office at 729-5600 or send me an email at [email protected].
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