Senator Lammis J. Vargas | District 28 (Cranston & Providence)
Introduction: Reflecting on 2025
In 2025, Senator Lammis J. Vargas completed her first legislative session representing District 28 at the Rhode Island State House. As a lifelong public servant and former State House employee and City Councilmember, stepping into the role of legislator was a new experience for me, especially given the turbulent and unsettling current national political environment. Together with my colleagues in the Senate and other parts of Rhode Island’s government, we delivered real results for the people of Cranston and Providence.
Throughout the session, Senator Vargas focused on practical, people-first policies rooted in the belief that state and local government can make a real, positive impact. Below is a snapshot of key legislative efforts, investments, and community wins from the year. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via phone, email, or social media with your questions, concerns, and ideas that can shape our 2026 legislative priorities. Thank you for trusting me to represent you in our state government!
Protecting Our Communities from Gun Violence
Senator Vargas supported legislation to protect our communities from gun violence; supported the legislation that bans the sale of prohibited firearms and restricts their manufacture, sale and purchase in Rhode Island. This measure represents a significant step towards ensuring safe communities and preventing mass shootings.
“Military-style weapons have no place in our neighborhoods. This law is about protecting our families, our children, and our future. Rhode Islanders deserve to feel safe wherever they go – in schools, places of worship, and all public spaces”
– Senator Lammis Vargas
This work reflects an ongoing commitment to common-sense gun safety reforms designed to keep communities safer.
Investing $3 Million in Infant Care
Recognizing the growing child care crisis facing Rhode Island families, Senator Vargas supported a $3 million investment in infant care to help reopen infant classrooms across the state.
Rising costs, low wages, and staffing shortages have forced many providers to close infant rooms, limiting access for working families. The 2026 State Budget addresses this by:
- Creating a new infant care rate in the Child Care Assistance Program
- Setting infant rates 20% higher than toddler rates to reflect the higher staffing needs for infants
- Expanding child care access for children ages 6 weeks to 18 months
“Too many parents are struggling to find care for their babies, and that’s keeping them from getting back to work. This funding is a lifeline for families and child care providers alike.”
Supporting Small Nonprofits by Cutting Red Tape
During the 2025 session, Senator Vargas sponsored legislation to ease administrative burdens on small nonprofit organizations.
Under the new law:
- Nonprofits with less than $1 million in gross income are no longer required to submit costly CPA-audited financial statements
- Organizations can redirect time and resources toward their mission instead of paperwork
“Our local nonprofits do incredible work, often on tight budgets. By removing unnecessary auditing requirements, we’re helping them better serve our communities.”
Additional Legislative Achievements in 2025
Throughout the session, Senator Vargas supported and passed legislation that:
- Expanded the Unclaimed Property Division’s ability to return assets, including cryptocurrency
- Raised the minimum wage to $17/hour (phased in by 2026)
- Expanded TDI/TCI wage replacement and caregiver benefits
- Ended payday lending in RI – stopping predatory loan practices
- Eliminated VIN inspection fees for veterans and active-duty military
- Improved protections for veterans filing VA disability claims
- Created the PURPLE Alert system to help locate missing adults with disabilities
- Banned the declawing of cats and strengthened penalties for animal cruelty
- Limited cell phone use in classrooms to improve focus and learning
- Passed the Freedom to Read Act to protect library access
- Reformed the school funding formula to strengthen special education funding
- Secured $22 million in additional state funds to help replace the westbound span of the Washington Bridge
- Reformed the Coastal Resources Management Council to ensure environmental experts make decisions that protect our shoreline and natural resources
- Allowed utilities to purchase clean and safe nuclear energy from out-of-state to help lower energy cost and support a reliable power supply
Expanding Health Care Access and Affordability
With Rhode Island facing a shortage of primary care doctors and rising health care costs, Senator Vargas supported key investments to strengthen the health care system.
The FY 2026 State Budget includes:
- Over $40 million to boots Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care providers, helping attract and retain doctors
- $38 million in additional funding for hospitals
- $12 million more for nursing homes
- A new pilot program eliminating prior authorization delays for services ordered by primary care doctors
- A new law allowing up to a 90-day supply of non-opioid Schedule II medications, including commonly prescribed ADHD medications
“Everyone deserves quality health care. It’s a basic human right.”
Community Grants & Local Impact
In addition to legislative work, Senator Vargas helped deliver funding directly to community organizations, including:
- A grant to the Cranston Public Library
- Funding support for the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless to assist with housing needs
- Childhood Lead Action Project
- Edgewood Waterfront & Preservation Association
- Artist Exchange
- Cranston East Little League
- William R. Dutemple Elementary School
- Stadium Elementary School
- Edward S. Rhodes Elementary School
Looking Ahead
While 2025 delivered meaningful progress, there is always more work to be done. Senator Vargas remains committed to listening to constituents, addressing local concerns, and shaping thoughtful legislative priorities for the year ahead.
