NEARI Announces 2026 Legislative Priorities

Cranston, R.I. — The National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) today announced its legislative priorities for the 2026 Rhode Island General Assembly session, calling for fair funding for public education, secure retirement for public employees, and stronger worker rights. 

The priorities reflect issues NEARI members say are critical to supporting students, strengthening public services, and ensuring Rhode Island remains a place where educators and public employees can build long-term careers and secure retirement. 

Through member advocacy at the State House, NEARI will work with lawmakers and community partners to advance policies that ensure Rhode Island’s district public schools, colleges, and public services are fully supported and responsive to the needs of students, workers, and communities across the Ocean State.

“Our legislative priorities are grounded in the same core value: fairness,” said NEARI Executive Director Mary K. Barden. “Fair funding for public education so every child in Rhode Island has access to the quality education they deserve, fair retirement security for the educators and public employees who dedicate their careers to serving our communities, and fair treatment and rights for workers. These priorities strengthen public schools, support working families, and benefit every Rhode Islander.”

NEARI’s legislative agenda focuses on several key areas affecting students, public employees, and communities across Rhode Island. 

Fair and Equitable School Funding

NEARI supports efforts to modernize Rhode Island’s education funding systems to better reflect student needs and ensure municipalities contribute their fair share so every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. The union also supports stable investments in higher education institutions and public health agencies that serve Rhode Islanders. 

NEARI supports the four core recommendations of the Rhode Island Foundation’s Blue Ribbon Commission, which aim to create a fair, equitable, and adequate school funding system that better supports students and communities across the state. 

Protecting Public Education

NEARI strongly opposes federal tax credit voucher programs and other privatization efforts that divert public funds away from district public schools and undermine locally governed education systems. The organization will advocate for policies that ensure Rhode Island’s public education system remains transparent, accountable, and accessible to all students. 

Strengthening Pensions and Retirement Security

NEARI believes Rhode Island must restore fairness and long-term sustainability to the state’s pension system. The union supports multiple bills before the General Assembly aimed at improving pension and retirement benefits for both active and retired members. 

As in years past, NEARI will testify and submit letters of support for these measures as part of its ongoing advocacy to strengthen retirement security for public employees.

Strengthening Workplace Fairness 

To support and stabilize Rhode Island’s public workforce, NEARI supports legislation that expands collective bargaining rights and improves workplace fairness. These efforts include measures such as state sector neutrality, improvements to the desk audit criteria to ensure an equitable process, and legislation allowing state employees to negotiate longevity pay.

NEARI leaders and members will advocate for these priorities throughout the legislative session, including the union’s annual Lobby Day State House event on April 7, continuing the union’s work to advance fairness for Rhode Island’s students, workers, and communities.  

Specific bills, more information and resources at neari.org/legislative-program.

The National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) is a union and professional organization with a proud history of serving Rhode Island since 1845. NEARI is 12,000 members strong, including classroom teachers; education support professionals; higher education faculty, staff, and graduate assistants; municipal and state workers; and retirees. We are affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and RI AFL-CIO. Learn more at www.neari.org.