Skip Navigation
We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, provide ads, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies.

NEARI Legislative Program

We are a voice for every student and an advocate for worker rights and working conditions.
NEARI members pose for a picture at the Capitol after testifying on legislation.

All students deserve an education that inspires them, encourages their curiosity, and prepares them for success. 

All educators deserve the support, resources, and time to do their jobs well, and the security to retire with dignity.

Through NEARI member advocacy at the Statehouse, we work to create public pre-K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and public services that are worthy of all Rhode Islanders, and to build a more fair, just, and equitable nation for everyone.

2025 Legislative Priorities

Student health and wellbeing is a major focus of our legislative agenda this year. We are working with parents, allies, and lawmakers to tackle the root causes that hinder learning, engagement, and meaningful social interactions in safe, welcoming public schools.

Improved Funding for Public Education, from pre-k through public higher ed

Rhode Island students deserve quality education from pre-K to college. Our members provide that every day, but we need more support. This year, seven public higher education unions are negotiating contracts, while institutions like CCRI and URI are grappling with tight budgets. Our political efforts will prioritize advocating for increased higher education funding to support fair contracts that include meaningful raises. 

We will once again stand strongly against any proposed cuts to K-12 education. Last session, we successfully fought back against cuts in districts like East Providence, Westerly, and Middletown, and we are prepared to do so again. 

Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee

Educators and frontline staff must have a voice in policies addressing student behavior and mental health. We support legislation to require each district to have a Student Safety and Behavioral Health Committee, where educators and administrators work together to analyze what supports are currently available, what procedures should be followed, and what additional resources are needed to ensure all our students get the support and education they deserve.

Cell Phone Policy

We know personal devices are taking a serious toll on a student’s ability to focus in the classroom and their overall mental health. It also contributes to classroom disruption.

We support legislation requiring every district to establish and implement policies to limit cell phone use during instruction. Such policies have been shown to reduce distractions, improve mental health, and strengthen the learning environment. It’s time to take these lessons statewide. 

Assault Weapons Ban

Firearms are the leading cause of death among U.S. children aged one to 19.

Since 2022, Rhode Island has limited magazine capacity, increased the age to 21+ to purchase long guns, prohibited long guns in public, and has strengthened safe storage law.

For safer schools and communities, NEARI will again support the ban of possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons.

Further Pension Improvements

Our organization has continually fought for pension relief for all.  Last year, we won the first improvement to our pension in 38 years. This year, we’re continuing the fight toward restoring what was promised to dedicated public workers. 

Other important items on our agenda 

We will work together with the labor movement and allied organizations on issues. Some we’ve championed in the past and will continue to advocate for. 

Bargaining unit list requirements

A law to require each employer to provide a list annually of bargaining unit members.

Captive audience legislation

NEARI Will lend support in efforts to legislate the ban of mandatory anti-union meetings for workers.

Labor Board modernization

Social worker ratio legislation

Legislation setting a “best practice” ratio of social workers in LEAs at 1:250.

Healthy School Meals for All

NEARI supports another incremental step toward universal meals.

Limited Class Size for Kindergarten-Grade 2

Legislation to limit class size in early education grades is frequently sponsored by Sen. Gallo and has passed the Senate, but not the House.

Universal Pre-K

Legislation to provide Pre-Kindergarten to Rhode Island toddlers is frequently sponsored by Sen. Gallo and has passed the Senate, but not the House.

NEARI CCRI member on the floor in the Capitol holding "Say Yes to a Fair contract." sign on Lobby Day 2024

Lobby Day

On Lobby Day YOU get to use YOUR VOICE to talk with legislators and urge them to support strong public education and good paying jobs for all.
Erich Haslehurst testifies about Pension Relief

Letters & Testimony

NEARI speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to legislators, and add your voice.
NEARI Members smile with a legislator on the floor at the Capitol on Lobby Day 2024.

Contact Your Legislators

Sharing your stories and experiences can galvanize, warn, and persuade legislators in a way that facts and statistics do not. Use these tips to make an impact.
NEARI logo

A labor union and professional organization.

Our Association is a remarkable blend of union and professional organization, with a proud history of serving Rhode Island. Since its inception in 1845, our members have been at the center of every struggle to advance the finest of American dreams: the promise of a quality public education for every child. One in every 100 Rhode Islanders is a member - chances are, you know us already!