Override the Governor's Veto!

The General Assembly is going back to work on October 30th for a one day special session to override key legislation vetoed by Governor Carcieri this year. Our pension bill, which would give domestic partners the same pension benefits as spouses, might be on the agenda - but only if we show the legislature that this bill is a priority for our community! Take action today - let your legislators know that you want their help in making sure that S 619 is on the override agenda. This is our last chance to extend critical protections to same-sex couples in Rhode Island this year.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Fair Protections for Domestic Partners

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

This June, the General Assembly overwhelmingly passed S 619, which would allow public employees to leave their pension to their domestic partner, just like they can with their spouses now. This bill was found to have no fiscal impact by both the House and Senate finance committees, yet we cannot underestimate the security it would provide to those families it impacts.

Please ensure that S 619 is included in the veto override session on October 30th. It's a matter of simple fairness, dignity, and respect. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 24, 2007

Background Information

Next Tuesday, October 30th, the RI General Assembly will be returning to work for a one-day special session to override some of the Governor's record 55 vetoed pieces of legislation.

As you know, MERI introduced a platform of legislation this year, and the only bill which received a vote - S 619, a domestic partner pension bill - passed the Senate unanimously and the House overwhelmingly. We need to work hard to ensure that this bill gets supported in the veto override session, and every legislator in Rhode Island needs to hear from their constituents (that's you!) about this important legislation. This is our last chance to extend critical protections to same-sex couples in Rhode Island this year.