E.P. Senator Reappointed to Top Post

An East Providence state senator has been reappointed to one of the Senate's plum assignments.

Sen. Daniel Da Ponte was selected again to sit as chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, a position he has held for four years. He was reappointed by Sen. Teresa Paiva Weed, president of the RI Senate.

The finance committee is responsible for analysis of and recommendations to the state budget, tax and spending policy and aspects of the funding of state government's operations and services, according to a news release from the Legislative Press Bureau.

“I am honored and humbled at the opportunity to continue serving as Senate Finance Chairman," said Da Ponte. "There is so much more work to be done in order to get our state’s economy back on track.  As I’ve done in the past, I look forward to making the difficult decisions necessary in order to put our city and state back on the path to prosperity.  The time for sugar-coating our financial situation has long since passed.”

In addition to the finance assignment, Da Ponte will join the Senate Committee on Education and continue to serve on the Senate Committee on Rules. 

After his appointment to the Education Committee, Da Ponte said: “I couldn’t be more excited and ready to work hard to improve the quality of education in our state.  Along with improving the economy, this is a top priority for me in the coming session. As the father of two young children, the issue really hits home for me.” 

Da Ponte is the father of Antonio, 4, and Sofia, 2.