There is only 1 week left in session and the bill to ban the sale of shark fins in Rhode Island is stalled. We need calls into 2 Senate offices today!
The bill has already been heard in the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture but has not been voted on. The calls would be to Senator Ruggerio (Senate Majority Leader) and Senator Sosnowski (chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture). If you could follow up with an email that would be great. Their information and what to say is below.
Both of these Senators are sponsors of the bill and have power to move it out of committee. They need to know that this bill is backed by a broad coalition of groups.
“My name is X and I am calling you on behalf of X (your organization). I urge you to move S. 885 to a vote, the bill to ban the sale of shark fins in Rhode Island, ASAP. We are strong supporters of this legislation and are part of a broad coalition of more than 25 environmental and animal protection groups that care about sharks and the ocean and this bill is a priority for us in Rhode Island. Shark populations are declining at an alarming level and Rhode Island should take a stand on this important issue.”
Please call Senator Dominick Ruggerio at (401) 222-3310 and 401-222-6655 (Senate switchboard) and follow up at [email protected]
Please call Senator Susan Sosnowski at (401) 222-4200 and 401-222-6655(Senate switchboard) and follow up at [email protected]