Rep. Aaron Regunberg (D-Dist. 4, Providence) has introduced legislation to prohibit the state of Rhode Island from investing in companies that contract with the federal government to build President Trump’s proposed border wall.
“This is about our values as a state. Rhode Island was founded by immigrants, and at every point in our history, immigrants have made our state stronger,” said Representative Regunberg. “Trump’s proposal is designed to be a symbol that the people from the other side of that wall pose a dire threat to our country. That is a dangerous message, and one we must reject in the most forceful terms.”
The legislation would require the State Investment Commission to make its best efforts to identify all businesses that contract to build a border wall and include those names in the state’s list of restricted companies.
“This is a way to send notice to Trump that we reject his xenophobia, while reassuring Rhode Island’s immigrant communities — particularly our Latino communities that are targeted by Trump’s rhetoric and actions — that we value them and will stand with them all the way,” Representative Regunberg said. “The idea is simple. If you’re going to try to profit off Trump’s hate, you shouldn’t do so with our state’s money.”
Representative Regunberg is part of a growing number of state lawmakers who are ready for a fight over the proposed 1,933-mile border wall with Mexico. Many officials in “sanctuary cities” are also preparing to take on the president over his threat to cut federal funding.
The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence), Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence), Jean Philippe Barros (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket) and Moira J. Walsh (D-Dist. 3, Providence).
