June 18, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

Representing District 28's constituents in Cranston and Providence (and part of Warwick before redistricting) has been an honor and a privilege I am fortunate to have been granted by my community for nearly 18 years. Today, I am announcing that I will not be running for reelection. 

Since 2007, I have been committed to creating policy that creates an opportunity for residents of our state to live more equitable and healthy lives, and I am proud of what I accomplished while in office. With the support of my fellow legislators, I have passed bills that align with the goals I set for myself when I first ran for office: improving the lives and well-being of Rhode Islanders. I worked to expand Medicaid (which ensures that more Rhode Islanders than ever before have access to low or no-cost insurance) and safeguard the Affordable Care Act by codifying it into state law.  Rhode Islanders are no longer subject to annual and lifetime limits in health coverage, and pre-existing conditions cannot be used as a factor to determine health coverage costs or to reject coverage. Bills related to mental health parity, access to naloxone, coverage for the treatment of opioid addiction, and establishing emergency room standards have all been passed into law, along with the creation of the nation's first sanctioned overdose prevention center. As a result of expanded access to telemedicine, Rhode Island residents were able to safely seek medical care during the pandemic and beyond. 

In addition to health policy, I have also passed bills relating to education (expanding drug and suicide prevention awareness programs in Rhode Island's schools, as I believe that creating educational opportunities is critically important and can help prevent future substance use and overdose),  the environment (restricting use of harmful pesticides, increasing the use of renewable energy, creating a ban on single use styrofoam containers, and protecting and improving the Pawtuxet River watershed), protections for consumers and the elderly, and bills to help improve affordable energy programs. 

I am most proud of my work related to responsible gun safety legislation, decriminalizing and regulating recreational and medical use of cannabis, protecting access to abortion, marriage equality, and collaborating on the restructuring of EOHHS.

There is more to be done, and I know that my Senate colleagues are up to the challenge. I will be spending time focusing on my family and my businesses, but I look forward to following their work next year as they welcome a new generation of Senators into the legislature. I am thankful for the support of my family, my constituents, Senate Leadership, and the Senate staff over the years, and for the opportunity to serve Rhode Island for so many years.

Sincerely, 

Senator Josh Miller