RHODE ISLAND, August 17 - Published on Friday, August 14, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI- Today, Governor Dan McKee was joined by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Treasurer James A. Diossa, bill sponsors Representative Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) and Senator Ana Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence), Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Providence City Councilor Juan Pichardo, and community members as he ceremonially signed legislation (H833 [zk8ngbyab.cc.rs6.net], S3362 [zk8ngbyab.cc.rs6.net]) to create a special charity license plate to support the Dominican Independence Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island.
Also in attendance were Walter Craddock, Department of Motor Vehicle Administrator; Juan Mercedes Genao, Dominican Consul of Rhode Island; Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Boston Ing. Antonio Almonte; and members from the Dominican Independence Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island (DIHACRI).
“Rhode Island’s Dominican community has made an extraordinary impact on the fabric of our state,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This special license plate is a way to recognize and celebrate Dominican Rhode Islanders across our state. I am proud to sign this legislation, and I want to thank our bill sponsors and community leaders for their support.”
“This plate will be a permanent symbol of our history, our culture, our unity, and our pride,” said Representative Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence). “It tells our children that they can be proud Americans while also honoring the Dominican heritage that helped shape who they are. Our identity transcends borders.”
“This plate is a portable symbol of one of the richest cultures that is represented in Rhode Island,” said Senator Ana Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence). “The Cultural, culinary, social, and political contributions made by Dominicans in this state have been immeasurable. As a member of the Dominican community, I am proud and honored to be a sponsor of this legislation.”
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