Samantha R Wilcox

I recommend that the Education Funding Commission take a cautious, data-driven approach to reform. Rhode Island needs a funding formula that is simple, predictable, and equitable, but reform should not create new winners and losers among communities.

First, the newly appointed commission should update and validate the data before making changes. The Blue Ribbon Commission’s projections relied largely on 2024 data and did not fully account for the cost-sharing complexities of regional districts. The new Commission should use current information and publish district-by-district projections so taxpayers, municipalities, and school leaders understand the impact.

Second, the formula must account for the unique challenges facing rural and regional districts. The proposal did not consider the high transportation costs associated with serving a large geographic area. Property wealth alone does not capture the ability to pay more or the true

cost of educating students.

Districts facing funding reductions need a meaningful transition period. Communities should not be forced into spiked property taxes or sudden cuts to teachers, programs, or student services because of a formula change. A transition period would provide needed stability.

I believe we need to update the funding formula, but it should not be rushed. The goal should be a formula that is fair to students and taxpayers, recognizes differences among communities, and provides stability for responsible longterm planning.

I support the Second Amendment and our constitutional rights. In 2025, as Richmond Council President, I signed a resolution opposing the assault weapons ban. As a Senator, I will continue to support our constitutional rights and oppose legislation that unnecessarily infringes upon them. Additionally, I will support initiatives to assist with access to mental health services and keeping firearms out of the hands of those who pose a legitimate danger.

Our municipalities deserve a Senator who will listen to their concerns and support practical solutions. In 2026, the Hopkinton Town Council requested authorization to confer jurisdiction on the Hopkinton Municipal Court to hear certain appeals involving the return of firearms. Working with the Police Chief, the town sought a process allowing residents whose firearms were lawfully seized during an arrest, but subsequently deemed ineligible for return at the Chief’s sole discretion, to appeal that decision locally.

Allowing the Municipal Court to review these cases could provide a faster, less costly alternative to litigation while ensuring appropriate judicial oversight. The court is capable of evaluating the merits of the Police Chief’s decision. This change requires state authorization, but Hopkinton’s current Senator did not introduce the town’s requested legislation, preventing the proposal from receiving consideration in the Senate. As Senator, I will ensure our municipalities have a voice and that proposals receive the consideration they deserve.

I would approach health care affordability by lowering what Rhode Islanders pay for coverage and care, while expanding access to the providers they need. Too many families are facing higher premiums, deductibles, prescription costs, and difficulty finding timely primary or behavioral health care.

In the near term, I would focus on increasing transparency and competition. Rhode Islanders should be able to compare the actual cost of common procedures and services before receiving care.

We need to strengthen access to primary and behavioral health care. That means supporting community health centers, expanding the health care workforce, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, and encouraging providers to practice in underserved and rural communities. Rhode Island has already taken steps to increase insurer investment in primary care, and I would build on those efforts while measuring whether they actually improve access and affordability. Insurance companies should not be providing medical care or advice and trusted providers should be able to give the care necessary without hurdles from insurance companies that do not want to pay.

Long term, we need to address the underlying drivers of health care costs rather than continually shifting those costs to patients. Supporting medical students and working to keep them in Rhode Island is essential. Affordability affects us all and Rhode Island needs to be an area that is affordable to live so that our health care professionals can live and work here.

Elections are administered by the states, and voter registration is a state responsibility. I do not believe the federal government should have unrestricted access to Rhode Island’s voter rolls. Rhode Island should maintain control over its

voter registration data and determine how that information is collected, maintained, shared, and protected.

Our voter rolls contain sensitive personal information, and Rhode Islanders deserve confidence that their data will be handled securely and only for legitimate election-related purposes. I support cooperation with federal authorities when there is a clear, lawful, and necessary purpose, but that cooperation should not come at the expense of state authority or voter privacy.

As Senator, I will defend Rhode Island’s authority to administer its own elections and protect the integrity and security of our voter registration system.

In 2024 and 2026, I voted in favor of Council resolutions affirming the importance of local authority over land use and housing decisions. I believe Rhode Island can pursue additional housing without undermining the ability of municipalities to responsibly plan for growth.

When the state requires development without adequately considering local infrastructure, the costs can fall on municipal taxpayers through increased demands on roads, schools, wastewater systems, drinking water, emergency services, and other public resources. Housing policy should not be separated from the infrastructure necessary to support it.

I support a collaborative approach that allows municipalities to retain authority to determine how goals can be achieved responsibly within their communities. State policy should also provide municipalities with the resources necessary to accommodate additional growth rather than simply shifting the costs to local taxpayers.

Our communities should have a meaningful voice in shaping their future. We can encourage housing development while protecting environmental resources, maintaining public safety, planning responsibly for infrastructure, and preserving the ability of residents and local officials to make decisions that reflect the unique needs of their community.

What differentiates me as a candidate is my experience, independence, and commitment to listening to the people I represent. I was first elected to the Richmond Town Council in 2022 and reelected in 2024. During this time, I have worked to protect our environment, responsibly manage taxpayer dollars, support local businesses, increase government transparency, and strengthen civic engagement.

As Council President, I made accessibility and open government priorities, including holding open office hours so residents could share their concerns directly. I am proud of maintaining a level tax rate while protecting senior, 100% disabled, and farmland/open space exemptions; supporting critical infrastructure investments; creating a Small Business Grant program; and championing aquifer protection.

I have also demonstrated that I am willing to ask tough questions and stand alone when necessary. In 2023, I was the only Council member to oppose state level legislation that would have allowed tax stabilization agreements for the Preserve without voter approval. This was championed by our current state senator. I believe public officials must have the courage to stand up for taxpayers, even when it is politically difficult.

If elected State Senator, my top priority will be affordability and responsible government. I will work to make Rhode Island more affordable for families, demand transparency and accountability, protect our environment and water resources, and preserve the rural character of our communities.

Above all, I will listen, seek common ground, and represent all five towns of District 34 with honesty, independence, and integrity.

Yes