Honoring Representative Patricia A. Serpa for Her Service to the People of the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, The Honorable Patricia A. Serpa has served with honor and distinction in the Rhode Island House of Representatives for more than nineteen years, faithfully representing the citizens of District 27 in the communities of West Warwick, Coventry, and Warwick since first being elected in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Representative Serpa makes her home in the Town of West Warwick. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Saint Joseph College and later attained a Master’s degree in education from Providence College, further preparing her for a career dedicated to education and public service; and

WHEREAS, Prior to her service in the General Assembly, Representative Serpa devoted many years to educating and mentoring young people as a public school educator and admissions officer, reflecting her lifelong commitment to the success and well-being of Rhode Island’s students and families; and

WHEREAS, Representative Serpa also gained valuable experience in public service and community leadership when she served for six years on the West Warwick School Committee from 2000 through 2006, advocating for students, teachers, and families in her community; and

WHEREAS, During her tenure in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, Representative Serpa has been a tireless advocate for transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. Since 2016, she has served as Chairwoman of the House Oversight Committee, where she has led numerous hearings and investigations addressing matters of public concern and working to ensure greater accountability within state government; and

WHEREAS, Representative Serpa has also served the House of Representatives in several additional leadership and committee roles, including as Second Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee and as a member of the House Conduct Committee and the House Corporations Committee; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her years in office, Representative Serpa has sponsored and supported important legislation aimed at improving the lives of Rhode Islanders, including laws prohibiting the manufacture and possession of untraceable “ghost guns,” providing compensation to individuals who were wrongfully incarcerated, strengthening state procurement and bidding practices, protecting consumers from unfair insurance practices, and improving election administration and transparency in government operations; and

WHEREAS, Beyond her work in the General Assembly, Representative Serpa has remained actively engaged in her community and civic organizations, including the West Warwick Democratic Town Committee, the West Warwick Lions Club, the Sons of Italy, the Vince Lombardi Lodge, and Defenders of Animals; and

WHEREAS, After many years of dedicated service to her constituents and to the State of Rhode Island, Representative Serpa has announced that she will not seek reelection, concluding a distinguished legislative career marked by integrity, diligence, and a steadfast commitment to public service; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby honors and thanks Representative Patricia A. Serpa for her many years of dedicated service to the people of the State of Rhode Island and expresses its sincere gratitude for her leadership and commitment to good government; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable Patricia A. Serpa.