PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello has sponsored more state grants individually than any other state lawmaker at a value of more than $205,000.
The Providence Journal reports that Mattiello sponsored 32 grants under the General Assembly’s legislative grant program this year at a value close to 30 percent more than the previous year.
Groups that received the grants include the Cranston Police Department, which received $65,000, and the Cranston Western Little League, which received $15,000.
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio came second in Mattiello, sponsoring $200,050 in grants this year.
The legislative grant program has been heavily criticized, especially by Mattiello’s challenger, Republican Steve Frias, who accuses the representative of using it to gain popularity with voters.
The Mattiello campaign has declined to comment.
