Welcome all Rhode Island

Retirees - Active Teachers - State Workers - MERS

TIME FOR CHANGE- BREAK THE CHAIN

Advocates Board is currently meeting to interview current candidates. Candidates who commit to supporting us, in writing will be posted here for your consideration.

Sandra Paquette….. July 2026

THE CHAIN………in Rhode Island Politics

Began with Gina in 2011 and remains linked to the AFL-CIO, the elected state leaders, lobbyists, and the laws that are either passed or which die in chambers! Break a link and the chain falls apart! We CAN break this chain, and restore our COLA with our election votes.

Please be patient knowing your Advocates Team is planning and re-grouping our efforts.

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Please be patient knowing your Advocates Team is planning and re-grouping our efforts. 〰️

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To all active and retired employees:

📣 We URGE you to attend ERSRI board meetings — in person or online — or visit the ERSRI website to watch recordings at your convenience. The Advocates Board urges members to closely monitor what your elected representatives are doing with your pension funds. Do everything you can to participate in ERSRI board meetings or review the recordings available on the ERSRI site.

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Sandra Paquette, Founder and Board President of Advocates for COLA

Restoration and Pension Reform

Aldo Palazzo, Vice President

The Employees Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI) is governed by a 15 member Retirement Board, which includes ex-officio, representative, and appointed members. The current ERSRI Board composition features the following members:

Ex-Officio Members

James Diossa, General Treasurer

Andrew E. Nota, Designee of The League of Cities and Towns

Board Membership Structure

The board consists of state officials, representatives for retirees and active employees (state, municipal, and teacher), and public members appointed by the Treasurer and Governor.

Current members of the Retirement Board are:

General Treasurer James Diossa

Joseph Codega, Jr. Director/Budget Officer (Appointed by Director of Administration)

Andrew E. Nota, Designee of The League of Cities and Towns

Alan Palazzo, Retiree Member Representative

Sandra M. Paquette, Retiree Member Representative

Yan Li, P.E., Active State Employee Representative

Matthew K. Howard, Active Municipal Employee Representative

Michael J. Cicerone, Jr. , Active Teacher Representative

Michael Twohey, Active Teacher Representative

Mark A. Carruolo, Public Representative (Appointed by the Governor)

Jean Rondeau, Public Representative (Appointed by the Governor) (Vice Chair)