STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved
the nominations of Superior Court Judge Melissa Long and former Sen. Erin Lynch
Prata to the Rhode Island Supreme Court. 

 The vote to confirm Judge Long was 63-0 and the vote to
confirm former Senator Lynch Prata was 58-5.

 “I congratulate the two nominees and I am proud that the
House of Representatives chose to support these two impressive and qualified
candidates to our state’s Supreme Court.  With this step, Rhode Island is
closer to a better-represented and diverse judicial system that serves our
residents honorably and fairly.  History was made tonight and Judge Long
and former Senator Lynch Prata should be proud of this incredible
accomplishment.  It is my hope that they are both now confirmed by the
Senate and I look forward to addressing each of them as Associate Justice Long
and Associate Justice Lynch Prata,” said Speaker-elect K. Joseph Shekarchi
(D-Dist. 23, Warwick).

 Governor Raimondo recently selected Superior Court Judge
Melissa Long to replace retiring Associate Justice Francis X. Flaherty and
former Senator Lynch Prata to replace retiring Associate Justice Gilbert V.
Indeglia on the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Normally, the Rhode Island Senate confirms judiciary
appointments, but nominations to the Supreme Court require the advice and
consent of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

 The Senate plans to take up the nominations on Friday.

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