Representative Gregory J. Costantino
Gregory J. Costantino (D) was first elected to represent District 44 – serving the people of Lincoln, Smithfield and Johnston – in November 2012. He is the second vice chair of the House Small Business Committee.
During the most recent session he
championed a bond referendum, which was later approved by the voters, that calls for moving all Johnston elementary students into a new school and constructing an early childhood center. It also renovates the Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School and Johnston Senior High School.
During the 2018 session, Representative Costantino sponsored a law that
requires the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to send motorists notice to renew their registrations even when they owe back taxes. The longstanding practice had changed when the DMV installed a new computer system.
A strong advocate for children’s safety, in 2017 he introduced the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act, which addresses the potential for sudden cardiac arrest among student athletes by raising awareness of the symptoms, requiring training for coaches and volunteers concerning cardiac arrest, and establishing protocols for students exhibiting certain symptoms.
Concerned with the state of roadways, he introduced legislation in 2016 that directs the department of transportation to set up a
pothole report toll-free telephone line. He also submitted legislation prohibiting commercial motor trucks or tractors with a gross weight exceeding four tons from traveling on Smith Avenue in the town of Smithfield.
Since the beginning of his tenure, Representative Costantino has supported a wide range of legislation aimed at increasing government efficiency and boosting commerce. This includes 2014 legislation to impose higher standards of accountability and transparency on quasi-public corporations.
During his time in the House, Representative Costantino has shown a particular concern for veterans and public safety officials. In 2015, he sponsored legislation that increases the tax exemption for war veterans in the town of Smithfield from $4,000 to $10,000. In that same session, he co-sponsored a bill that prohibits employers from firing an employee who failed to report to work when responding to an emergency while serving as a volunteer firefighter.
The state representative was born on August 11, 1960, graduated from La Salle Academy in 1978, and attended Providence College. In addition to his duties as a Representative, he is the vice president of operations for Venda Ravioli in Providence.
Married to Lisa (Ronci), they are the parents of three children, Sofia, Camille, and Gregory, and live in Lincoln.