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 2023 session, he introduced a law that enables Rhode Islanders over the age
of 21 to access
existing table games remotely via a computer or a mobile app. Players will
have to be located within the state of Rhode Island.
In
2022, he championed
a bond referendum, which was later approved by voters, that calls for
moving all 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.
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.
Married
to Lisa (Ronci), they are the parents of three children, Sofia, Camille and
Gregory, and live in Lincoln.