Candidate for Rhode Island House of Representatives - District 53 in 2024 Rhode Island General Election.
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.
Get StartedHawkins has always supported the police and first responders who keep our neighborhoods safe from crime. As State Representative, he has stood up to members of his own party who wanted to “defund the police.” Hawkins instead supports increasing funding for local enforcement, so they have the training and equipment they need to keep us safe. Specifically, he made sure last year’s budget included money for Smithfield police to buy new protective equipment. Learn more
Small businesses were crushed by the COVID-19 pandemic and are only beginning to recover. Hawkins has been a vocal supporter of small businesses, fighting to cut red tape and unnecessary regulations to make it easier for businesses to open and expand here in Rhode Island. He opposed the attempt to tax Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses and voted to expand funding job training programs to increase the skills of our workforce. Learn more
In his next term, Hawkins will continue to fight for public schools. He will also fight to increase funding for school security, which includes school resource officers and also security measures like reinforced doors. Learn more
Hawkins knows that every child deserves a high quality public education, which requires good teachers and modern school buildings. As State Representative, Hawkins supported a budget that expanded funding for teacher training and school construction. He also fought to make sure schools reopened quickly after the pandemic, since remote learning is not a substitute for classroom education. Learn more
Mental health treatment is just as important as other forms of medical care and Hawkins is proud to have expanded access to mental healthcare. In particular, there are record rates of teenage suicide and depression, which has harmed many families here in Smithfield. As State Representative, Hawkins voted to increase funding for mental health treatment, created a suicide prevention headline, and streamlined licensing requirements for mental health professionals. Learn more
In his next term, Hawkins will continue to fight for taxpayers. He will oppose any attempt by far-left extremists to raise the gas tax, sales tax, or any other tax. Instead of raising taxes, Hawkins will support responsible budgets that remove wasteful spending. Learn more
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.