Mary Ann Shallcross Smith Representative

A Bipartisan Path Toward Better Childcare Systems - Across the Aisle: In a new report, NCSL’s Childcare Policy Work Group lays out legislative options that emphasize quality, affordability and accessibility. ncsl.org/news/details/a…

Today, Senate President @Val_Lawson, Senator @AlanaDimario and members of @RIHouseofReps joined early childhood advocates and families at Child Inc. in Warwick to celebrate 2026 legislative victories for RI’s youngest residents and their families. More: rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_…

Don't miss it! Our final Declaration of Independence viewing is this weekend. Join us at Audrain Auto Museum in Newport on Sunday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We hope to permanently display RI's copies of this document at a State History Center in the future!

The General Assembly has passed legislation from @MASSforRep and @AlanaDimario to improve access to childcare by standardizing state zoning laws for family childcare homes. “In the 1980s, long before I was a legislator, I worked in collaboration with Rep. Nancy Benoit and the Family Child Care Homes of RI on an overhaul of group daycare regulations. As a compromise to get the bill passed, the language standardizing zoning statewide was removed at the 11th hour,” said Rep. Shallcross Smith, who has worked in the family daycare and childcare industry in Rhode Island for 53 years. “This bill finally completes that work by ensuring that family childcare homes, which are regulated and licensed by the state, will operate under the same zoning rules statewide. This will provide childcare spots for families in need and reduce wait times while maintaining the same strong safety regulations already in place.” More information: rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_…

Legislation introduced by @MASSforRep and Sen. Robert Britto that combats several forms of business identity theft, helps prevent business scams, and assists individuals and businesses who have been impacted by fraud has become law. Among other provisions, the legislation (2026-H 8324A, 2026-S 3212A) addresses two forms of fraudulent activity: 1. Unauthorized filings submitted to the RI Department of State to form new business entities using individuals’ names and addresses as “registered agents” and/or “authorized person(s)” without their consent; and 2. Deceptive solicitations or mailings that are sent to entities registered with the Department’s Business Services Division to offer annual report filing services for exorbitant fees, when, in fact, entities can file these reports directly with the Department without paying an additional “service” fee. Often, these mailings are designed to confuse the recipient by appearing as though they are coming from a government entity. More information: rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_…

Legislation (2026-H 8604A, 2026-S 3367A) introduced by @MASSforRep and Louis P. DiPalma to change Rhode Island tax law relating to the filing of a 1099 form to make it consistent with policies of the Internal Revenue Service has become law. In February, the Division of Taxation clarified that it would require all filers with income more than $100 to file an informational 1099 form in accordance with state law. This dollar amount hasn’t changed since the law was enacted in 1971. “This legislation brings Rhode Island into conformance with the IRS guidelines where 1099 wages need to be reported,” said Representative Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket), who chairs the House Small Business Committee. “The bill would make clear that Rhode Island’s 1099 reporting threshold will change with the federal guidelines to ensure consistency. Currently, the federal threshold is $2,000. The current guidance creates a significant administrative burden that impacts nonprofits, businesses and state agencies running community programs, and adds significant cost to nonprofits, whose budgets have been reduced by federal funding cuts, by requiring extra work from accountants.” More information: rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_…

Today, General Assembly leaders including @repgracediaz, Rep. Karen Alzate, @sdonovanbristol, @MASSforRep, @tanzister, Senate President @Val_Lawson, and @AlanaDimario joined early childhood advocates and families at Child Inc. to celebrate 2026 legislative victories for Rhode Island’s youngest residents and their families. The event highlighted significant investments included in the FY2027 state budget that aim to stabilize Rhode Island’s early education workforce, expand access to affordable child care, and provide direct health and economic relief to families across the state. “It is gratifying that my colleagues in the General Assembly have seen fit to continue our commitment to the children of this state,” said Rep. Diaz. “These advances don’t happen magically. It takes a lot of hard work from parents, educators, caregivers, advocates and lawmakers, especially during years like this one, where we all have to tighten our belts. I look forward to our work as we continue to make the children of this state a legislative and policy priority.” More details: rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_… Watch the event: capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/12358

Earlier today, @MASSforRep hosted a group of students from @nurturedelc at the State House. Rep. Shallcross Smith led a mock legislative session for the students, where they debated several bills and learned about how laws are made.

📣 Reminder! We still need your input to help us redesign Rhode Island's Individual Education Program (IEP) process. RIDE is looking for feedback from school leaders, educators, paraprofessionals, and families. Surveys close TOMORROW, June 26, 2026: drive.google.com/file/d/1LJ7qhz…

Have you recently lost your benefits due to federal policy changes? If your circumstances have changed such as your household composition, utility expenses or immigration status, DHS encourages customers to reapply for benefits in case of new eligibility. dhs.ri.gov/apply-now

If your business was impacted by the February blizzard, the SBA team will be on-site to meet with you in person through this Friday at 4:00 pm.

Registration is now open for this fun musical event happening on July 10th at 11am. Sign up online at lincolnlibrary.libcal.com/event/16551665

Kindness is not about grand gestures or lavish gifts, but rather about intentional acts that we can perform daily. Unexpected acts of kindness, done selflessly and without expecting anything in return, benefit both the giver and the receiver. #KindnessMatters

Start the summer right with Pawtucket Schools! Join us fo some food, family, and lots of fun! Date | Friday, June 26th Time | 11am to 1pm Location | Cunningham Elementary School

@TheValleyBreeze: @MASSforRep, whose district includes part of Lincoln, has sponsored versions of the legislation since 2023 and said sidewalk conditions remain one of the most common concerns she hears from residents. “Believe it or not, walking door to door for constituents, it truly was the number one question that came up,” Shallcross Smith said. She said residents have raised concerns about uneven sidewalks creating difficulties for older adults, people with disabilities, parents pushing strollers and children riding bicycles. Full story: valleybreeze.com/news/lincoln/l…

The General Assembly has passed legislation from Senator @AlanaDimario and Representative @MASSforRep to improve access to childcare by standardizing state zoning laws for family childcare homes. Learn more: rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_…

State budget funds behavioral health training for out-of-school program staffs Sponsored by Sen. Alana M. DiMario, legislation provides $100,000 for training programs. Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, D-Lincoln, introduced the companion bill in the House. pbn.com/state-budget-f…

Was your business affected by the February 2026 Blizzard? Join the @SBAgov. Small Business Administration (SBA) for an informational webinar this Wednesday at 9:00am to learn about eligibility and available recovery assistance. What: The SBA has issued an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration for Rhode Island businesses and nonprofits impacted by the historic blizzard that occurred between February 22–24, 2026. Webinar topics: Eligibility requirements Loan terms and interest rates Application process and deadlines Resources available to support recovery efforts Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM Learn More: lending.sba.gov/search-disaste… Register in advance: lnkd.in/g8fe436s [us06web.zoom.us] @SBA_RhodeIsland

It was my honor to present Lieutenant David Hatch with a Rhode Island State House Citation in recognition of his retirement after 53 years of dedicated and faithful service to the Lincoln community. Wishing you all the best in your retirement!

Mary Ann Shallcross Smith has announced that she is running for a fifth term as a Democrat for state representative. Shallcross Smith is currently a state representative in District 46, Lincoln and Pawtucket. valleybreeze.com/news/smithfiel…