To the Editor:

As another election season comes to a close, I would like to say "thank you" to the thousands of constituents who opened their doors to me while I campaigned. Whether you shared your ideas and opinions about government, updated me on family members, invited me into your yard to join you when I interrupted a cookout, offered me a bottle of water or agreed to or asked for a lawn sign, your thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed.
As a member of the General Assembly, I have made it a top priority to respond to you whenever you contacted me by phone or email with a need or a concern. One of the rewards of public service is the satisfaction derived from knowing that you helped to resolve a problem for a constituent whose life was negatively impacted simply because he or she did not know how to access services, programs or other local or state officials who could help to resolve those issues.
During the past two years I have been working hard on behalf of the working families I represent. I am humbly asking for your support on November 6 in order to continue to serve you as your state representative, District 27. As you consider your vote, here are some of the things I have accomplished during the past two years:
* Voted for the acceleration of the school funding formula that enables West Warwick, Warwick and Coventry, the three communities I represent, to receive an additional $2.3 million to help save the programs that enrich the lives of our students
* Voted to increase the minimum wage to help struggling families, students and senior citizens who need additional income, especially since the price of nearly every commodity has increased
* I have been recognized by the National Federation of Independent Business and by Gary Ezovski of the New England Regulatory Fairness Board for my work in improving the business climate in Rhode Island
* Co-sponsored a new law that helps our senior citizens keep their homes
* Voted for the state pension reform law that saves the taxpayers in the three communities I represent $14.4 million in the first year alone
* By obtaining a $500,000 line item in the budget we passed in June, I was able to secure $1.5 million in matching private funds to improve science, math and technology instruction in our classrooms. Teachers will be trained in 21st century methodology and new technology will be provided to our students. Many of the high paying jobs of the future for your children are in these areas
* Voted to restore nearly $10 million to programs for the developmentally disabled and restore funding to nursing homes
If re-elected, I promise to continue to be available and responsive to your needs. I am always mindful of the confidence and trust you placed in me when you elected me and I never take that confidence or trust for granted. I promise to continue to serve you honorably and respectfully. Thank you for your always-kind consideration.

Patricia A. Serpa
Representative District 27
West Warwick, Warwick, Coventry