Kathleen A. Fogarty | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 35th district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Spencer Dickinson |
| President of the South Kingstown Town Council | |
| In office November 25,2008 –November 25,2010 | |
| Preceded by | Mary S. Eddy |
| Succeeded by | Ella M. Whaley |
| Member of the South Kingstown Town Council | |
| In office November 25,2002 –November 25,2012 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 29,1965 Warwick,Rhode Island,U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Brendan J. Fogarty |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Providence College (BS) |
Kathleen A. Fogarty (born July 29,1965) is an American politician currently serving as a Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives,representing the 35th House District since 2015. [1]
Fogarty was born in Warwick,Rhode Island on July 29,1965. She was raised in Smithfield,Rhode Island and graduated from Smithfield High School in 1983. Fogarty graduated from Providence College in 1987,with a Bachelor's degree in health service administration. [1] [2]
Fogarty is married to Brendan J. Fogarty. They have two children,Brendan and Lauren. [1] [3]
Fogarty first won election to the South Kingstown Town Council in 2002. Fogarty was reelected four times,before choosing not to run again in 2012. Fogarty served as the Council's vice president from 2004 to 2008 and as the Council's president from 2008 to 2010.
Fogarty was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 2014,after defeating incumbent Representative Spencer Dickinson in the Democratic primaries.
Fogarty currently sits on the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee [4] and the House Health and Human Services Committee, [5] as well as serving as the First Vice-Chair of the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee [6] and the Chair of the House Special Legislation Committee. [7]
Fogarty has built a distinguished political career marked by a strong commitment to public health,environmental protection,education,and safety. She has successfully sponsored laws mandating insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, [8] improving dam safety with climate change considerations, [9] and expanding mental health access through a two-tiered licensing system. [10] [11] A dedicated proponent for senior citizens,Fogarty worked to streamline SNAP benefits, [12] while her advocacy for the University of Rhode Island has led to significant investments in oceanographic education and research. [13] Additionally,she has championed laws that enhance public safety,such as banning hand-held mobile devices while driving, [14] and supported the well-being of children by securing mandatory recess time in elementary schools. [15]