Meet Senator Urso
About Lori
Lori Urso is a Democrat representing District 8 (Pawtucket) in the Rhode Island Senate. She was elected
in November 2024.
Senator Urso brings a record of leadership and accomplishment in local government and the nonprofit sector. Since 2014, she has served as president and CEO of the Old Slater Mill Association, helping to preserve a
valued community landmark and promote Pawtucket’s history. Since 2015, she has served on the RI Historical Records Advisory Board and has co-chaired Pawtucket International Women’s Day. She served nine years on the board of the Pawtucket Foundation, and is a current member of the Pawtucket Riverfront Commission.
Previously, Senator Urso worked in river and watershed conversation in Rhode Island, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1.
Senator Urso holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University. She was a 2013 Rhode Island Foundation Leadership Fellow, and she served as a member of the Westerly Town Council from 2000 to 2002.
Key Priorities
- Addressing the shortage of primary care providers and services
- Financial relief for seniors and veterans
- Housing supply and affordability, and efficient public transportation
- Women's issues, and keeping women in the workforce
- Main Street revitalization, downtown development and tourism
- Increased investments in public education, school safety and student mental health
- Services and permanent solutions for the unhoused and food-insecure
- Improving financial capability and opportunities for all people
- Increased funding for improving city infrastructure
- Cooperative solutions for the Memorial Hospital Site
- More stringent penalties for abusers of animals
Committee Assignments
- Secretary, Senate Committee on Health and Human Services
- Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
- Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture
Get in Touch
Please share your questions or concerns using the form below.
You can also reach Senator Urso via email or phone:
- sen-urso@rilegislature.gov
- 401-276-5567