PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, following the passing of Rhode Island State Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement: 

“The Rhode Island Senate has lost a great leader and the people of Rhode Island have lost a thoughtful champion. Maryellen Goodwin was a compassionate legislator, a true trailblazer, and a tremendous friend to her colleagues and constituents.

“I had the pleasure of serving alongside Maryellen in the State Senate as she was elected to the seat that her father once held. We all know how incredibly proud she made him, and as she rose through the ranks on Smith Hill, Maryellen gave us all a lot to be proud of too.

“I extend my sincere condolences to her sisters, Sheila and Maureen, her partner Charles Fogarty, and her loyal friends and loving family.”