From the 36...

My perspectives on the issues impacting Rhode Island and District 36

Scenic view of a coastal cliff with green vegetation and a winding path. In the distance, a lighthouse and several buildings are visible on the cliff's edge, overlooking the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

Welcome to From the 36. It’s a place where I share what’s happening in and around our corner of Rhode Island, from Narragansett to North Kingstown to Block Island.

Sometimes it’s policy, sometimes it’s personal, but it’s always about the people and issues that shape our community.

Check in often to see what’s on my mind, what’s going on in District 36, and how together we can keep turning the tide in the right direction.

Mark Mesrobian 8/11/26 Mark Mesrobian 8/11/26

Labels Don't Fix Problems

Rhode Island has real problems to solve.

I’m not interested in political labels or whether an idea comes from the left or the right.

I’m interested in whether it works, and whether it moves Rhode Island forward.

Mark Mesrobian 7/19/26 Mark Mesrobian 7/19/26

Same Street. Different Direction.

Same street. Different direction.

The signs may stand on opposite sides of the same road, but they represent two very different visions for Rhode Island's future.

This election isn't about personalities. It's about results and the direction our state takes next.

Mark Mesrobian 6/26/26 Mark Mesrobian 6/26/26

Where Did the Extra $900 Million Go?

Rhode Island just passed the largest budget in state history, increasing spending by nearly $900 million in a single year.

With our population largely unchanged, taxpayers should be asking a simple question: What are we getting for the extra money?

Mark Mesrobian 6/1/26 Mark Mesrobian 6/1/26

A Millionaire's Tax Worked in Massachusetts. Will It Work in Rhode Island?

Massachusetts has generated billions from its millionaire's tax, but Rhode Island's smaller economy, smaller tax base, and growing budget should give us pause.

Before asking taxpayers for more money, we should ask a simpler question:

Are Rhode Islanders getting their money's worth?

Mark Mesrobian 5/31/26 Mark Mesrobian 5/31/26

Running Against Apathy

Too many Rhode Islanders care deeply about the future of our state but choose to sit on the sidelines.

On top of that, one of the most common things I hear is, "I don't get involved in politics."

Whether we participate or not, decisions are still being made.

The only question is whether we'll have a say in them.

Mark Mesrobian 5/14/26 Mark Mesrobian 5/14/26

Rhode Island’s $233 Million Jackpot

Rhode Island’s budget just hit a “jackpot.”

The state suddenly has an extra $233 million to work with, but where did the money actually come from?

A closer look at the numbers reveals a more complicated story about capital gains, inflation, affordability, and whether this revenue surge is temporary or sustainable.

Mark Mesrobian 4/18/26 Mark Mesrobian 4/18/26

Employment Numbers Are Moving in the Wrong Direction

Rhode Island lost 1,000 jobs in February.

Unemployment ticked up to 4.6%, and over the past year, there are fewer Rhode Islanders working today than there were a year ago.

These aren’t isolated data points. They’re signals.

Mark Mesrobian 4/12/26 Mark Mesrobian 4/12/26

A Plan to Help Small Businesses… That Doesn’t

A new proposal aims to help small businesses by encouraging local investment.

It sounds like a win, but a closer look reveals a program that may be too narrow, too complex, and too limited to make a real impact.

The rules, restrictions, and real-world costs raise a bigger question: who does this actually help?

Mark Mesrobian 4/4/26 Mark Mesrobian 4/4/26

Who’s Checking the Bill?

Before you pay a restaurant bill, you take a look to make sure everything adds up.

Similarly, Rhode Island spends billions each year on healthcare and social services.

When it comes to billions in taxpayer dollars, we need to ask: Who’s checking the bill?