RI'ers converge for Gaspee Tea Party

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Demanding tax reform, hundreds of protestors converged on the lawn of the Rhode Island State House Wednesday as part of the Gaspee Tea Party.

The event is a sequel to the Tax Day Tea Party, which was part of a national day of protests and drew thousands of protesters to Providence on April 15.

Colleen Conley, president of Rhode Island Tea Party, helped plan Wednesday's rally in an effort to demand fiscal responsibility and accountability from elected officials. They are also pushing for pension reform and cost-cutting measures championed by Republican Governor Donald Carcieri.

"The Tea Party movement is but the most public expression of a grassroots conservatism in this state that is not to be ignored - even in the age of Obama," Conley said.

Rhode Island ranks near the bottom of surveys in economic outlook, employment and ability to attract new businesses. The state's unemployment rate is 11.1 percent, the fourth-highest in the country. Facts, Conley said proves changes need to be made.

Organizers have named the protest the Gaspee Tea Party. In June 1772, Rhode Island colonists burned the British ship H.M.S. Gaspee, which was enforcing unpopular trade restrictions.