Dawn Euer

Dawn Euer is an American attorney and a member of the Rhode Island Senate, representing District 13, which includes the communities of Jamestown and Newport. A member of the Democratic Party, Euer has been serving in the Rhode Island General Assembly since September 5, 2017, following her election in a special election. She has since won a full term and continues to serve in the Senate, focusing on various legislative priorities, including environmental protection, housing affordability, and healthcare access.

Early life and career

Dawn Euer was born on June 14, 1979. She pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, where she graduated in 2007. Following her undergraduate studies, she attended Roger Williams University, earning her Juris Doctor degree in 2010. Euer's academic background in law has informed her subsequent career in public service and advocacy.

Before entering politics, Euer was actively involved in various advocacy efforts within Rhode Island. She served as the Deputy Campaign Director for Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, a significant campaign that aimed to advance marriage equality in the state. Her advocacy work extended to labor issues as well, notably participating in the campaign for the Community College of Rhode Island adjunct faculty to unionize in 2014. Euer's commitment to environmental issues is reflected in her service on the City of Newport's Energy & Environment Commission, where she advised the City Council on matters related to renewable energy and sustainable planning. Additionally, she held leadership roles in organizations focused on environmental justice and sustainable transportation, including serving as Board Chair of Bike Newport and being a founding member of both the Environmental Justice League of Rhode Island and Climate Jobs RI.

Legislative service

Euer's political career began in earnest when she ran for a vacant seat in the Rhode Island Senate in 2017, following the departure of former State Senator M. Teresa Paiva-Weed. Euer successfully navigated the special Democratic primary for District 13, emerging victorious with a significant portion of the vote. She subsequently won the general election held on August 22, 2017, with a commanding majority. Euer was sworn into office on September 5, 2017, marking the beginning of her tenure in the Rhode Island General Assembly.

In the November 2018 election, Euer secured a full term in the Senate, receiving a substantial percentage of the votes cast. Throughout her time in the Senate, Euer has been an active member of several Senate Committees, including the Senate Committee on Judiciary, the Senate Committee on Special Legislation & Veterans Affairs, and the Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight. Her involvement in these committees has allowed her to influence a wide range of legislative issues and contribute to the governance of Rhode Island.

Policy focus and district

Euer's legislative priorities reflect her commitment to addressing critical issues facing her constituents and the state of Rhode Island. Among her top priorities are environmental protection and climate change mitigation, housing affordability, and healthcare access. Euer has been particularly active in advancing legislation related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Notably, in 2019, she played a crucial role in the passage of the Reproductive Privacy Act, which enshrined the protections of Roe v. Wade into state law, and the Student Loan Bill of Rights, aimed at protecting student loan borrowers.

In 2021, Euer led the passage of the Act on Climate, a landmark piece of legislation that commits Rhode Island to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This comprehensive law not only addresses the pressing issue of climate change but also aims to stimulate economic growth through the creation of green jobs. Euer's leadership in this area has earned her recognition as an Environmental Champion from Clean Water Action and accolades from various organizations for her advocacy on animal welfare and environmental issues.

In 2022, Euer sponsored the Let RI Vote Act, which aimed to enhance voting accessibility while ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Her efforts in this area have been acknowledged by organizations such as Common Cause RI, which presented her with an Excellence in Public Service Award for her work on expanding voting rights. Euer has also been instrumental in advancing Rhode Island's offshore wind industry, advocating for legislation that balances the need for clean energy with consumer protections against excessive utility profits.

As she continues her service in the Rhode Island Senate, Euer remains focused on her legislative priorities and the needs of her constituents in District 13. Her ongoing commitment to public service is evident in her recent initiatives, including the sponsorship of significant legislation in 2024, such as the Energy Storage Systems Act and the Health Care Provider Shield Act. Euer's work has garnered recognition from various organizations, including the Rhode Island Medical Society, which honored her with a Civic Leadership Award for her contributions to healthcare policy.

Through her legislative efforts and community engagement, Dawn Euer exemplifies the role of a state legislator dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by her constituents while promoting progressive policies that aim to improve the quality of life in Rhode Island.