(Providence, RI) -- The Rhode Island Senate is welcoming in a new class. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio delivered an orientation-day speech to the seven senators-elect yesterday, talking about, among other topics, the budget impasse in 2017 which was caused by a standoff between the state Senate and House. The newcomers include Samuel Bell, Jessica de la Cruz, Valarie Lawson, Mark McKenney, Melissa Murray, Gordon Rogers and Bridget Valverde. The 2019 General Assembly session begins on New Year's Day.