Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio is explaining why he has been absent from the chamber floor since the end of April.
In a statement, the 75-year-old says he contracted a virus last month and has suffered health complications since then.
He says unfortunately, the complications have prevented his return to the Senate at this time, but he's receiving treatment and hopes to return soon.
Ruggerio says he is in regular contact with committee chairs, his colleagues in the Senate and Speaker of the House, Joseph Shekarchi.
He has also voted by proxy.
(Photo Credit: Senator Ruggerio's Office)