ABOUT MANNY TAVERAS
Rhode Island's Future
MEET MANNY
Manny Taveras is the proud son of working-class immigrants, a father of three, and a lifelong Rhode Islander who believes every family deserves a fair shot. Raised in South Providence, Manny grew up in a home where hard work, faith, and family were the foundation—and he’s carried those values into every aspect of his life.
He graduated from Classical High School in 2003 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from Bryant University. Today, Manny is a devoted father to three children—Mia, Ezra, and Eli—and remains deeply connected to the local community through his involvement in faith groups, volunteer coaching for high school freshman football, youth tee ball, and baseball, and participation in the Latin dance community.
From coaching youth sports to helping his parents navigate Medicare, Manny has spent his life fighting for the people often left behind. He’s now running for State Senate to be a voice for working families across District 4—to fight for better schools, more affordable housing, and good-paying jobs that let people build lasting roots in the communities they love.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Manny’s journey in public service began in the summer of 2006, when he participated in the Mayoral Fellowship program in Providence. There, he worked directly with small business owners in South Providence to promote awareness of city-led economic development initiatives. In 2008, he joined the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services, working on the front lines to address community needs and ensure residents had a voice in local government.
Manny Taveras brings over 15 years of combined experience in public service and healthcare strategy to his candidacy. In the private sector, Manny serves as an Account Director in the Prescription Benefit Management (PBM) industry. He manages a wide portfolio of Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, ERISA, and private employer plans—advising clients on legislative changes, market disruptions, and cost-containment strategies that prioritize patient care. He has helped clients navigate major healthcare reforms like the Affordable Care Act and respond to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s worked with state plans in Arkansas and New York and been closely involved in initiatives across North Carolina, Maryland, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Manny’s professional work has centered on making complex healthcare systems more transparent and accessible—ensuring that people receive the coverage and care they need, even when policy and market changes put that at risk.
Throughout his career, Manny has remained engaged in local politics. In 2010, he supported his brother Angel Taveras's campaign for Mayor of Providence, serving as a Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) captain and attending community events across the city. Those experiences gave Manny a front-row seat to the needs and concerns of families who felt unheard by their government. In 2014, he was elected to the Democratic State Committee and continues to advocate for policies that reflect the values of working-class Rhode Islanders.
Whether in City Hall or the boardroom, Manny has always fought for stability and dignity in working people’s lives.
CAMPAIGN FOCUS
A Vision for Rhode Island
HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY
Rhode Island is facing a healthcare access crisis. Recent provider contract disputes, low Medicaid reimbursement rates, and layoffs in key health centers have exposed how fragile our system is. These challenges are personal to Manny—and they’re professional.
With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare and insurance industry, Manny has been on the front lines helping clients manage Medicare and Medicaid plans during major disruptions. He’s advised on regulatory changes, negotiated contracts, and helped large employer groups maintain coverage during periods of uncertainty and financial strain.
Manny knows what it takes to protect access to care—because he’s done it. From helping his own parents understand their Medicare Advantage coverage to working with state governments and private employers nationwide, he’s built a career around simplifying complex healthcare systems and defending the quality of care for individuals and families.
Manny will fight for increased Medicaid reimbursement rates to help retain doctors and healthcare workers in Rhode Island, strengthening community health centers that serve vulnerable populations, transparency and oversight in health plan and provider contract disputes, and simplifying healthcare access for non-English speaking and underserved residents.
Healthcare isn’t just a talking point for Manny—it’s a calling. And it’s one of the most urgent areas where his experience can make an immediate difference.
EDUCATION REFORM
As a proud graduate of Rhode Island’s public schools, Manny knows firsthand the life-changing impact that passionate and dedicated teachers can have. With federal education funding under threat, Rhode Island must do more to maintain momentum in literacy development and ensure every student has access to the resources they need.
Manny supports strategic investments in infrastructure, updated materials, and support for English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency programs to better prepare the next generation for success.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Rhode Island is facing a critical housing shortage, compounded by rising costs of living and rent. Manny believes the state must play an active role in supporting cities and towns in planning, zoning, and developing affordable housing.
He also supports programs that help families stay in their homes through home repair assistance, and advocates for increased access to down payment and closing cost assistance—opportunities that helped him become a first-time homeowner. For Manny, homeownership is a key path to building generational wealth and creating long-term stability for Rhode Island families.
SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH
Small businesses are the lifeblood of Rhode Island’s economy. From family-run shops to local entrepreneurs, these businesses provide jobs, generate innovation, and support local communities. Manny has spoken to countless small business owners who used their ventures to support their families and invest in their neighborhoods—but many now face barriers to growth and sustainability.
Manny supports expanding access to small business grants and loan programs, so that local entrepreneurs can scale, hire, and reinvest in Rhode Island. He believes small business ownership should be a foundation for economic opportunity and community resilience.
Manny Taveras is running to be a voice for families, workers, and small business owners across Rhode Island. With deep roots in the community and a record of service, Manny is ready to bring thoughtful, people-centered leadership to public office.
Join Manny in building a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island—one that puts working class families first!