Rep. Karen Alzate: A Fighter for Consumers in Rhode Island

Some lawmakers enter office to manage the status quo. Others arrive ready to fight for those whose voices are often drowned out. Representative Karen Alzate of Rhode Island (D-60) has proven herself to be firmly in the second category.

From Community to Capitol

Rep. Alzate, a first-generation immigrant, is in her fourth term serving her community in the Rhode Island House. Her path into politics was shaped by her passion: neighborhoods where financial stability is elusive, where families juggled rent, medical bills, and groceries often with no safety net.

Advocates knew they needed someone who understood these struggles firsthand — and who could navigate the legislature with persistence and credibility. They turned to Alzate.

Championing Payday Lending Reform

When she took on the fight against payday lending, Alzate was stepping into a battle that had stretched on for decades. Earlier sponsors had retired or lost reelection. Lobbyists with deep pockets kept the harmful system alive.

But Alzate didn’t back down. She led the push that finally passed in 2025, lowering Rhode Island’s payday lending rates from an outrageous 260% APR to a more standard lending rate of 38%. Her leadership balanced compassion with practicality: she fought to protect borrowers while also ensuring that storefront employees had time to transition into new jobs before the law takes effect in 2027.

What’s Next for Rep. Alzate

Having prevailed in the fight against predatory lending, Alzate is already turning her attention to new consumer protection battles. She continues to press for tax fairness through “tax the rich” proposals, pushing for relief in a state where rising rents and healthcare costs squeeze working families.

She is also focused on addressing medical debt, a burden that keeps too many Rhode Islanders from financial stability. Working with the state treasurer, she’s exploring ways to expand debt forgiveness programs and bring down healthcare costs.

And as a long-term project, Alzate remains committed to building financial literacy programs in schools and communities, ensuring that future generations don’t fall into the same traps that payday lenders once exploited.

Final Thought

Rep. Karen Alzate’s story is a reminder that real change requires leaders willing to stand up to powerful lobbies and fight for everyday people. Her persistence turned a “forgotten” bill into landmark consumer protection — and her next fights show she isn’t slowing down.

At DWD, we profile champions like Alzate because our mission is to celebrate those who stand with consumers, push back against predatory systems, and open pathways to financial stability for all.