Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - August 28, 2020
Analysis
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - August 28, 2020
Making the list this week -- Del's daring move, ATV chaos, and Elorza's reality.
Now, we are expanding the list, the political perspectives, and we are going to a GoLocal team approach while encouraging readers to suggest nominees for who is "HOT" and who is "NOT."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTEmail GoLocal by midday on Thursday about anyone you think should be tapped as "HOT" or "NOT." Email us HERE.
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - August 28, 2020
HOT
Del's Pumpkin Spice
On Thursday, Del's announced at participating locations, it's introducing a popular fall flavor -- pumpkin spice.
Maybe it's your thing, maybe it isn't, but give the old school company a few points for innovation -- and public relations.
After GoLocal was first to report the revelation on Thursday, Del's was on everyone's lips, at least on social media.
If you try it -- let us know what you think!
HOT
Restore RI Funds
Round two of the Restore Rhode Island Grant Program is now open and accepting applications. Of the $50 million of CARES Act funds available to small businesses less than $2 million has been awarded in RI.
To learn more about how to apply, click here.
Video resources: We have recorded a new video tutorial that will walk you through the first step of the Round Two application, including how to use the Grant Calculator.
One-on-one support by Zoom or in-person: If you need help scanning documents, uploading forms, or completing your application, Commerce is also offering individualized sessions via Zoom or at the Rhode Island Commerce's office at 315 Iron Horse Way, Suite 101, Providence.
HOT
Finally -- RI's Coronavirus Testing Might Work
The new testing companies are now operating and results from those being tested at the Convention Center are returning in 48 to 72 hours.
Give Governor Gina Raimondo credit.
HOT
Telemedicine
Sam Slade of Hilb writes that we are realizing substantial benefits from the broader adoption of telemedicine due to the pandemic:
With its steady growth over the last decade, telemedicine – diagnosis and treatment provided by phone or video – was already transforming the way patients were accessing healthcare before COVID-19. But the pandemic has accelerated its widespread adoption. Now, it’s experiencing exponential growth, with virtual healthcare interactions on pace to top one billion by the end of 2020 according to Forrester Research.
With greater availability than ever before, here are five reasons you may want to offer plans with telemedicine benefits this year.
• Virtual Visits Cost Less: The actual cost of a telemedicine visit with a provider is typically less than an in-person visit, which can help keep premiums more affordable. For example, for acute respiratory infections, a RAND study found the cost of telehealth services were about 50 percent lower than a physician office visit. And, it reduces expensive ER visits for nonemergency situations as well like the common cold. In fact, in one review of Cigna customers who used a telehealth platform found that virtual care uses had a 36 percent net reduction in emergency department use per 1,000 compared to nonusers.
HOT
Receiver for St. Joseph's Pension Fund
Stephen Del Sesto, the receiver for the distressed St. Joseph pension fund, has been named "Lawyer of the Year" for his work in: Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law in Providence.
Only a single lawyer in a specific practice area and location is honored with a "Lawyer of the Year" designation.
NOT
Mayor Jorge Elorza's Judgment
Just 6 hours after the city of Providence auctioned off more than 150 homes and business properties in a tax sale, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza announced a housing ”Anti-Displacing” strategy.
Elorza had moved forward with the auction of homes and commercial buildings during the pandemic despite the pleas of members of the City Council.
“Now more then ever, housing is foundational to the quality of life for our residents,” said Elorza. “Together with our community, we are laying the groundwork for a comprehensive system of investments that ensure that City resources are used to promote housing quality, development, and affordability for all residents.”
New Taxes to Fund Program
The Elorza proposal includes new taxes to fund the program -- creating a new fee on commercial development and an increase in the property tax that would be dedicated to housing. In addition, the Elorza plan would divert tax stabilization revenues to this new initiative.
Elorza said that his administration had contracted with an Alexandria, Virginia-based firm RKG Associates. According to city records, RKG’s bid to develop the “Anti-Displacing” strategy was $144,500 — and the company was not the lowest bidder.
NOT
How About Real Science and Data
The CDC recently reversed course and changed guidance on who should be tested -- and then days later modified it again. Confused? You should be. READ MORE
In Rhode Island, the Raimondo administration mixed the data up again making a key indicator useless. READ MORE
NOT
ATV Chaos
Rhode Islanders are being harassed, injured and terrorized by gangs as large as 150 of ATVs and illegal bikers.
State and local officials can do better.
Rhode Islanders deserve batter.
NOT
Zoom
On Monday, the virtual meeting digital platform collapsed leaving schools and business paralyzed.
On Wednesday, a Westport, MA School Committee was Zoombombed with objectionable harassing content.
NYC and numerous California school systems have banned the use of Zoom due to security weaknesses. Many RI schools have used Zoom and plan to use the platform again for distant learning.
