The Scoop: McKee Unveils Business Initiatives, Cianci to Announce Waterfront Plan, and More

McKee Announces Three Planned Initiatives to Support Rhode Island Business Sector

Cumberland Mayor Dan McKee and Democrat candidate for Lieutenant Governor has announced a plan to improve Rhode Island's business climate

McKee  made the announcement at the site of a major industrial facility expansion in Cumberland on Monday, accompanied by Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, as well as Congressman David Cicilline.

McKee's three proposals are:

1. Tax Competitiveness: McKee will work with the Small Business Advisory Council (which is comprised of state government officials and members of the business community) and bring in the outside expertise to prepare, within 90 days, a current and concise review of Rhode Island's business tax structure vis-a-vis those of Connecticut and Massachusetts and to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly as needed.

"It is time to separate political rhetoric from factual reality on the question how our tax policy is hindering business and job growth", stated McKee. "I will ask municipal leaders and members of our General Assembly to work with me in creating a clear understanding of what needs to change in our business tax structure and how to make any changes cost neutral".

2. Regulatory Compliance Costs: McKee will launch an in-depth assessment of the impact of business regulatory compliance on Rhode Island businesses, utilizing staff expertise and consulting assistance as necessary. The findings of this study will be presented to the Small Business Advocacy Council for review and further recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly.

"As the owner of a small business for more than 30 years, I have often questioned the logic of business and licensing regulations since they often have unintended financial consequences on a business's ability to prosper and create jobs"' stated McKee.

3. Integration of Job Training Resources:  McKee pledged to make innovation and expansion of workforce development a key focus of the Small Business Advisory Council, and to create strong working relationships between the Council and members of the Rhode Island congressional delegation for the identification of additional Federal funding for workforce development. A priority for this effort will be to determine ways in which job training efforts of the business sector, state government and higher education can be better coordinated.

"All parties to the challenge of creating a properly skilled labor force for our businesses must work together to avoid redundancy of effort and to create synergies where possible"' stated McKee.

Grover Norquist and Ken Block to Speak at Constitutional Convention Lunch Forum

The Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity will convene a forum to discuss the benefits of holding a constitutional convention this Thursday at the Squantum Association in East Providence.

The lunch event will feature anti-tax crusader, Grover Norquist, and former RI gubernatorial candidate, Ken Block.

Tickets are still available to the general public for $35. Interested individuals may pre-register for the event at RIFreedom.org/Norquist.

The event will include a speaking and discussion forum and featuring the following panelists:

Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, renowned for obtaining anti-tax-increase pledges from elected officials, will discuss how a convention could lead to much needed tax and spending restraints.

Ken Block, former Republican gubernatorial candidate and founder of the Moderate Party, will discuss how a convention could provide for enhanced transparency and a more open government.

Mike Stenhouse, CEO for the Center, will discuss the poll results and will respond to a recent Providence Journal OpEd by George Nee (AFL-CIO RI President) that called out Stenhouse and the Center by name.

Where: Squantum Association; 947 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI 02915

When: Thursday, October 9, 2014;
Lunch @ 12:15 pm (pre-registration required) 
Speaking Program @ 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm.

Anti-Casino Group Calls Out "Slots" Sign Coverage

Citizens Concerned About Casino Gambling (CCACG) released the following statement in response to the “Jobs for Newport” campaign covering up the “Slots” sign at Newport Grand.

CCACG Campaign Coordinator, Liz Taber, said:

"Jobs for Newport’s publicity stunt is just another example of how they’re attempting to mislead and distract voters.

The developers started early by purchasing homes here in an attempt to pass themselves off as locals, then popped up a corporation in January to lobby the General Assembly. Most offensively, they were the authors of the legislation that illegally took away Newporters’ right to vote on our local ballot. Their actions continue to show that they’re most interested in delivering political spin to voters – not the welfare of our long-term economy and local businesses.

The reality is that Newport has a strong tourism economy because of the focus on world-class sailing, arts and history. We also have strong partnerships with the Navy and a city that is working hard to develop forward-thinking projects like the Innovation Hub. A casino expansion would jeopardize Newport’s economic stability because the casino shops and restaurants would have an unfair advantage over our local businesses while increasing reliance on a failing industry.

 Casinos are closing across the country and we shouldn’t increase our reliance on that revenue source. More importantly, as a city and state, we need to stop looking for the “quick-fix” solution to our economy. We’re strongly urging our supporters to Reject Question 1 on the State Ballot on November 4 and support our local businesses.”

Citizens Concerned About Casino Gambling is a Newport nonprofit dedicated to stopping the establishment and expansion of gambling in the city. Established in 1977, CCACG’s has a long history of success fighting gambling in Newport, including a 1980 attempt to turn Newport’s Goat Island into “Monte Carlo”."

Ironworkers Local 37 and International Painters, and IUPAT District Council 11 Endorse Elorza

Democrat for Mayor Jorge Elorza has received the endorsement of the Ironworkers Local 37 and the International Painters and Allied Trades District Council 11.

“Jorge understands the challenges working families face and he has a plan to create good-paying blue collar jobs in Providence,” said IUPAT District 11 Business Representative Scott Duhamel. “Jorge will act with a sense of urgency to take Providence in a new direction that benefits every resident in every neighborhood. We look forward to helping him win on November 4.”

“Working families need a leader with the right kind of experience to jumpstart economic development in Providence,” said Roy Coulombe, Business Manager of Local 37. "Jorge understands the critical need to create jobs in our city. He will bring the type of honest leadership that encourages investment. He has a plan to streamline permitting to make it easier to build in Providence. Jorge will move Providence forward.”

Cianci to Hold Press Conference on Mixed-Use Development of the Waterfront

Independent candidate for Mayor of Providence Vincent A. Cianci, Jr. will hold a press conference tomorrow, Tuesday, October 7, to share the details of his position paper on the mixed-use development of the waterfront along Allens Avenue. 

The press conference will take place at 10:30 AM, at the intersection of Allens Avenue and O’Connell Street, just north of Thurbers Avenue.