2014 -- H 7204

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LC003581

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

TO HAVE RHODE ISLAND DECLARED A "PROMISE ZONE"

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Marshall, Costantino, Gallison, Casey, and Shekarchi

     Date Introduced: January 28, 2014

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, While Rhode Island's economy is starting to show some growth and

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recovery from the financial and economic crisis that our country has faced, it continues to rank

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highest in the nation for unemployment. A real economic recovery is not possible without

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meaningful and effective action; and

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     WHEREAS, Promise Zones are proposed areas in our country that have significant

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poverty, continued high unemployment, a high rate of home foreclosures, or economic distress;

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and

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     WHEREAS, Designation as a Promise Zone is the first step towards eligibility for

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businesses to receive various federal tax credits to hire and invest in our state; and

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     WHEREAS, This new type of Zone designation dramatically broadens opportunities for

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both existing businesses and new business, and for continued job creation: and

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     WHEREAS, In addition, these tax credit opportunities can provide assistance with

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funding new capital investments in both the short and long-term for businesses, and in helping to

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create job development; and

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     WHEREAS, Rhode Island's total recovery form this economic crisis will not happen

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overnight, but recognizing, initiating, and establishing the necessary steps towards long-term

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solutions is essential; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence

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Plantations hereby respectfully requests our state's Congressional Delegation to initiate and

 

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pursue all efforts to have Rhode Island declared a "Promise Zone"; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby requests the Rhode Island Commerce

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Corporation to apply to HUD and the United States Department of Agriculture for certification as

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a Federal Urban Promise Zone; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copies of this resolution to the President of the United States,  members

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of Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the

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Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the Director of the Rhode Island

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Commerce Corporation. 

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LC003581

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