2014 -- H 8339

========

LC005982

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

____________

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING RHODE ISLAND'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO

CONTINUE ITS SUPPORT FOR THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY IN RHODE ISLAND AND TO

ASSIST THE RHODE ISLAND DEFENSE ECONOMY PLANNING COMMISSION'S

EFFORTS TO SECURE ADDITIONAL FEDERAL RESOURCES

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Martin, Abney, Ucci, Edwards, and Mattiello

     Date Introduced: June 17, 2014

     Referred To: House read and passed

1

     WHEREAS, The defense industry is one of Rhode Island's most important economic

2

sectors, spanning a range of public and private enterprises, and generating over $1.75 billion in

3

economic activity in Rhode Island on an annual basis; and

4

     WHEREAS, According to recent data, the defense industry employs over 16,000 people

5

in Rhode Island with a total payroll of over $900 million, with the 2011 average defense industry

6

wage amounting to $63,216, higher than the state's average wage of $45,702; and

7

     WHEREAS, In recognition of the importance of the defense industry to Rhode Island, the

8

General Assembly established the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission in

9

2010; and

10

     WHEREAS, The mission of the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission

11

is:

12

     1. To make recommendations to preserve and protect the state's defense economy and

13

military installations;

14

     2. To support the state's position in research and development related to or arising out of

15

military missions and contracting;

16

     3. To strengthen and expand the deep technical and domain knowledge of the defense

17

workforce in Rhode Island through targeted workforce training and developmental investments;

18

     4. To improve the state's military friendly environment for service members, military

 

1

dependents, military retirees and businesses that bring military and base-related jobs to the state;

2

and

3

     5. To provide incentives for military installation growth and operational competitiveness

4

in Rhode Island; and

5

     WHEREAS, Since its creation, the Defense Economy Planning Commission has been:

6

     1. Championing Rhode Island as the "Most Military Friendly State" in the nation;

7

     2. Advocating and coordinating a unified message of the importance of the Rhode Island

8

defense industry between executive and legislative branches of Rhode Island government, and

9

between congressional members and defense communities;

10

     3. Maintaining a proactive posture toward evaluating and addressing the impact of

11

potential military mission consolidations or realignment actions including recent sequestration

12

budget reduction threats so as to ensure that Rhode Island is positioned for additional incremental

13

growth within the United States Department of Defense and its related industries;

14

     4. Focusing upon fostering proactive programs for Rhode Island military installations

15

operational and energy efficiencies;

16

     5. Fostering mutually beneficial communication and strengthening relationships with

17

military installation leadership and local and state community leaders; and

18

     6. Ensuring all relevant local, state and federal agencies are aware and engaged with the

19

important economic value of the Rhode Island defense industry; and

20

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission will continue its

21

work and recommending public policies that promote, preserve and expand military missions and

22

installations and related industries across the state of Rhode Island along with expanding the

23

state's broad-based employment and economic benefits; now therefore be it

24

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

25

Plantations hereby commends the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission for its

26

work to date; and be it further

27

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby respectfully encourages all interested

28

Rhode Islanders to review and consider the findings of the Rhode Island Defense Economy

29

Planning Commission in envisioning the future of the defense industry in Rhode Island; and be it

30

further

31

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby respectfully requests Rhode Island's

32

Congressional Delegation to continue its support for the defense industry in our state and assist

33

the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission's efforts through securing additional

34

federal resources that will further:

 

LC005982 - Page 2 of 3

1

     1. Preserve and protect the state's defense economy and military installations;

2

     2. Support the state's position in research and development related to or arising out of

3

military missions and contracting;

4

     3. Strengthen and expand the deep technical and domain knowledge of the defense

5

workforce in Rhode Island through targeted workforce training and development investments;

6

     4. Improve the state's military friendly environment for service members, military

7

dependents, military retirees and businesses that brings military and base-related jobs to the state;

8

and

9

     5. Provide incentives for military installation growth and operational competitiveness in

10

Rhode Island; and be it further

11

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

12

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Delegation to the United

13

States Congress.

========

LC005982

========

 

LC005982 - Page 3 of 3