2014 -- H 8339

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LC005982

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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 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

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

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

economic activity in Rhode Island on an annual basis; and

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

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

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

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

General Assembly established the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission in

2010; and

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

is:

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

military installations;

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

military missions and contracting;

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

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

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

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

and

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

in Rhode Island; and

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

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

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

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

between congressional members and defense communities;

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

potential military mission consolidations or realignment actions including recent sequestration

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

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

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

operational and energy efficiencies;

     5. Fostering mutually beneficial communication and strengthening relationships with

military installation leadership and local and state community leaders; and

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

important economic value of the Rhode Island defense industry; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

work to date; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby respectfully encourages all interested

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

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

further

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

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

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

federal resources that will further:

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

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

military missions and contracting;

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

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

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

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

and

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

Rhode Island; and be it further

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

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

States Congress.

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