08-R083

2008 -- S 2780

Enacted 02/28/08

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND WORK/LIFE COMMITTEE

Introduced By: Senators DaPonte, Ruggerio, Connors, Ciccone, and Lanzi

Date Introduced: February 28, 2008

     WHEREAS, It is widely recognized that annual hours worked have increased in the

United States during the past several decades; and

     WHEREAS, The United Nation's International Labour Organization and the

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development currently rank the United States near

the top of countries in annual hours worked; and

     WHEREAS, Employers, labor organizations, and policy makers have increasingly come

to realize the importance of maintaining work/life balance; and

     WHEREAS, Leading firms have developed progressive work/life programs to enhance

employee recruitment, promote retention, lessen health care costs, and provide a better work

environment; and

     WHEREAS, State governments across the country have developed policies and passed

laws to promote work/life balance; and

     WHEREAS, Allowing employees time for family matters, civic involvement, cultural

development, and leisure strengthens families and communities, and improves the health of

individuals; and

     WHEREAS, Faculty and staff from several areas of the University of Rhode Island,

including the Department of Sociology, Schmidt Labor Research Center, College of Business

Administration, ADVANCE Project, Women's Center, and Career Services, have formed the URI

Work/Life Committee to study and promote work/life balance; and

     WHEREAS, The URI Work/Life Committee will be hosting several events during the

months of March and April to enhance awareness of work/life issues; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby supports the efforts of the URI Work/Life Committee in raising awareness of this

important issue; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby wishes the URI Work/Life Committee well in the series of events it will be holding during

the months of March and April, 2008; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the URI Work/Life Committee.

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LC02106

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