WHEREAS, The state's educational institutions of higher education and their faculties, staff and students have the potential to contribute in unique fashion to the planning, operation, and evaluation of state government functions, as well as to many other aspects of the governmental process; and

WHEREAS, Those institutions of higher education which receive aid from the State of Rhode Island can assist through their faculties, staff and students the state, at a time when the state's fiscal outlook requires that government exercise restraint in spending for outside consultants, by performing necessary research for the three branches of government; and

WHEREAS, Cooperative efforts between government and our universities and colleges can result in an enrichment of opportunities for research and improved chances to obtain research grants and other funding; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the board of governors for higher education is hereby respectfully requested to facilitate and create an agreement or arrangement whereby state-supported institutions of higher education will undertake research for state government entities upon the request of the governor, the chief justice of the supreme court, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the majority leader of the senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the board of governors of higher education and the administration of these state institutions of higher education formally recognize the importance of such research as a valuable and meaningful contribution to the overall enhancement of the state of Rhode Island; 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 chairperson of the board of governors for higher education and to the presidents of each institution of higher education.