11-R361

2011 -- S 0998

Enacted 06/14/11

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

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO EXPAND THE AVAILABILITY OF RHODE ISLAND BASED DAIRY PRODUCTS IN STATE AGENCIES

Introduced By: Senators Sosnowski, Walaska, Kettle, Hodgson, and Bates

Date Introduced: June 01, 2011

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island based agricultural products have experienced the largest

economic growth in Rhode Island in the past ten years, according to the Economic Development

Corporation; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island based dairy distributors supply hundreds of stores throughout

Rhode Island, including neighboring areas in Massachusetts, as well as education institutions, like

the Lincoln School, the Wheeler School, LaSalle Academy, Roger Williams University, Brown

University, Providence College, Salve Regina University, and the Rhode Island School of

Design; and

     WHEREAS, Although Rhode Island based dairy sells at a premium to volume producers,

income from these sales helps to preserve farmland in Rhode Island and creates jobs offsetting

these costs; and

     WHEREAS, Purchasing Rhode Island based dairy products supports the local economy

and Rhode Island dairy farms, and helps to preserve open space and agricultural landscapes; and

     WHEREAS, Our Senate members need input from the Rhode Island based dairy

distributors to proceed in a unified way to allow the University of Rhode Island and other state

and municipal agencies the financial independence from the current state oversight to purchase

these products based on quality, freshness, and being a home-based industry, and not on price

alone; and

     WHEREAS, Supporting Rhode Island based agricultural distributors would further

enhance economic development in our great state; and

     WHEREAS, Chapter 37-2-8 of the Rhode Island general laws states, when foodstuffs of

good quality grown or produced in Rhode Island by Rhode Island farmers are available, the

purchasing agent is directed to purchase those foodstuffs at the prevailing market prices when any

of those foodstuffs are required by the state institutions; now, therefore be it

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

supports amendments to state purchasing procedures that will allow Rhode Island dairy

distributors the ability to competitively bid for the state milk contract; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate respectfully requests the Department of Administration to

expand the availability of Rhode Island based dairy products in state agencies; 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 Director of the Rhode Island Department of

Administration.

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LC02741

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