WHEREAS, While Rhode Island's economy is starting to show some growth and recovery from the financial and economic crisis that our country has faced, it continues to rank highest in the nation for unemployment. A real economic recovery is not possible without meaningful and effective action; and

WHEREAS, Promise Zones are proposed areas in our country that have significant poverty, continued high unemployment, a high rate of home foreclosures, or economic distress; and

WHEREAS, Designation as a Promise Zone is the first step towards eligibility for businesses to receive various federal tax credits to hire and invest in our state; and

WHEREAS, Tax credit opportunities, associated with Promise Zones designation, can provide assistance with funding new capitol investment in both in the short and long term for businesses, and in helping to create job development; and

WHEREAS, Manufacturing Hubs are regions where industry, academia, and government can work together to solve tough problems, foment and deploy solutions, and develop new technologies; and

WHEREAS, These designations, as well as the President's additionally proposed initiatives, will dramatically broaden opportunities for both existing businesses, new business, and continued job creation within Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island's total recovery from this economic crisis will not happen overnight, but recognizing, initiating, and establishing the necessary steps towards long-term solutions is essential; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby requests the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to pursue certification as a Federal Urban Promise Zone and Manufacturing Hub through HUD and the United States Department of Agriculture; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House hereby respectfully requests our state's Congressional Delegation pursue all efforts to have Rhode Island declared a "Promise Zone" and a "Manufacturing Hub"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, members of Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation, the Senate Majority Leader, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the Director of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.