14-R400

2014 -- H 8339

Enacted 07/03/14

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

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

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

3            economic activity in Rhode Island on an annual basis; and

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

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

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

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

8            General Assembly established the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission in

9            2010; and

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

11          is:

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

13          military installations;

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

15          military missions and contracting;

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

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

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

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

2            and

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

4            in Rhode Island; and

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

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

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

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

9            between congressional members and defense communities;

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

11          potential military mission consolidations or realignment actions including recent sequestration

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

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

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

15          operational and energy efficiencies;

16               5. Fostering mutually beneficial communication and strengthening relationships with

17          military installation leadership and local and state community leaders; and

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

19          important economic value of the Rhode Island defense industry; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

26          work to date; and be it further

27               RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby respectfully encourages all interested

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

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

30          further

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

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

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

34          federal resources that will further:

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

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

3            military missions and contracting;

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

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

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

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

8            and

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

10          Rhode Island; and be it further

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

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

13          States Congress.

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