14-R409
2014 -- S 3106
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: Senators DiPalma, Ruggerio, Algiere, Felag, and Ottiano
Date Introduced: June 12, 2014
WHEREAS, The defense industry is one of Rhode Island's most important economic
sectors, spanning a range of public and private enterprises, and generating over $1.75 billion in
economic activity in Rhode Island on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, According to recent data, the defense industry employs over 16,000 people
in Rhode Island with a total payroll of over $900 million, with the 2011 average defense industry
wage amounting to $63,216, higher than the state's average wage of $45,702; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the importance of the defense industry to Rhode Island, the
General Assembly established the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission in
2010; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission
is:
1. To make recommendations to preserve and protect the state's defense economy and
military installations;
2. To support the state's position in research and development related to or arising out of
military missions and contracting;
3. To strengthen and expand the deep technical and domain knowledge of the defense
workforce in Rhode Island through targeted workforce training and developmental investments;
4. To improve the state's military friendly environment for service members, military
dependents, military retirees and businesses that bring military and base-related jobs to the state;
and
5. To provide incentives for military installation growth and operational competitiveness
in Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, Since its creation, the Defense Economy Planning Commission has been:
1. Championing Rhode Island as the "Most Military Friendly State" in the nation;
2. Advocating and coordinating a unified message of the importance of the Rhode Island
defense industry between executive and legislative branches of Rhode Island government, and
between congressional members and defense communities;
3. Maintaining a proactive posture toward evaluating and addressing the impact of
potential military mission consolidations or realignment actions including recent sequestration
budget reduction threats so as to ensure that Rhode Island is positioned for additional incremental
growth within the United States Department of Defense and its related industries;
4. Focusing upon fostering proactive programs for Rhode Island military installations
operational and energy efficiencies;
5. Fostering mutually beneficial communication and strengthening relationships with
military installation leadership and local and state community leaders; and
6. Ensuring all relevant local, state and federal agencies are aware and engaged with the
important economic value of the Rhode Island defense industry; and
WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission will continue its
work and recommending public policies that promote, preserve and expand military missions and
installations and related industries across the state of Rhode Island along with expanding the
state's broad-based employment and economic benefits; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations hereby commends the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission for its
work to date; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby respectfully encourages all interested
Rhode Islanders to review and consider the findings of the Rhode Island Defense Economy
Planning Commission in envisioning the future of the defense industry in Rhode Island; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby respectfully requests Rhode Island's
Congressional Delegation to continue its support for the defense industry in our state and assist
the Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission's efforts through securing additional
federal resources that will further:
1. Preserve and protect the state's defense economy and military installations;
2. Support the state's position in research and development related to or arising out of
military missions and contracting;
3. Strengthen and expand the deep technical and domain knowledge of the defense
workforce in Rhode Island through targeted workforce training and development investments;
4. Improve the state's military friendly environment for service members, military
dependents, military retirees and businesses that brings military and base-related jobs to the state;
and
5. Provide incentives for military installation growth and operational competitiveness in
Rhode Island; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Delegation to the United
States Congress.
========
LC005837
========