While the 2012 legislative session was full of successes on key business issues, it also included a few disappointments including:
SBIR Funding: Not Enacted
The Chamber supported funding for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) programs, both of which are proven to spur growth and innovation for small businesses, however due to fiscal concerns neither passed.
URI/RIC Nursing School: Not Enacted
The Chamber was disappointed that funding was not approved for the URI/RIC joint nursing school. The new school, proposed to be built in the Knowledge District, would have the most technologically advanced nursing simulation education facility in the Northeast to educate students from baccalaureate to doctoral levels in the science of healing and caring for Rhode Islanders who face complex health care challenges.
During the summer months, the Chamber will begin to formulate its 2013 legislative agenda. We encourage our membership to be part of this dialogue, by informing us of the issues that are most important to you and your employees.
