Jobs & The economy

The COVID19 crisis has exacerbated our issues with unemployment and income inequality. We have to invest in initiatives to address the growing housing crisis, get Rhode Islanders back to work, and create jobs that pay a thriving wage. We must expand vocational and professional training programs that meet the needs of growing industries, and offer debt free college solutions. People who work hard should be able to thrive in our state, and that includes local business owners. When people have more money to spend, communities flourish.

My work on jobs and income inequality:

• Passed a bill that put a moratorium on zoning enforcement for restaurants and bars who made emergency modifications like take-out windows and outdoor dining during the pandemic. Our local establishments kept their outdoor dining, which helped keep their doors open

• Successfully advocated to have additional sectors of our workforce like social workers and mental health counselors qualify for the Wavemaker tax incentive program to keep these professionals working in Rhode Island

• Created a pathway for home food entrepreneurs to start their businesses with as little overhead costs and red tape as possible while maintaining safety standards

• Worked to expand eligibility for subsidized child care so more of our essential workforce could return to their jobs

• Supported investments in creating attainable housing in the budget