First, our state lacks employment opportunities for its citizens, particularly our children. I want to be in a position of leadership to build on our many strengths - our vibrant college and research centers, our natural resources and most importantly our people - so that as we go forward, Rhode Islanders will prosper at home and not be forced to leave to obtain a job with livable wages.
Second, as is clear from the recent budget passed by the General Assembly, we are at the beginning of a particularly painful period as the State has cut healthcare, social services, education and basic support for many of our citizens and non-profit institutions. I want to be in a leadership position to help us work through this transition by developing policies that recognize that our poor and the others hurt by these changes are our neighbors and our friends, without losing sight of the inevitability of change in the operations of government. |
As a leader I pledge to share in the sacrifice that our state is requiring others to undertake.
I will not take any payback for health insurance and, instead of seeking to issue legislative grants for charities with public money.
My grants will come directly from my pay as a legislator. All of my net pay as a legislator will go to support those hurt during this transition. |
