Providence, RI - In the latest example of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee's continued and sustained efforts to address Rhode Island's municipal challenges and to provide property tax relief to Rhode Islanders, the Governor will host representatives of the Rhode Island business community at a State House Municipal Strategy Session on Thursday, January 19, 2012.
"Make no mistake: the fiscal challenges facing Rhode Island's cities and towns are also economic development issues. Businesses – large and small – want to have certainty in the state and the community where they're doing business. An essential goal of my Administration is to create a climate that is conducive to job creation and economic growth. We want to give businesses the confidence that Rhode Island is serious about getting its fiscal house in order and that this is a good place to locate or expand. We have done this on the state level by addressing the state pension fund and addressing our structural deficit. Now we must address the fiscal health of our cities and towns. Businesspeople – be they representatives of Rhode Island's largest employers or local small businesses – will be an integral part of turning local economies around and their perspective is valuable to me as my Administration moves forward," Governor Chafee said.
"I look forward to having an honest and frank discussion with representatives of all levels of Rhode Island businesses and hearing their concerns and their ideas. I held three successful community business forums last week and Thursday's meeting will be a continuation of that productive dialogue," Governor Chafee continued.
Governor Chafee talked about the need to confront municipal fiscal issues head-on throughout his gubernatorial campaign, and since taking office has consistently stressed the need to help the state's cities and towns better serve Rhode Islanders.
In addition to the Governor's Municipal Strategy Sessions for municipal executives, employee groups, and business leaders, he will host in the coming weeks an electronic town hall with Rhode Island retirees and taxpayers to further discuss ways for the Chafee Administration to work with cities and towns to better serve Rhode Islanders.
Governor Chafee and meeting participants will host a press conference following the Municipal Strategy Session.