Inspired

Dear Friends,

A little more than three months after I launched my Rhode Island Skilled Economy (RISE) Tour, it is clear to me that we have the ability to solve a daunting obstacle to our state’s recovery.

I started the tour to address a continuing refrain from businesses that, even with high unemployment, companies cannot find qualified workers to fill openings. Since then, I have twice heard the leader of our largest chamber of commerce emphasize that this sentiment is holding back our economy.

Events held in partnership with schools, training programs and Rhode Island companies have inspired me to believe, now more than ever, that if we learn from each other, we can solve this problem.

At the Steel Yard, a non-profit industrial arts center in Providence, I met staff and students in an intensive welding program that is giving low-income Rhode Islanders advanced science and math training that is in high demand. Meanwhile, at URI’s Biotechnology Manufacturing Program, Director Paquette and Professor Bozi have established an excellent track record of placing students directly into internships and full-time jobs in a field that will become the hub of Providence’s Knowledge District if we have a capable workforce to help companies expand.

Younger students are gaining valuable hands-on experience at Career and Technical Centers from Coventry to Chariho, as well as at the innovative MET Center and our new Nursing Middle College. In meeting with dozens of participants, I have seen the enthusiasm for learning that’s possible when we make classes relevant to students’ passions. These programs need our full support. Furthermore, VIBCO Vibrators in Wyoming has shown how companies can help give our students real-world experience through internships.

The frustration among Rhode Islanders during the tumultuous fallout from the Great Recession is understandable. However, these examples show we have reason to be optimistic about our state’s future if we bring attention to them and work together to spur similar initiatives.

Please stay in touch via email, Facebook and Twitter to keep the conversation going, and check out my YouTube and Flickr pages.

Sincerely,

Jim Langevin

Supporting Innovation in RI

I was proud to work with the RI Small Business Development Center at Johnson & Wales University to host the first Rhode Island Innovation Forum last week. The head of a major small business funding initiative for research and development gave an overview of the program as he joined me and business community leaders in initiating an effort to make our state more competitive for these awards. There’s no reason for Connecticut to have won six times as many as our state. Plans are underway to offer technical and industry-specific assistance.
Watch Associate Administrator Greene’s presentation ››

Special Skills Training Opportunity

I recently joined the Community College of Rhode Island for an announcement that boosted the workforce development efforts our state needs. Using resources that I and other members of our congressional delegation helped acquire, CCRI is beginning classes that allow out-of-work Rhode Islanders to obtain career-specific skills for two high-growth fields: health care and information technology. It’s efficient for the students who can complete the targeted training without going through a 2 to 4 year process, and for the companies that need talented employees.For more information contact CCRI at 825-2072 or email pace AT ccri DOT edu.

Save the date

DEADLINE EXTENDED
Rhode Islanders who believe they were harmed during a mortgage foreclosure process from 2009-2010 now have until Sept. 30, 2012 to request an independent review.

Did You Know...?

FLAG REQUESTS
Rep Langevin’s office can assist you with ordering an American flag, including one that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol. ››

FAST FACT
As a result of the Affordable Care Act, 9,000 Rhode Islanders under age 26 have gained health insurance and more than 15,000 RI seniors on Medicare have received assistance with prescription drug costs. ››

In Other News

HIGHLIGHTING BENEFITS OF HISTORIC HEALTH CARE RULING
With the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the Affordable Care Act, Rep. Langevin noted the decision’s importance for millions of Americans who will have better access to treatment they need because of the law. ››

PREVENTING STUDENT LOAN RATE HIKE
Having rallied with students to stress the damaging impact of doubling student loan interest rates, Rep. Langevin and the RI Student Loan Authority reacted to the passage of legislation to stop the increase. ››

SUPPORTING JOBS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
After months of imploring House Republicans to support job-creating transportation legislation, Rep. Langevin expressed relief that long-term funding was passed and noted projects that can now move forward in Rhode Island. ››

MOVING CLOSER TO PROTECTION FOR RI RIVERS
Rep. Langevin’s legislation to support state waterways with special economic, environmental and cultural values was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee. ››

RECEIVING LEADERSHIP AWARD
The United Spinal Association, a national nonprofit advocating for disabled Americans, recognized Rep. Langevin with its first Outstanding Congressional Leadership Award. ››

ADDRESSING NATIONAL SECURITY AT WEST POINT
Rep. Langevin was featured at a major cybersecurity conference with leading military officials, where he noted that Rhode Island is setting a national example for network security. ››

RECOGNIZING IMPORTANCE OF RI FARMING COMMUNITY
Noting that the potential economic contributions of our agricultural community are often overlooked, Rep. Langevin heralded a grant that will help promote the state’s farms. ››