Opportunity is theme of Raimondo's address

The Cranston Herald ·

In the wake of both praise and criticism for the new programs she announced in 2016, Governor Gina Raimondo chose to focus on opportunity in her State of the State address Tuesday.

“Our job is to ensure that there is opportunity for every Rhode Islander who is willing to work for it. Our job is to ensure that Rhode Islanders are getting the jobs businesses are creating,” she said in a release prior to her speech. Raimondo recently announced expansions in or moves to the state by businesses including Virgin Pulse, General Electric and Johnson & Johnson.

Raimondo’s remarks touched on a need to “rebuild and reinvent” the manufacturing industry in the state, claiming state leaders missed opportunities to rebuild the industry and “sat back” in hopes that factories would reopen.

“While the jobs may have left, and many of the factories have closed, Rhode Islanders’ grit and determination and desire to work is stronger than ever,” she said. “And we need to tap into it.”

The governor also cited economic challenges, making a promise that her budget “protects and expands our investment in training programs so that every Rhode Islander can compete.”

“As we continue to invest in Rhode Island, we need to realize that our economy has changed in ways that are causing real challenges. How we meet those challenges will determine our future,” she said.

Raimondo touted the education plan she announced this week that would guarantee two years of free college for Rhode Island students who head to college immediately after high school and graduate on time from the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island. She said such a plan is important, as many jobs being created now in the state require some degree or certificate beyond a high school diploma. She said that too many Rhode Islanders “who want a college degree have been denied a shot at a bright future for one simple reason: They can't afford it.”

She feels education is critical for the state’s economy and standard of living to improve.

“Right now, fewer than half of Rhode Islanders have a degree or credential past high school. Many of those without a degree are hardworking, determined Rhode Islanders who realized early on that college just wasn't for them. And that's OK.”

Rhode Islanders who graduated from high school before 2017 would not be eligible for the free two years of college program. However, Raimondo said, “We're going to continue to invest in training and certificate programs” that benefit adults who want to further their education or train for a new career. Raimondo’s remarks continued on their positive streak by emphasizing that, above all, Rhode Island would remain an inclusive environment.

“When we're confronted by uncertainty, we hold to our founding covenant: That there's a place here for everyone. There's a place here no matter your race, your creed, your gender, where you're from or who you love,” she said.

House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan provided a response to the governor’s address, saying Rhode Island is in “critical condition.”

“Too often in Rhode Island, we’ve seen lobbyists, lawyers, big corporations and millionaires receive the lion’s share of tax breaks and incentives, all to the detriment of hardworking taxpayers. It cannot continue,” she said.

Though the governor’s statements described opportunities she said were available to them, Morgan countered that she’s heard fear from Rhode Islanders who are “scared about losing jobs, paying their bills, and the opportunity for their children and grandchildren” in the state.

“Our state government needs to work together. From the governor’s office, to the General Assembly, to leaders in our cities and towns, we must put the average Rhode Islander first, if we are to be successful,” she said. Editor’s note: As the address and response took place after the Herald’s deadline, this story is based on speech excerpts provided to the news media earlier in the day by the governor’s and House Minority Offices.