The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce understands the difficult revenue outlook facing the State of Rhode Island due to weak economic conditions and budget constraints. The Chamber, and specifically its Government Affairs Committee, has identified key policy issues being debated at the Rhode Island State House that will impact the Rhode Island business community.

• Economic Development
  The Chamber supports thoughtful, rational, and balanced economic development initiatives, especially the attraction, creation and retention of quality employers, particularly small business and entrepreneurs. The Chamber will work with state leaders to create a more forceful role for the private sector in economic development, particularly as it pertains to growing the knowledge economy and jobs at all points of the spectrum.
• Economy
  Facing a $357-million budget deficit for the year, the General Assembly is challenged to stabilize the budget for the current year, and set the baseline for structural budget reform in years to come. The Chamber is focused on playing a constructive role in creating and implementing a budget that will help to stimulate the job creation, business development and the overall economy.
• Innovation
  During challenging economic times, it is important to invest in innovation rather than pull back. To that end, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce together with a consortium of the state's leading businesses, hospitals, colleges and universities will continue to advance Rhode Island's Knowledge Economy. The next phase of the project to grow and expand the Knowledge Economy in the greater Providence area involves helping to fund projects in target areas of opportunity, including alternative energy, product safety and design; health care and entrepreneurship.
• Taxes
  Rhode Island is not competitive when it comes to business taxes. Although the establishment of the alternative flat tax is a step in the right direction. The state still lags behind other states in competitive business taxes. The Chamber is focused on demonstrating a link between these measures and Rhode Island's ability to grow our economy. The Chamber will continue to participate in the Tax Policy Working Group and support the introduction of new and bold measures.
• Transportation
  To keep pace with the regional competition, the Chamber strongly supports the expansion and modernization of the airport and runway facilities at TF Green Airport. In addition, the Chamber continues to work with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation to recruit new low cost carriers to Rhode Island.