Make major infrastructure improvements, including super high-speed Internet access
"Clustering our economic development strategy will allow us to create a critical mass for growth. In addition, we can target major infrastructure improvements, such as super high-speed Internet connectivity, that will attract businesses just as traditional transportation systems attract business."
Make group health benefits available to independent workers
"I will present legislation that will make group health benefits available to independent workers, as they are in New York, and will give those workers access to Department of Labor and Training (DLT) procedures to enforce wage claims."
Will audit all economic development tax deals
"I will conduct audits of all economic development tax deals. We need to stop the bleeding of state resources through tax credit programs that have no discernible impact."
Direct Economic Development Corporation to develop library for small businesses to help them make business decisions
Chafee has pledged to direct the EDC to “create a library of information to allow small businesses to have access to the same information large businesses have in making business decisions. ... These databases are usually only financially available to large businesses, leaving small businesses at a disadvantage. This approach has doubled the number of jobs and tripled sales tax revenues in similar businesses where it has been implemented."
Will create more open and competitive procurement process at the state and municipal levels
My administration will also update the prices in the state’s Master Pricing List and make it accessible to municipalities. This will create a more open and competitive procurement process, resulting in an economy of scale that will benefit taxpayers at both the municipal and state levels.
Will protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Chafee "supports . . . non-discrimination policies and laws, repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell, freedom of gender expression . . "
Expand hate crimes legislation to include sexual orientation and gender identity of victim
Chafee "supports hate crimes legislation in Rhode Island" [which has already been achieved federally and] designed to include feedom of gender expression."
Grant same-sex couples same rights that heterosexual couples have in adoption, foster care, etc.
Develop master plan for use of state-owned property
"Development of a Master Property Utilization Plan that will clearly and transparently lay out a new vision for state-owned properties. This plan will conceive of the Pastore Complex in Cranston as a centrally located, mass-transit-accessible 'government services mall,' supported by three regional hubs in Blackstone Valley, Bristol County and South County."
Lower taxes on personal income and corporate profits when economy improves
"When the economy improves, Chafee backs lowering taxes on personal income and corporate profits."
Simplify business tax system
"We will take action to simplify the business tax system and plan for a sustainable state budget."
Conduct nationwide competition to solicit job creation proposals
Chafee will "Conduct a nationwide business plan competition (similar to a Request for Proposal (RFP) process) that solicits innovative job creation proposals from compelling businesses and entrepreneurs interested in establishing, relocating or expanding their business in Rhode Island."
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