Providence, RI - April 27, 2010
Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Chair of the Small Business Advocacy Council, testified at the Senate Finance Committee on S-2021 (an “Act Relating to Public Property and Works – State Purchases”) at 3 pm on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, in the Senate Finance Room, Room 211, State House. The bill was introduced by Senators DiPalma, Tassoni, Lynch, Pinga and DeVall and would require the state purchasing officer to select a local Rhode Island company when all other things in a bid are equal and the choice comes down to a Rhode Island company or an out of state vendor. It was introduced on January 13, 2010, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
This legislation is part of Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts’ broader initiative, “Buy Local RI,” launched in November 2008 with a public awareness campaign, encouraging Rhode Islanders to support local businesses by purchasing goods and services locally for the holidays. The Lt. Governor’s “Main Street” walking tours of local businesses build on existing local initiatives that highlight the opportunity and benefits of choosing to Buy Local RI, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year. The Buy Local RI initiative also comprised a working group which developed a website dedicated to expanding the market for local businesses and products by connecting people to Rhode Island businesses. S-2021 cements the Lt. Governor’s initiative by making it law to select Rhode Island companies when bid terms for state purchases are otherwise equal.
For more information, visit the Buy Local RI page on the Lt. Governor’s website at: http://www.ltgov.ri.gov/buylocalri/