Common Ground November 2012

NOVEMBER 2012

Warren vs. Brown: what’s at stake for labor

See page 2 for information on all 2012 ballot questions.

By Common Ground staff The Massachusetts Senate race between Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown is one that has much at stake for labor voters, potentially shifting the political balance of the U.S. one way or another and affecting touchstone labor issues like outsourcing and minimum wage laws.

“Elizabeth stands with labor unions here in Massachusetts and across the country, and she is a committed advocate for workers’ rights,” said campaign spokeswoman Alethea Varney. “She has spent her career fighting for a level playing field for working families, and she knows how important

unions are to securing better wages, better health care, and better working conditions for men and women across the Commonwealth.

Elizabeth will be a strong voice for working families in the U.S. Senate.”

In 2010, Brown, the GOP incumbent, won an estimated 49 percent of the union vote.

This time around, labor leaders are determined to get their membership out in support of his Democratic challenger calling to attention to Brown’s anti-labor record and casting him as “Wall Street’s favorite Senator.”

“Less than three weeks until

the polls open, Elizabeth Warren has an excellent chance to defeat U.S. Senator Scott Brown because the voters are learning that Brown chooses to stand with Wall Street’s millionaires and billionaires over the hard working men and women of Massachusetts every time,” the Massachusetts AFLCIO said in a statement provided to Common Ground.

The AFL-CIO pointed to Brown’s record of votes against three job bills, unemployment insurance benefit extensions, the Paycheck Fairness Act, and tax breaks for those making less than $250,000. Overall, Brown has voted with the

right-wing of the U.S. Senate 83 percent of the time, siding with working families 13 percent, according to AFL-CIO President Steve Tolman.

The umbrella labor organization said his record stood in “stark contrast” to Warren, who “has made protection and promotion of the middle class not only the hallmark of her campaign, but the centerpiece of her career.”

AFL-CIO active in race Polls show an extremely tight race, amplified by an advertising blitz on both sides, with Brown trotting out endorsements from prominent

Massachusetts Democrats like Ray Flynn and hitting Warren on her record as an attorney.

In a recent interview, Tolman promised a vigorous labor campaign on behalf of Warren and other Democrats.

“We will take nothing for granted and will work tirelessly until the last poll closes on November 6,” the AFL-CIO said.

The AFL-CIO has been canvassing working-family neighborhoods on a daily basis, with the help of thousands of volunteers statewide. Local SENATE RACE cont. on page 3

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Common Ground

Common Ground

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john@ricommongroundnews.com www.ricommongroundnews.com

NOVEMBER 2012

November election ballot questions TM

1. State Constitutional Approval (Approval of an act authorizing state-operated casino gaming at Twin River in the town of Lincoln) Shall an act be approved which would authorize the facility known as “Twin River” in the town of Lincoln to add state-operated casino gaming, such as table games, to the types of gambling it offers?

Explanation for questions 1: What would approval of this question do?

Revenues generated by the State of Rhode Island from state-operated gaming in Rhode Island constitute the third hugest source of revenue to the State, behind only revenue generated from income taxes and sales and use taxes. A study commissioned by the Rhode Island Department of Revenue, Christiansen Capital Advisors, LLC anticipated that competition from gaming facilities recently authorized in Massachusetts could have a 25 to 40 percent negative impact on State revenues generated from stateoperated gaming in Rhode Island, amounting to losses to the State of $100 million or more in annual revenues.

In order to reduce the potential adverse effects on State revenues from competition anticipated to come from casino gaming facilities authorized in Massachusetts, the General Assembly, pursuant to Article 25 of Chapter 151 of the Public Laws of 2011, amended Chapter 61.2 of Title 42 of the Rhode Island General Laws entitled “Video Lottery Terminal” to authorize the licensed video lottery terminal retailer known as “Twin River” to engage in state-operated casino gaming at its facility located in the Town of Lincoln; provided that the requirements of Section 22 of Article VI of the Rhode Island Constitution are satisfied. Section 22 of Article VI of the Rhode Island Constitution provides that no act expanding the types of gambling permitted within any city or town in the State of Rhode Island shall take effect until it has been approved by a majority of those electors voting in a statewide referendum and by the majority of those electors voting in a referendum in the municipality in which the proposed gambling would be allowed.

Approval of the act authorizing Twin River to engage in state-operated casino gaming will result in Twin River being authorized to engage in state-operated casino gaming at its facility in the Town of Lincoln in accordance with the legislation adopted by the General Assembly. However, even if a majority of the electors of the State of Rhode Island vote to approve such authorization for Twin River to engage in state-operated casino gaming at its facility in the Town of Lincoln, such authorization will not take effect unless a majority of the electors of the Town of Lincoln approve it as well.

The legislation adopted by the General Assembly provides that the State of Rhode Island is authorized to operate, conduct and control casino gaming at Twin River to the extent Twin River is authorized to engage in casino gaming. It goes on to provide that the State of Rhode Island, through the Lottery Division and/or the Depart-

ment of Business Regulation, shall have full operational control to operate the Twin River facility and the authority to make all decisions about all aspects of the functioning of the business enterprise, including, without limitation, the power and authority to: 1. Determine the number, type, placement and arrangement of casino gaming games, tables and sites within the facility; 2. Establish with respect to casino gaming one or more systems for linking, tracking, deposit and reporting of receipts, audits, annual reports, prohibitive conduct and other such matters determined from time to time; 3. Collect all receipts from casino gaming, require that Twin River collect casino gaming gross receipts in trust for the State of Rhode Island through the Lottery Division, deposit such receipts into an account or accounts of its choice, allocate such receipts according to law, and otherwise maintain custody and control over all casino gaming receipts and funds; 4. Hold and exercise sufficient powers over Twin River’s accounting and finances to allow for adequate oversight and verification of the financial aspects of casino gaming at the facility; 5. Monitor all casino gaming operations and have the power to terminate or suspend any casino gaming activities in the event of an integrity concern or other threat to the public trust; 6. Define and limit the rules of play and odds of authorized casino gaming games, including, without limitation, the minimum and maximum wagers for each casino gaming game; 7. Have approval rights over matters relating to the employment of individuals to be involved, directly or indirectly, with the operation of casino gaming at Twin River; 8. Establish compulsive gambling treatment programs; 9. Promulgate, or propose for promulgation, any legislative, interpretive and procedural rules necessary for the successful implementation, administration and enforcement of Chapter 61.2 of Title 42 of the Rhode Island General Laws; and 10. Hold all other powers necessary and proper to fully and effectively execute and administer the provisions of Chapter 61.2 of Title 42 of the Rhode Island General Laws for its purpose of allowing the State of Rhode Island to operate a casino gaming facility through a licensed video lottery retailer hosting said casino gaming on behalf of the State of Rhode Island.

The Revenue Protection Act In order to further protect State gaming revenues and maintain the competitiveness of Twin River and the State’s other gaming facility, Newport Grand, the General Assembly has also adopted legislation called the Revenue BALLOT cont. on page 6

Common Ground SENATE RACE cont. from page 1 unions as well have enlisted in what the AFL-CIO described as an all-out campaign to educate their members and encourage them to throw their support behind Warren. “Local unions are mailing their members every week; we are doing worksite leaflets; we have set up phone banks and are making calls every day, ensuring we get the facts out about what is at stake in this election,” the AFL-CIO said.

“We have hosted rallies attended by several thousand supporters to hear from Elizabeth Warren and union leaders about how crucial it is not just to vote, but to be active in the Labor 2012 campaign.”

On the issues, Warren solidly pro-labor Warren has made a point of taking strong pro-labor positions in this race.

In responses to a Common Ground questionnaire she said she supports current efforts to raise the federal minimum wage and opposes socalled right to work legislation because it would “undermine collective bargaining rights” and “diminish the ability of unions to advocate on behalf of workers.”

Warren described herself as a Senator who would support workers and their unions— not one who undercuts them.

Warren, a Harvard law professor and the inspiration

behind the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has come down especially hard on the issue of outsourcing.

“After decades of losing American jobs, we must fight back,” Warren said in response to questions from Common Ground. “Manufacturers and businesses succeed when they have the basic building blocks to be competitive. If we create the climate for our manufacturers to be competitive, we can bring jobs back to America—and we can keep them here.”

She continued: “It’s time to end tax deductions for outsourcing, along with other preferential tax tricks that

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NOVEMBER 2012 encourage multinational corporations with armies of lawyers and accountants to locate operations outside the United States. Instead of pushing jobs out of the country, we should reward companies that bring jobs home, and we should invest in workforce education and training, research and development, affordable and reliable energy, and a robust infrastructure of roads, bridges, and ports to reduce the costs of getting goods to market.”

Brown’s campaign did not respond to the questionnaire or inquiries for this report.

Warren has also staked out pro-labor positions on pensions and unemployment insurance. She said the fed-

Page 3

eral government and the states should “work together to strengthen and improve” retirement systems. And, she has said she will vote for further extensions of unemployment insurance benefits if “economic conditions demand it.”

“This election is so important to the hard-working, middle-class families of Massachusetts, their future and their children’s future, that we can’t afford to rest until the last vote is counted and Elizabeth Warren emerges as our next senator,” the AFL-CIO said.

Page 4

Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Strengthening America by putting the middle class first

By Congressman Jim Langevin Personal experience has showed me that, with a fair opportunity, we can all make great contributions toward providing our next generation a better America than the one we inherited. I’m forever grateful to the Rhode Islanders who rallied around me to help me overcome the greatest challenge of my life after my accident. I believe everyone deserves that same chance to reach their potential.

To ensure this opportunity, we must recognize that when the middle class succeeds, everyone succeeds. Innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs come from the middle class.

The economy depends on the skills of the middle class. Businesses need middle-class customers.

No one action or person can

reverse the effects of the most severe recession in 80 years, and I know there’s nothing to celebrate when so many Rhode Islanders are out of work. But I’m proud to be working every day to strengthen the middle class and turn the economy around.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I helped lead the effort to double production of the world’s finest submarines at Electric Boat at Quonset, creating hundreds of new middle-class jobs while strengthening our national security. Those subs are coming in on time and under budget.

We must continue strengthening Electric Boat and other cornerstones of our economy.

We also need to close our state’s skills gap. As the Providence Journal reported, we are

struggling with a mismatch between the skills workers have and what employers need.

One health-care IT company in Warwick told me they had just hired 20 new workers, but only two hailed from the Ocean State.

Recently, I helped bring new programs to CCRI to give unemployed and underemployed workers opportunities in the health care and IT fields. And I’ve partnered with the New England Institute of Technology and the University of Rhode Island to prepare students for the fast-growing career of cyber-security. With better job training, we can give more hardworking Rhode Islanders a fair shot.

Moving our economy forward also requires a commitment to our small businesses.

I’ve proposed making it easier to get access to capital and I’ve organized events to help Rhode Island companies with federal grants like the Small Business Innovation Research program. Most of all, though, we need a fairer tax system that gives breaks to companies that create jobs here, not those that send them overseas.

For those who are out of work or underemployed, I know the recovery isn’t here yet, but what we cannot afford to do is to turn back the clock to the policies that got us into this mess. We need to fight back against the Tea Party extremism that puts another tax cut for a millionaire ahead of a job training program at CCRI; puts huge oil companies ahead of fixing crumbling bridges on Interstate 95; and puts tax

loopholes for companies that ship jobs abroad ahead of helping new companies expand at home.

I’m mindful that we must also address our growing debt, but this doesn’t have to come at the expense of programs that help the middle class.

We can bring down the debt in a responsible way if everyone is willing to compromise, while recognizing that the number one way to reduce the debt is to put people back to work. I have voted for more than a trillion dollars in spending cuts and proposed more, but we also need some revenue increases from those who have benefited the most from our current tax policies. That means eliminating tax subsidies to special interests, like MIDDLE CLASS cont. on page 8

Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Page 5

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‘Founders League’ will strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystem, expand programs for high growth start-ups and entrepreneurs

By Laurie White

Thanks to a catalytic partnership between Betaspring, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, University of Rhode Island, and Brown University, Rhode Island will soon have a new resource to help start-ups, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs connect, learn, and build high-growth ventures.

Building upon programming initially launched by the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a new “Founders League” will offer community, space, and programming where entrepreneurs at all stages of development can find inspiration and support.

Betaspring will provide leadership for the platform and a physical nexus for the activity at their 95 Chestnut Street headquarters. Beginning this fall,

Betaspring will roll-out a mix of entrepreneur-centric activities, such as community co-working, educational programming, and networking events, as well as oversee a planning process to establish the platform’s long-term operating plan. The process to establish an operating plan will be led by a steering committee of representatives from the partner organizations and leaders from the entrepreneur community.

“We are excited to work with this consortium to drive forward the next generation of entrepreneurship programming in Rhode Island,” said Jon Duffy, chairman of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.

“This initiative is a bull’s eye in the Chamber’s strategic plan, which is centered around fueling entrepreneurial and small busi-

ness growth and developing the state’s knowledge economy. The overwhelming support from the board and general membership for this effort only serves to echo the mindset that startups, students and entrepreneurs are a critical part of the Rhode Island economy.”

Over the next 12 weeks, the team will convene groups of entrepreneurs, mentors, and community partners to solicit input on how the platform can be deployed to support the sustained growth of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rhode Island.

“Supporting the continued success of Rhode Island’s burgeoning entrepreneurial community is essential to realizing our shared goal of growing a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable economy,” said Brown Univer-

sity President Christina Paxson.

“Brown is delighted to continue to partner in this critical area, and we look forward to working collaboratively to deepen connections across the community and cultivate an environment to encourage success.”

The Founders League is planning an official launch event and celebration in December.

The team will also experiment with a variety of programming to rapidly gather feedback from the community.

“A strong community of mentors, peers, and resources is vital to helping student and faculty entrepreneurs take their ideas from dream to reality. Investing in a platform that creates and sustains those connections is one of the smartest investments we can make in our economic

future. We are glad to be a part of this important effort,” said URI President David Dooley.

Guiding principles for the platform include: • An iconic physical nexus: Place matters. Creating synergies and circulation are among the most important components of successful entrepreneurial communities and their support platforms. Physical consolidation will make it easier to create a “critical mass” of activity that bolsters programmatic efficiency and social connectivity for entrepreneurs.

The long-term vision is to build an “entrepreneurial campus” of interconnected services and resources.

WHITE cont. on page 9

Page 6

Common Ground

BALLOT cont. from page 2 Protection Act, which is cited as Chapters 289 and 290 of the Public Laws of 2012, to address, among other things, the share of net table game revenues to be received by the State if casino gaming is approved, establish the share of video lottery terminal revenue to be received by the Town of Lincoln going forward, incentive gaming programs to protect market share and mitigate the potential impact of casino gaming in Massachusetts, and a regulatory framework to ensure oversight of casino gaming by the Lottery Division.

The Revenue Protection Act establishes the State of Rhode Island’s share of net table game revenues from Twin River to be 18 percent of such revenues. However, the State’s share of net table game revenues from table games at Twin River will decrease by 2 percent to 16 percent the first full State fiscal year the net terminal income from video lottery terminals at Twin River is less than such net terminal income from video lottery terminals in the prior State fiscal year. The operator of Twin River, UTGR, Inc., shall receive all net table game revenues not otherwise disbursed to the State.

The State currently receives, and will continue to receive, approximately 6l.3 percent of net terminal income from video lottery terminals at Twin River. The share of net terminal income from video lottery terminals received by UTGR, Inc. as the licensed video lottery retailer at Twin River shall remain at 27.76 per cent. The State’s percentage share of revenues from table games at Twin River is significantly less than the State’s percentage share of revenues from video lottery terminals because the operational expenses relating to table games to be paid by UTGR, Inc. are substantially higher than the operational expenses relating to video lottery terminals.

The House and Senate Fiscal Staff of the General Assembly, as set forth in presentation materials generated for the House and Senate Finance Committees in connection with their consideration of the Revenue Protection Act, estimated that Twin River would generate $60 million in net table game revenues from table gaming in the first full year of operation, which would result in the State’s share of net table game revenues being approximately $10.8 million. There is, however, no assurance that such level of revenues, or any other particular level of revenues, will be achieved

or what impact casino gaming in other states will have on revenues generated at Twin River from casino gaming and video lottery terminals in the future.

The Revenue Protection Act provides that effective as of July 1, 2013, provided that the referendum question is approved by the electors statewide and in the Town of Lincoln, the Town of Lincoln’s share of net terminal income from video lottery terminals at Twin River shall remain at 1.45 per cent each year without the need of being reset every year as is currently the case. Should revenues from video lottery terminals decline, the Town of Lincoln will receive one percent of net table game revenues from the share of the operator of Twin River for a four-year period to help the Town of Lincoln, as the host community, transition during the period of decline in net terminal income from video lottery terminals at Twin River.

The Revenue Protection Act also provides the Lottery Division with all necessary authority to oversee and regulate all aspects of the table gaming operations, should casino gaming be authorized at Twin River, by, among other things, addressing personnel and hiring procedures and financial management and reporting, requiring the Lottery Division to establish regulations on or before March 31, 2013, authorizing the offering of table games at Twin River for all or a portion of the days and times that video lottery terminals are offered, and addressing the need for problem gambling services at Twin River by requiring Twin River to work with the Lottery Division to provide funding and offer problem gambling programs, including a player-self exclusion program and a problem gambling hotline.

To review the provisions of the Revenue Protection Act in their entirety and their effect as it relates to table games and video lottery terminals at Twin River should the referendum question be approved by electors statewide and in the Town of Lincoln, we refer you to the legislation enacted under Chapters 289 and 290 of the Public Laws of 2012. There is, however, no assurance that the provisions of the Revenue Protection Act will not be amended in the future by the General Assembly, including without limitation, the share of revenues to be received by the State from table games and video lottery terminals.

A vote to “Approve” this question means you wish to approve the act authorizing Twin River to engage in state-operated ca-

sino gaming at its facility in the Town of Lincoln in accordance with the provisions of such act.

A vote to “Reject” this question means you do not approve the act authorizing Twin River to engage in state-operated casino gaming at its facility in the Town of Lincoln in accordance with the provisions of such act.

Concurrently with this referendum question, there is a similar referendum question regarding casino gaming being presented to the electors statewide and in the City of Newport relating to the licensed video lottery terminal retailer known as “Newport Grand” and its facility located in the City of Newport. Voter approval or non–approval with respect to such referendum question shall be independent of voter approval or non-approval of this referendum question with respect to Twin River and its facility in the Town of Lincoln, and vice versa.

NOVEMBER 2012 2. State Constitutional Approval (Approval of an act authorizing state-operated casino gaming at Newport Grand in the city of Newport) Shall an act be approved which would authorize the facility known as “Newport Grand” in the city of Newport to add state-operated casino gaming, such as table games, to the types of gambling it offers?

Purpose and explanation: What would approval of this question do?

[Editor’s Note: The purpose and explanation of Ballot Question 2 is largely identical to Question 1 and therefore is not reproduced here.

The difference is in how revenues will be shared among the State, the city of Newport, and Newport Grand. See below for explanation.]

The Revenue Protection Act establishes the State of Rhode Island’s share of net table game revenues from Newport Grand BALLOT cont. on page 7

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Common Ground BALLOT cont. from page 6 to be 18 percent of such revenues. The operator of Newport Grand, Newport Grand, LLC, shall receive all net table game revenues not otherwise disbursed to the State.

The State currently receives approximately 61.9 percent of net terminal income from video lottery terminals at Newport Grand. Effective July I, 2013, assuming the referendum question is approved statewide and in the City of Newport, and assuming Newport Grand commences and continues to offer table games, the share of net terminal income of the licensed video lottery retailer at Newport Grand from video lottery terminals shall increase by 1.5 percent to 29.26 percent and the State’s share of net terminal income will decline accordingly to 60.41 percent. The State’s percentage share of revenues from table games at Newport Grand is significantly less than the State’s percentage share of revenues from video lottery terminals because the operational expenses relating to table games to be paid

by Newport Grand, LLC are substantially higher than the operational expenses relating to video lottery terminals.

The House and Senate Fiscal Staff of the

General Assembly, as set forth in presentation materials generated for the House and Senate Finance Committees in connection with their consideration of the Revenue Protection Act, estimated that Newport Grand would generate $5 million in net table game revenues from table gaming in the first full year of operation, which would result in the State’s share of net table game revenues being approximately $0.9 million. There is, however, no assurance that such level of revenues, or any other particular level of revenues, will be achieved or what impact casino gambling in other states will have on revenues generated at Newport Grand from casino gaming and video lottery terminals in the future.

The Revenue Protection Act provides that effective as of July 1, 2013, provided that the referendum question is approved by the electors statewide and in the City of Newport, the City of Newport’s share of net terminal revenues from video lottery terminals at Newport Grand shall increase from 1.01 percent to 1.45 percent each year. Should revenues from video lottery terminals decline, the City of Newport will receive one percent of net table game revenues from the share of Newport

NOVEMBER 2012

Page 7

Grand for a four-year period to help the the referendum question be approved by City of Newport, as the host community, electors statewide and in the City of Newtransition during the period of decline in port, we refer you to the legislation enacted net terminal income from video lottery under Chapters 289 and 290 of the Public terminals at Newport Grand.

Laws of 2012. There is, however, no as The Revenue Protection Act also prosurance that the provisions of the Revenue vides the Lottery Division with all necesProtection Act will not be amended in the sary authority to oversee and regulate all future by the General Assembly, including aspects of the table gaming operations, without limitation, the share of revenues should casino gaming be authorized at to be received by the State from table Newport Grand, by, among other things, games and video lottery terminals. addressing personnel and hiring proce A vote to “Approve” this question means dures and financial management and reyou wish to approve the act authorizing porting, requiring the Lottery Division to Newport Grand to engage in state-operatestablish regulations on or before March ed casino gaming at its facility in the City 31, 2013, authorizing the offering of table of Newport in accordance with the provigames at Newport Grand for all or a porsions of such act. tion of the days and times that video lot A vote to “Reject” this question means tery terminals are offered, and addressing you do not approve the act authorizing the need for problem gambling services Newport Grand to engage in state-operatat Newport Grand by requiring Newport ed casino gaming at its facility in the City Grand to work with the Lottery Division of Newport in accordance with the provito provide funding and offer problem sions of such act. gambling programs, including a player Concurrently with this referendum self exclusion program and a problem question, there is a similar referendum gambling hotline. questionsince regarding Serving the City of Providence 1854 casino gaming being To review the provisions of the Revenue presented to the electors statewide and Protection Act in their entirety and their in the Town of Lincoln relating to the LOCAL 799 terminal retailer effect as it relates toPROVIDENCE table games and FIRE video FIGHTERS licensed video lottery INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS lottery terminals at Newport Grand should BALLOT cont. on page 17

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Common Ground

MIDDLE CLASS cont. from page 4 big oil, and ending the Bush tax cuts on income above $250,000. That would save nearly one trillion dollars.

The budget I’m supporting invests in education, infrastructure, and innovation and still reduces the deficit faster than the Republican alternative, which proposes only spending cuts and more tax breaks for those at the top.

While I profoundly disagree with much of the current Republican platform, I’ll work with anyone to get things done. At a time of frustrating gridlock in Washington, one of the things I’m most proud of is making my efforts bipartisan. This includes a landmark law that helps families care for an elderly parent or disabled child.

It was passed at a time when my party did not control either house of Congress or the White House. Rhode Island has now received more than $500,000 under this program to make care more affordable for our families.

These are challenging times for our country, and particularly for Rhode Island, but I’m confident that we can be stronger than ever if we all come together to focus on strengthening and expanding the middle class. I’ve been honored to represent you and ask for your vote on November 6.

NOVEMBER 2012

Common Ground WHITE cont. from page 5 • Co-working community: Co-working communities provide entrepreneurs with access to a strong community of peers and a physical space to work that is conducive to entrepreneurial success. Incubation also helps move entrepreneurs and new ventures through a pipeline of programs, supports, and services that can significantly increase success for a new venture.

• Attract and connect students: Students represent an important resource and a key asset in Rhode Island’s effort to build a strong entrepreneurial community.

Students are attracted to programs that meet and reflect their needs. The Founders League will build on current efforts to offer a special track for students who adapt and respond to their needs, interests, and social behaviors.

• Self-sustaining business model: The Founders League will transition to a self-sustaining business model within three years.

• Enhanced programming: Building on the foundation laid over the last three years at the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Founders League will offer a robust continuum of programming and services to match the spectrum of needs within Rhode Island’s entrepreneurial and start-up community.

• Engage more entrepreneurs: There are many steps to creating a venture and people need different entry points and supports along the way. The Founders League will place strong emphasis on creating a dynamic and activated environment that attracts and meets the needs of a diverse community of entrepreneurs. The platform will be geared towards high-

NOVEMBER 2012

Page 9

growth entrepreneurship and offer multiple channels to serve experienced entrepreneurs, as well as those who are just beginning to explore their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Over the next few weeks, the Founders League will engage other universities and colleges in the area, as well as businesses from across the state that want to join in and support the effort.

“Many positive things have happened in the startup community over the last few years and the community is stronger and more connected than ever before. It’s great now to build on that momentum and apply what we have learned to help a broader community of founders and entrepreneurs in Rhode Island,” said Betaspring managing partner and co-founder Allan Tear.

Until an established Web presence has been created, questions can be directed to foundersleague@betaspring.com.

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Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Labor urges voters to approve veterans home

By Common Ground staff

Labor leaders are urging voters to approve a $94 million bond that would fund a new veterans home on state land in Bristol, close to the existing one, which state officials say would need major renovations and remodeling in order to keep it open into the future.

For Jack Palazzo, a senior business agent for AFSCME Council 94, building a new home for veterans is a way of honoring their service to the country. “I think veterans are heroes and they should be treated like that,” Palazzo said.

The existing 260-bed veterans home in Bristol was built in 1955, with an addition in the 1970s.

Palazzo said the facility is in need of extensive maintenance and upkeep. And he said a new facility is needed to meet the particular health issues facing the new generations of veterans who now need nursing care. That includes Vietnam vets who are just now beginning to enter the ranks of the elderly and may be dealing with health issues stemming for their exposure to Agent Orange. It also includes future generations of veterans of the first Iraq War, who may have been exposed to chemical agents and toxins from burning oil.

“Don’t forget, all these guys are heroes. They are all at this veterans home because they have some residue from being in war,” Palazzo said.

According to the annual report of the state Division of Veterans’ Affairs, the largest segment of veterans in Rhode

Although the state initially would borrow all of the money for the work, Rhode Island could get a federal reimbursement for up to 50 percent of the costs down the road.

The entire project, from design to the final ribboncutting is expected to take 10 years. Construction could begin as early as next year.

So far, the bond question is enjoying wide support across the political spectrum. The Rhode Island Building and Trades Council is backing the bond, according to its president, Michael Sabitoni. Business and taxpayer advocates, including the Rhode Island Statewide Coalition, also have come out in support of it.

“Rhode Islanders have long been supportive of veterans, and I think people understand how important it is to have a facility that can serve the needs of veterans as they age. If Rhode Islanders are grateful for their freedom, I can think of no better and more necessary way to express that [than] by supporting a project that will ensure that veterans will receive the care and housing they need in their later years,” said Raymond Gallison, D-Bristol and Portsmouth, and the chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in a statement announcing that the General Assembly passed the legislation authorizing the bond tocough be on the ballot.

Island is from the Vietnam War, followed by the first and second Iraq Wars. About 32 percent, or roughly 23,000 veterans, hail from the Vietnam era while Persian Gulf war veterans number about 14,000, or 20 percent of the total. The number of World War II veterans has declined to just under 9,000 while Korean War veterans stand at just over 11,000, according to state figures.

The new veterans home would be built on the same state property in Bristol, but closer to the water. State plans envision a three-phase construction. The first involves a new 225-bed facility. In the second phase, the existing home would be renovated so it could provide assisted living, rehabilitation services, hospice care, a pharmacy, and housing for “needy veterans,” according to a Statehouse news release. In the third phase, the state wants to erect a third facility with assisted living quarters for 75 veterans and their spouses, according to the release.

“It will be a better facility for veterans, which makes it better for us,” Palazzo said. He estimates that Council 94, Local 904 has roughly 160 employees at the existing home. Their ranks include CNAs, med techs, therapists, custodians, cooks and cooks helpers.

Those ranks should grow over time, if the bond is approved. “I would say there will be jobs created—no question,” Palazzo said, adding that Council 94 would support the bond even if there were no new jobs in the mix.

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Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Page 11

Local RI man wins hockey league award

By Common Ground Staff

For most people, taking a break during weekends usually means some combination of football, family, barbeque, and maybe some beers. But for Bob Paquette, it means breaking up brawls between pro hockey players.

“It’s a nice change, especially if I have to drive somewhere,” Paquette said. “It’s kind of a stress reliever.”

Paquette, 49, is going into his 21st season as a linesman for the American Hockey League. After notching in over 650 games, Paquette has been honored by the American Hockey League with the Michael Condon Memorial Award for “outstanding contributions by an on-ice official.”

In announcing the award, the league said Paquette had “earned the full-respect of the entire officiating staff with his veteran presence, hard work, and dedication.”

The award was instituted in 2002 and is named after another veteran linesman who suddenly passed away at a relatively young age.

Paquette, who lives in West Greenwich, said he was honored to be selected for the distinction among 250 officials in the United States and Canada. “I was pretty surprised when I got it,” Paquette said. “It was pretty good.”

As one of two linesmen on the ice during games, Paquette is responsible for calling off-sides, other penalties, and yes, breaking up all those legendary fights that seem such a part and parcel of hockey games. “All the fun stuff,” Paquette said. “It’s not as hard as people think it is.”

Plus, these days, Paquette says there’s a lot less fighting than there used to be when he started out: rule changes have cut down on the brawling and the players are larger

and more focused on speed than those of another generation. “It’s not as frequent as it used to [be],” Paquette said.

Paquette said he enjoys his position as a linesman because it offers him a spot as close to all the action as it gets. “It’s exciting—exciting to be right on the ice level,” he said.

It certainly is a change of pace from his day job. During the weeks, Paquette serves as the chief of the Division of Parks and Recreation, under the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, where he has worked in one fashion or another for 32 years, beginning in his teenage years.

As head of parks and recreation, Paquette is responsible for some 30 parks, beaches, and other public recreation areas.

But most of the time, he doesn’t get to go out into the field. “It’s mostly behind a desk or attending meetings in Providence or wherever,” Paquette said.

When he first started out as a linesman, the American Hockey League tapped him to cover games sometimes far away from Rhode Island—in cities like Albany and Syracuse. Now, he says games are closer to home, but he still relishes the weekend drives to referee games in other New England cities like Worcester, Manchester, and Portland.

The hockey season is a good fit for his calendar at work. For Paquette, the busiest season for parks and recreation, which he has run for five years, is during the warmer months around summertime. The season for hockey, on the other hand, usually runs from October to the late spring months.

“It’s kind of the off-season for us,” Paquette said, referring to state parks.

Paquette said he once viewed the AHL linesman gig as a potential stepping stone to the NHL, but now he says he “loves” where he is.

Paquette says he got into hockey as a child, going to games with his father, who, like him now, worked part-time on weekends as an equipment manager for the Rhode Island Reds—the precursor to the Providence Bruins. Paquette is passing on the tradition to his 10-year-old son, whom he brings to his games. Paquette also serves as a coach in the town league his son is in.

For Paquette this year or the next will likely be his last as a linesman for the American Hockey League. He’s leaving— but his passion for hockey and family isn’t

going anywhere. Instead, Paquette said he hopes to spend more time coaching his son’s hockey league.

Paquette’s award was announced back in June. He will be formally presented with his award at a game in November.

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Page 12

Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Lt. Gov. Roberts, elderly affairs director visit seniors to build awareness of health care benefits Submitted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor Lt. Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts, Chair of the RI Healthcare Reform Commission, and Catherine Taylor, Director of the Division of Elderly Affairs (DEA), are joining forces to raise awareness of the benefits available to seniors under the Affordable Care Act. Roberts and Taylor are leading a series of informal discussions with seniors across the state, engaging with them to answer questions about new benefits under the ACA and changes in Medicare. One popular cost savings benefit for seniors involves Medicare prescription drug coverage. Under the new law, over 15,000 Rhode Island seniors who had to pay for drugs in the coverage gap or “donut hole” received a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate from Medicare to help pay for their prescriptions—just one of the savings under this coverage benefit.

Roberts and Taylor are also encouraging increased participation in Wellness Visits available at no cost to seniors under the health reform law, one of the law’s lesser-known benefits. The pair has visited ten senior centers throughout the state during September and October, and plan more visits ahead in the winter

months.

“The Affordable Care Act continues to provide thousands in Rhode Island with insurance protections, preventive benefits, and resources to improve their care,” said Roberts. “It’s important that we provide seniors the opportunity to learn about and ask important questions about benefits—such as Medicare prescription drug coverage—that can make a real difference in their quality of life,” Roberts said.

“The annual Wellness Visit, provided at no cost to seniors under the Affordable Care Act, is an invaluable preventive tool for seniors to meet with their doctor, review their current care regimen, and to make a plan together to ensure future health maintenance,” said Taylor. “We want to make sure this benefit is being utilized to its fullest potential to support DEA’s goal of helping seniors live healthy, independent lives in the community.”

During discussions with seniors, Roberts and Taylor are covering the top things for seniors to know about the Affordable Care Act and changes to Medicare—including Medicare prescription drug coverage, what’s included in an annual Wellness Visit, and

Caption: Lt. Governor Roberts (left) and DEA Director Catherine Taylor speaking to seniors at the Woonsocket Senior Citizen Center.

what seniors should bring to make the most of their visit.

For more information on the benefits available to Rhode Islanders under the ACA, visit www.healthcare. ri.gov.

Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Page 13

Labor issues key in Cicilline-Doherty race

By Common Ground Staff

The race between David Cicilline and Brendan Doherty has much at stake for labor voters on issues such as the future of U.S. manufacturing, trade with China, and other areas important to labor, like tax cuts and Wall Street reform.

“This election is about which candidate Rhode Islanders can count on to go to Washington and fight for the issues important to working families,” Cicilline, the Democratic incumbent, said.

“With such high stakes in this election, it is critical that we send someone who will stand up for robust investments in infrastructure, education, and job training,” Cicilline added. “If I am re-elected, I will continue to fight for these programs, for the Make it in America agenda to reinvigorate our manufacturing sector, and to protect the historic health-care reform law that President Obama signed into law and is now being threatened by Tea Party Republicans.”

In a statement to Common Ground, Doherty cast himself as pro-labor as

well, drawing a contrast between his tenure as State Police Superintendent and Cicilline’s time as Providence Mayor.

“Having spent much of my career as a union member, I gained experience and insight that proved invaluable in my position as Superintendent of the RI State Police and Commissioner of Public Safety,” Doherty said. “In these positions, I worked closely with the members and leadership of several different unions. Regardless of the nature of our interactions, I always treated my counterparts with civility and respect.”

Doherty added: “I am proud to say that in four years as Superintendent and Commissioner, I was able to resolve numerous issues cooperatively and during that time, there was not a single grievance filed. Alternatively, Mr. Cicilline’s term as Mayor involved divisive and confrontational disputes with municipal unions.”

While Doherty’s campaign has focused on Cicilline’s record as mayor and defense attorney, the incumbent Congressman has made national issues the

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centerpiece of his campaign.

The Cicilline campaign has portrayed Doherty as a candidate who would be in lockstep with the conservative wing of the Republican Party, tying him to the campaign proposals of GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan. After Doherty was caught on video saying Romney would be “fantastic” for Rhode Island, the Cicilline campaign has been running a barrage of news releases highlighting the many “unfantastic” ideas of the Romney agenda—everything from tax breaks for the wealthy to cuts to PBS and opposition to gay marriage.

Manufacturing tops Cicilline agenda If Cicilline is defeated, labor would certainly lose an outspoken advocate on manufacturing and trade issues. As both a first-time candidate and a Congressman, Cicilline has proposed the Make It in America Block Grant Act, which offers competitive grants for retooling and retrofitting plants, employee training, and new equipment purchases.

Cicilline has also co-sponsored legislation that would promote U.S. exports, tamp down on unfair trade practices, and allow duties to be imposed on countries like China that devalue their currency.

“As the House sponsor of the Offshoring Prevention Act, he has helped to lead the effort to end tax breaks for companies that shift jobs overseas,” his campaign said in a statement. “David has also been a vocal opponent of unfair trade deals that put American companies at a competitive disadvantage.

David’s Republican opponent would be just another vote to help Tea Party extremists block President Obama’s agenda.”

Cicilline has consistently come down on the side of labor on a range of issues beyond just manufacturing.

“In the last two years, Tea Party Republicans have done everything they can to weaken unions and make it harder for working men and women to organize,” his campaign said. “In Congress, LABOR ISSUES cont. on page 15

Page 14

Common Ground

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Common Ground LABOR ISSUES cont. from page 13 David has strongly opposed Republican efforts to ban Project Labor Agreements and undermine the National Labor Relations Board, and he has earned a 100 percent rating from the AFL-CIO for his work to stand up for working families.�

newable energy, something that “would bring tremendous financial resources� to fund the U.S. energy infrastructure. “The result would be a boost to American employment and [new] jobs that could not be moved overseas,� his campaign said. “Doherty also has proposed a modification of the pending legislation to dedicate a portion of the royalties to be gained from increases in energy production to develop a manufacturing skills training program that would allow Rhode Island workers to enroll in a short term degree program to obtain the skills necessary to work in the hightech manufacturing jobs that are available in our economy,� his campaign stated in a summary of Doherty’s policy proposals.

Doherty touts pro-labor positions But if Doherty is elected, his campaign said labor would gain an advocate for proposals that will boost employment in the construction trades and high-tech manufacturing. Doherty has said he would support a national infrastructure bank, modeled on one in California, that would fund construction on highways, bridges, mass transit, electrical grids, and water systems.

The bank would be created through a private-public partnership and would draw additional capital from private investors.

Doherty’s campaign also pointed to his proposals on energy as measures that would also be a boon to labor.

Doherty backs the development of “domestic sources� of traditional and re-

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Other key issues: health care, Wall Street reform Cicilline has also staked out positions on other key issues of importance to working families. His campaign noted that throughout his career he has been “committed to fighting for middle class families,� pointing in particular to his

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efforts to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits while in Congress.

Doherty’s campaign, on the other hand, said he has come out in support of a bipartisan plan to “strengthen� Social Security by gradually increasing the retirement age, bumping up benefits to those who have been on the program 20 or more years, and recalculating benefits to target them to lower-income recipients.

Cicilline has also taken strong stands on health-care reform and Wall Street reform. “David has worked hard to protect the historic health-care reform law that President Obama signed into law and ensure that it provides benefits for as many Rhode Islanders as possible,�

Cicilline’s campaign said. “But like Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, Brendan Doherty wants to repeal Obamacare and start the fight over health-care reform all over again. This law is too important to repeal for working families and seniors who are already enjoying some of its benefits.�

In light of the financial crisis and the market crash in 2008, Wall Street re-

Page 15

form has been in the national spotlight as well. Cicilline, his campaign said, has come down firmly on the side reform and regulation. “While others sided with Wall Street and the big banks that brought our financial system to the brink of collapse, David has stood up to preserve financial regulatory reform laws that protect everyday Rhode Island families,� his campaign said. “He is a cosponsor of legislation to pass the Buffett rule so that teachers and secretaries don’t have to pay a higher tax rate than millionaires and billionaires. David has also worked to protect the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau so that everyday families get more information so they can make effective financial decisions.�

In responses provided to Common Ground, Doherty’s campaign emphasized his position favoring “comprehensive tax reform� modeled on the Simpson-Bowles budget proposal that “would reduce taxes on the middle class and small businesses,� close loopholes and special breaks for the wealthiest of taxpayers, and “create incentives for businesses to grow and create jobs.�

Page 16

Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Construction Trades urge approval of table games

By Common Ground Staff The head of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council is issuing one final appeal to voters to approve table games at Twin River Casino and Newport Grand, warning that hundreds of current and new jobs are at stake as well as the health of the state budget, which depends heavily on gaming revenues.

“I’ve got 45 unemployment,” said Michael Sabitoni, also the business manager for Laborers Local 271. “We need it.”

Advocates say table games are necessary to stave off competition from as many as three new casinos and one slots parlor planned for Massachusetts—which could keep Bay State gamblers closer to home, dramatically cutting down on customers at Rhode Island casinos, especially Twin River.

Any loss in customers and revenue could threaten an estimated 600 union jobs at Twin River, according to Sabitoni. Those include jobs ranging from custodians to security guards and stage hands. A number of unions repre-

sent Twin River workers, including Local 271, SEIU, the Teamsters, and HERE, among others.

The hope is that the state will not only be able to avoid hemorrhaging any more jobs, it will also be able to add some. It’s estimated that about another 600 good union-paying jobs could be created at Twin River. Sabitoni roughly estimates that another 50 to 100 jobs could be added at Newport Grand as well.

‘A lot at stake’ for every Rhode Islander Failure to at least maintain its customer base at Twin River and Newport Grand would have severe ramifications not just for the local economies of the two host communities, but also for the state as a whole, Sabitoni said. About a third of the state’s budget is funded through gaming revenues. Inaction in Rhode Island—in other words, no table games—could cause the state to lose $100 million or more in revenues, TABLE GAMES cont. on page 21

IN PROVIDENCE:

111 Wayland Avenue Providence, Rhode Island 02902 401•331•1300

IN WASHINGTON:

601 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Suite 900, South Building Washington, DC 20004 202•220•3013 ADVOCACY H rep r e s e ntati o n H r e s u lts

Common Ground BALLOT cont. from page 7 known as “Twin River” and its facility located in the Town of Lincoln. Voter approval or non-approval with respect to such referendum question shall be independent of voter approval or non-approval of this referendum question with respect to Newport Grand and its facility in the City of Newport, and vice versa.

3. Higher Education Facilities Bonds: $50,000,000 Approval of this question will allow the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) for renovations and modernization of academic buildings at Rhode Island College including renovation, upgrade and expansion of health and nursing facilities on the campus of Rhode Island College.

Purpose: What will the higher education facilities bonds do?

Approval and issuance of these bonds will provide funds to the Board of Governors for Higher Education to renovate and modernize academic buildings at Rhode Island College including the renovation, upgrade and expansion of health and nursing facilities on the campus of Rhode Island College.

4. Veteran’s home bonds: $94,000,000 Approval of this question will allow the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed ninetyfour million dollars ($94,000,000) for the construction of a new Veterans’ Home and renovations to existing facilities. Any funding amount from federal sources received for these purposes will be used to reduce the amount of borrowed funds.

Purpose: What will the veterans’ home bonds do?

Approval and issuance of these bonds will provide funds to the Department of Human Services for the construction of a new Veterans’ Home and renovations to existing facilities.

5. Clean water finance agency bonds: $20,000,000 Approval of this question will authorize the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed twelve million dollars ($12,000,000) to be leveraged with

NOVEMBER 2012

federal and state capitalization grants to finance wastewater infrastructure projects and eight million dollars ($8,000,000) to be leveraged with federal and state capitalization grants to finance drinking water infrastructure projects.

Purpose: What will the clean water finance agency bond do?

Approval and issuance of these bonds will provide State matching funds to the Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency to be leveraged with federal capitalization grants to provide low-interest, subsidized loans for local governmental units to finance approved water pollution abatement projects and to provide low-interest, subsidized loans for local governmental units and privately organized water suppliers to finance approved drinking water projects. The proceeds will be used to secure up to $100,000,000 in federal funds to finance approved water pollution abatement and drinking water projects.

6. Environmental management bonds: $20,000,000 Approval of this question will allow the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes for environmental and recreational purposes to be allotted as follows: a) Narragansett Bar and Watershed Restoration: $4,000,000 Provides funds for activities to restore and protect the water quality and enhance the economic viability and environmental sustainability of Narragansett Bay and the State’s watersheds. Eligible activities include: nonpoint source pollution abatement, including storm water management; nutrient loading abatement; commercial, industrial and agricultural pollution abatement; and riparian buffer and watershed ecosystem restoration. b) State Land Acquisition - Open Space: $2,500,000 Provides funds for the purchase of land, development rights and conservation easements in Rhode Island.

This program acquires recreational and open space lands for the State of Rhode Island in accordance with the Rhode Island Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, Land Protection Plan, and the Rhode Island Greenspace 2000 plan. c) Farmland Development Rights: $4,500,000 Provides funds for the purchase of agricultural devel-

Page 17

opment rights to active farms in Rhode Island. The State purchases the development rights to farms to eliminate the economic pressure on farmers to sell properties for residential and commercial development. The Agricultural Land Preservation Commission accepts and evaluates farmland applications for these funds. d) Local Land Acquisition Grants: $2,500,000 Provides funds for grants to municipalities, local land trusts and non-profit organizations to acquire fee-simple title, development rights, or conservation easements to open space in Rhode Island. The grants provide funding up to fifty percent (50%) of the purchase price for land, surveys, appraisals and title costs.

The grant applications are reviewed and evaluated by the Governor’s Natural Heritage Preservation Commission according to the program guidelines. e) Local Recreation Grants: $5,500,000 Provides grants to municipalities for acquisition, development, or rehabilitation of local recreational facilities. These grants provide funding assistance up to fifty percent (50%) of the project costs. All grant applications are evaluated and ranked by the State Recreation Resources Review Committee. f ) Historic/Passive Parks: $1,000,000 Provides grants to municipalities for the renovation and development of historic and passive recreation areas. The grants provide funding assistance up to ninety percent (90%) of the project costs. All grant applications are evaluated and ranked by the State Recreation Resources Review Committee.

7. Affordable housing bonds: $25,000,000 Approval of this question will allow the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed twentyfive million dollars ($25,000,000) for affordable housing.

Purpose: What will the affordable housing bonds do?

Approval and issuance of these bonds will provide funding to the Rhode Island Housing Resources Commission for affordable housing—both houses and apartments.

Question and explanations taken from http://sdos.gov.

ESTIMATED BOND REFERENDA COST BOND REFERENDA QUESTIONS

PROJECT COSTS Principal

TOTAL BORROWING COST FOR ALL REFERENDA

COSTS OF INSURANCE

TOTAL PROJECT AND INSURANCE COSTS

Interest**

Principal

Interest**

$49,800,000

$23,487,423

$200,000

$94,327

$50,000,000

$23,581,750

$73,581,750

$93,624,000

$44,156,356

$376,000

$177,335

$94,000,000

$44,333,691

$138,333,691

$19,920,000

$9,394,969

$80,000

$37,731

$20,000,000

$9,432,700

$29,432,700

$19,920,000

$9,394,969

$80,000

$37,731

$20,000,000

$9,432,700

$29,432,700

$24,900,000

$11,743,711

$100,000

$47,164

$25,000,000

$11,790,875

$36,790,875

$208,164,000

$98,177,428

$836,000

$394,288

$209,000,000

$98,571,716

$307,571,716

Principal

Interest**

Total Costs

* Cost of issuance estimated at 0.4% of principal issued. ** Assumes an interest rate of 4.0%, with bonds amortized with level payment over twenty years. *** Assumes no funding from federal sources is received to reduce the amount of borrowed funds.

Page 18

Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

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Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Page 19

Yes On 7 – Why passing the Affordable Housing Bond is critical

By Common Ground staff

This November, voters will have several important choices to make on the ballot. Along with the Presidential and Congressional elections, voters will face choices on local candidates, casinos, and several bond questions, including one for affordable housing. Question 7 will ask voters whether to approve a new bond to finance the rehabilitation and construction of long-term affordable homes for Rhode Islanders struggling to make ends meet.

The passage of this year’s $25 million affordable housing bond is key to helping struggling families who face rising unemployment, fewer work hours, and increasing housing costs find an affordable home. The current national economic recession continues to adversely affect Rhode Island. A steady unemployment rate of around 11 percent has persisted over the last two years, making it difficult for many working families to keep up with their mortgages or rents.

In a state where almost 40 percent of households are renting, more than a quarter of those households spend more than half of their income on housingrelated expenses, leaving less money for the purchase of everyday necessities like food, clothing, and medical care.

Passing this bond question is essential to helping stem the tide of our state’s jobs crisis, and will put Rhode Islanders back to work right away.

During these difficult economic times, it is important that the state make sound fiscal investments that have immediate and long-lasting impact, along with a proven track record of success. The housing bond that Question 7 would approve meets and exceeds these standards. According to an analysis by HousingWorks RI, the last housing bond helped fund the development of more than 1,300 long-term affordable homes in 30 communities and supported more than 6,000 jobs, nearly half of

which were in the hard-hit construction trades sector. Six hundred of the homes created resulted from the renovation of vacant and dilapidated properties, helping to revitalize neighborhoods while putting these properties back on the municipal tax rolls.

Affordable housing is an essential part of our state’s infrastructure, necessary for growing a stronger economy.

Rhode Island’s shortage of affordable homes puts our state at a competitive disadvantage when trying to attract businesses that seek to maintain a reliable and sustainable workforce. The housing bond is critical to stabilizing our state’s housing market and ensuring that Rhode Island remains a competitive place to live and work.

Question 7 gives Rhode Islanders the opportunity to make a smart investment that will help Rhode Islanders who need it most, while strengthening Rhode Island’s economy. Voting Yes

On 7 will build homes for our families, generate jobs for our state, and create a stronger Rhode Island for all of us.

Page 20

Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Where have all the on-call firefighters gone?

By American Addiction Centers The number of volunteer, or paid on-call firefighters, is dropping nationwide.

According to the 2010 National Fire Protection Association study, the United States saw a decline of 44,000 volunteer firefighters between 2009 and 2010. Even with this drop, both paid on-call and volunteer firefighters make up 70 percent of the nation’s fire service.

The term “volunteer firefighter” can be used two ways: volunteer firefighters who are not paid, or paid on-call firefighters who are somewhere in between unpaid volunteers and career firefighters, who earn fulltime salaries. Paid on-call firefighters are typically available to respond to calls and are paid daily rates for their availability. They can be comprised of anyone from a student to retiree, can assist with both emergency and nonemergencies (fundraising, training, etc.), and can have other occupations

outside the firehouse.

Michigan is one state that’s really feeling the effects of the decline of paid on-call firefighters. According to M Live, a local Michigan news site, 20 positions are currently open in Flint Township, and stations across the state are having a hard time filling these positions.

Why the dwindling numbers? The article blames the economy, “with less availability on daytime shifts as shop jobs went away and most people now working first-shift positions.” Many also consider the modest paychecks: according to a recent report regarding potential consolidated services among Michigan townships, a Flint Township paid-on-call firefighter earns a pay base of $18.35 per hour, and an on-call lieutenant in Mundy Township earns $18.98 per hour.

Bob Burdette, Assistant Fire Chief for the Grand Blanc Fire Department, told M Live, “Working in a volunteer

and on-call situation, you don’t count on that paycheck. It’s something you do to help. It’s rough to keep staffing at these times.”

doesn’t feel the impact of his or her work. M Live cited the case of one former on-call firefighter who left his department after more than 14 years to start a family. He said, “Being a firefighter, you don’t always get to see the outcome. You don’t always know you do make a difference.”

Other factors: • The firefighter finds a new, better paying job or faces obligations from his or her existing full-time job that inevitably takes precedence.

• The firefighter’s family is upset by the demanding and unpredictable on-call hours.

• The firefighter was originally hired by the department for one job, but was moved to another.

• The expensive and stringent requirements necessary in fulfilling the required hours of training needed for certification and re-certification.

In Holliston, MA, Fire Chief Michael Cassidy recently requested an increase in his on-call firefighters’ stipends after officials denied the request this past spring due to the town’s budget. Cassidy is the only full-time employee of his department, versus its 50 on-call firefighters.

• The firefighter simply loses his or her passion for the work, or

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Common Ground TABLE GAMES cont. from page 16 according to a study commissioned by the Rhode Island Department of Revenue. Some independent experts, however, say the losses could be even greater, as much as $250 million.

“They’re going to make it up somewhere,” Sabitoni said.

“It’s a trickle down.”

Translation: if those losses don’t show up in higher income, sales, or use taxes, Rhode Islanders can expect cuts in services or budget cuts that hit towns and cities, forcing them, in turn to raise local taxes.

“There’s a lot at stake,” Sabitoni concluded. “Every Rhode Islander is impacted by the state budget one way or another.”

Importantly, these first two ballot questions—separate ones for Twin River and Newport Grand—do not involve the expenditure of any taxpayer funds, unlike the remaining five questions, which do ask for voter approval to borrow money.

Approving the questions would do more than simply al-

NOVEMBER 2012

low table games at Rhode Island’s quasi-casinos. It would also change the formulas that govern how much revenue flows to local and state government. At Newport Grand, the state share of video gaming revenues will edge down from 61.9 percent to 60.41 percent while Newport’s take will bump up by the same rate: to 29.26 percent.

The rates for video gaming at Twin River won’t change, however. Instead, if approved, the ballot question would change the process for how the local rate is set. Currently, it needs to be re-approved every year. That requirement would end, keeping Lincoln’s rate at 1.45 percent. As for table games, both host communities are expected to receive one percent of the resulting revenues, in a “transition period” if there is a decline in video gaming revenues.

The state share of revenues from table games at both Lincoln and Newport will be 18 percent. But it will drop to 16 percent in Lincoln if video game revenues decline.

According to the official state voter guide, the state share of revenues from table games is “significantly less” than that

for video lottery terminals because the operational expenses are higher for table games.

Other ballot questions key Sabitoni noted that the building trades are also backing the other five ballot questions. All will likely involve some work that helps to further alleviate the high unemployment rate among building and construction tradesmen. The other five ballot questions include the following: • $50 million for a nursing facility and renovations at Rhode Island College • $94 million for a new state veterans home in Bristol • $20 million for drinking water projects across the state • $20 million for a variety of environmental projects around the state, including open space purchases, recreation, and farmland preservation • $25 million for affordable housing Sabitoni noted that all the questions had the backing of a broad coalition of labor and business.

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Common Ground

NOVEMBER 2012

Page 22

Statewide reading of Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?

An act of solidarity on behalf of children’s health

By Joy Feldman

The numbers can’t be ignored: roughly one third of children in the United States are overweight or obese. That is 31.8 percent of our population according to 2012 statistics. And being overweight or obese increases the risk of health conditions and diseases including: breast cancer, coronary heart disease, Type II diabetes, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, Osteoarthritis, colon cancer, hypertension, and stroke. Many kids today are not healthy. Take a look at the fact that almost nine million children—or almost one out of every five children—take psychoactive drugs for their behavior disorders. An estimated 5.2 million children are diagnosed with ADHD and seven million have asthma … and the list goes on.

Feeding kids well is an important step towards creating health. The early years are crucial for children’s health because kids have tremendous internal demands on their bodies for growth and develop-

ment. They are building a system and laying a foundation of health for a lifetime.

This is the perfect time to nurture, guide, and model healthy eating to ensure optimal health for their future. The truth is that when we eat better, we feel better.

And to keep the body in tip-top shape, it is necessary to recognize that we derive our energy—our health—from the foods we consume.

Registration is open for youth programs to sign up to participate in a unique event of synergy in celebrating good health for children. Being planned for Monday, March 11, 2013 as part of the recognition of National Nutrition Month, schools and youth programs will commit to reading aloud from local Rhode Island author, Joy Feldman’s book, Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? Once a location has signed up, local celebrities, parents, faculty, and officials can be recruited to read in classrooms and at events. Join the statewide read day,

which already has 90 organizations registered! This program is suitable for schools, libraries, youth programs, and any other group that may want to join in the simultaneous reading which delivers the important message to young children that “they are what they eat.”

Summary of Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?

Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? is a vehicle that explains the complex processes of the adage “you are what you eat” in a simple kid-friendly way. By using a fun and imaginative story, this book teaches children to make excellent food choices, helping them to learn that what they put in their bodies builds their bodies. Through this picture book, the children become aware that there is, in fact, a major construction project going on as they are building a system for a lifetime. If we empower our young, not only will they adopt a lifelong pattern of healthier eating, but they will also im-

pact those around them, including their older siblings, their parents, and extended family. Most importantly, when they grow up to have children of their own, entirely new patterns of beneficial nutrition will emerge.

All state read The objective of this campaign is to educate children on the importance of healthy eating, motivate children to celebrate their health, and to create a community of readers who will advocate for optimal childhood health. In addition to calling attention to the ever-increasing childhood obesity epidemic as well as the medical problems that our young people are facing, an all-state read demonstrates a joint act of support on behalf of our young people.

This campaign is seeking the support of all educational institutions, non-profits, libraries, and community health centers READING cont. on page 23

Page 23

Common Ground

READING cont. from page 22 as starting places to develop children’s knowledge. Let’s make the smallest state in the country, Rhode Island, have the biggest impact in the country on children’s health. Since National Nutrition Month takes places in March, Monday March 11 has been designated as the date for the all-state read aloud for children in preschool through Grades 5 and 6.

What is involved?

Once your organization has chosen to be involved, all that is required is that a teacher, school nurse, principal, or parent read Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? aloud to your school. Additionally, if you would like, you could choose from the following options below: • Nutrition Jeopardy Game: a short 10-minute question-and-answer period with important nutrition questions that build upon the basic concept of “you

are what you eat.” (I can provide you with the game questions—please contact me.)

• Parents could provide healthy snacks (I am more than happy to supply a list of healthy snacks— please contact me.)

• National Recipe Contest: Whole Foods is co-sponsoring this event, providing prizes to students who win this contest and hosting an awards ceremony next June 2013 if we can garner enough support and interest from families. We would begin the contest on March 1 and the deadline would fall on March 11, the day of the statewide reading.

Today, children are faced with a deluge of junk food choices the moment that they step away from their doors.

Nutrition and what children eat are inextricably tied to their well-being. Please join me in the initiative to teach children that they are what they eat. If you are interested in participating in this upcoming event, please contact

your school and register at www.joyfeldman.com Joy Feldman is a nutritional consultant, author, writer, and lecturer. She is the author of Joyful Cooking in the Pursuit of Good Health and Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?

Learn more at www.joyfeldman.com or www.isyourhairmadeofdonuts.com

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Common Ground

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