Top of mind these days is the continuing deterioration of employment in the state's construction sector. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, in June the Ocean State ranked No. 50 in the nation for its change in construction jobs over the last 12 months.
With 15,000 of them, Rhode Island is 35.9 percent below its 2007 peak. Many experienced tradesmen have left the region since they cannot find work, have changed careers or just retired. Thus, in a state that has precious few major construction projects, it is not unusual for there to be too few workers or managers to get the work done.
By coincidence, in addition to its need for jobs, the Ocean State has a great need for improved highways and bridges, an issue that Gov. Gina M. Raimondo made a priority in her budget negotiations.
Yet what would seem an obvious confluence of interests – better roads and bridges, and more jobs – does not seem to have captured the General Assembly's attention. So while the state Senate passed a transportation-funding mechanism (tolls on large trucks), the House did not, leaving the issue to be taken up (maybe) in a special session, assuming the two houses can agree on the need for one.
Come on, people, this state needs a lot of things, but little more than jobs and a safe transportation infrastructure. It's time to show some leadership and create a serious and long-term solution – meaning a funding mechanism that is predictable and sustainable, whether through tolls, the gasoline tax or both – to make sure Rhode Island's economy doesn't keep sinking. •
