The state is expecting $1.1 billion in new federal pandemic relief, just over a year after receiving – and finally spending – $1.25 billion. How should state leaders spend American Rescue Plan funding?
Slowly, with an eye toward long-term challenges such as affordable housing, urges the Rhode Island Foundation. The nonprofit and partners will solicit ideas from the community over the next few months and develop recommendations.
The initiative bears watching because the foundation’s director, Neil D. Steinberg, has already gotten early buy-in from Gov. Daniel J. McKee and his fellow Democratic leaders in the General Assembly.
As the often-heated public debate over the first round of federal aid showed, there will be no shortage of legitimate needs – or interest groups advocating for them.
But an important difference this time around is the longer time period to spend the money, until 2024.
State leaders should not miss the chance to target intractable issues with some of that money.
Got a potentially big idea? Let the steering committee know at arpideas@rifoundation.org.
Hi,
I’ve submitted this idea (Discover RI First) in various forms over the years to your calls for action/grant programs. I’ve been continually honing the message. I do feel if this, or a similar campaign, were to be implemented at a state-wide level, it would surely have an impact and make us more competitive as a destination among our neighboring states – and help drive traffic to Main Street.
Here’ a link to a recent PBN article for your consideration:
https://pbn.com/crisis-calls-for-special-hospitality-plan/?bypass=6070679c960e1
Best, Steve