Carlos E. Tobon
R.I. state representative, D-Pawtucket
Co-chair, R.I. House of Representatives American Rescue Plan Act Task Force
1. What should be the primary focus of allocating the $1.1 billion the state has received from the American Rescue Plan Act? Prior to the pandemic, we were dealing with a shortage of housing, food insecurity and mental health issues. The pandemic exacerbated many of these issues and they need to be addressed for the health and well-being of our residents.
2. What do you hope to see that is different in the approach for disbursing the ARPA funds versus the way the state allocated $1.25 billion in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding? The major difference is that we, the people, will be deciding how the funds will get disbursed versus coming from the executive branch. In order to successfully invest the ARPA funds, we must be strategic and allocate the funding to areas that will save us money and/or increase our revenues.
3. At a June budget briefing you asked the House Committee on Finance if ARPA funds could be used as seed capital for projects as part of a revolving fund. What projects that resolve COVID-related issues would be beneficial to R.I.’s economy? Everybody is talking about housing, and primarily affordable housing. Also, investing in our growth areas and ensuring that gentrification does not mean displacement while still encouraging and welcoming new residents to our state. Lastly, creating spaces for areas of growth such as the technology sector, but not completely limited to just that industry.
4. In 2016 you wrote an op-ed in the Providence Business News about the benefits of buying locally to support local small businesses. What is your assessment today of the state’s approach to “buying locally”? Many try, but unfortunately with the convenience of buying online, it has become more challenging. However, I believe if we created a system where people could see in real time how their local purchases truly made a difference in our economy that they would be more encouraged to buy ... locally.
5. What should the state be careful about in allocating COVID relief funding and what should be its long-term economic approach? We need to prioritize and be patient. More than ever, instant gratification and immediate response is the order of the day – especially because of social media saturation. We need to resist the urge to rack up likes and satisfy followers and think longer term about how to bring lasting benefits to our residents, society and our state.
Cassius Shuman is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Shuman@PBN.com.
