Jacquelyn M. Baginski | R.I. state representative, D-Cranston
1. Even as a freshman legislator, you have been described as a “champion for business” by some business leaders in the state. Why do you think you have been given that label? How flattering. My family and I operate Professional Ambulance, a private EMS [emergency medical services] service based in Providence. I ran for office because as a small-business owner, I was frustrated by the barrage of legislation making it harder to do business here. Small businesses are the lifeblood of Rhode Island’s economy, yet our voice at the Statehouse is weak. I really want to change that.
2. What do you think the state’s businesses could use in assistance at this time? Rhode Island businesses need a break. Every year it seems there are new and onerous laws passed that further control employment practices, increase taxes and fees, or bring about burdensome regulations that make it harder to turn a profit. While many such bills are passed with good intentions, the burdens they place on the backs of business are hardly considered because there’s nobody at the Statehouse talking about the negative, unintended consequences they might bring about and that must change.
3. What would you like to see the state do to address the labor shortage? The labor shortage is the biggest challenge facing businesses right now. In the short-term, it would be great for the state to find ways to help incentivize folks to return to the workforce. However, our longer-term strategy to enhance our labor pool must focus on investing in workforce training and development.
4. What do you think is the best plan for using the $1.1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds? Before we decide on specific proposals, I think we need to establish some guardrails. I hope that we use ARPA funds to make one-time capital investments in our communities. It would be a shame to establish new programming that we won’t be able to fund ... once the ARPA fund is depleted.
5. What can owners of small businesses do to get involved with government to address their business needs? It begins with staying informed about legislation being considered. The easiest way to do that is to join an email distribution list from a trade organization and watch out for updates. Then, it’s as simple as sending an email to the state representative or senator in your district to introduce yourself and let them know your concerns.
Cassius Shuman is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Shuman@PBN.com.