John Simmons | President, Rhode Island Business Coalition
1. What is the Rhode Island Business Coalition and what is its purpose? The Rhode Island Business Coalition is a coalition of trade associations, chambers of commerce and other industry organizations representing businesses and employers within Rhode Island. It was started in 2013 and promotes legislation that encourages economic development, job creation and a strong business climate.
2. The coalition only became a formal lobbying group with a paid president this year. What sparked the push for a bigger role on Smith Hill? There was a recognition that a more formal structure would aid in the coalition’s work to promote a sustainable business climate and work on legislative and executive matters. It was especially important to formalize the coalition during the economic conditions impacting the state and nation.
3. Do you think the makeup of the 2021 Legislature, which includes many younger and more progressive members, has shifted the tone or focus on business interests? There has been a shift in the tone in the General Assembly, the state and in the nation. The changing times require a different approach from the business community, including working with the new members of the General Assembly to foster competitive approaches to improving the state’s business environment.
4. Gov. Daniel J. McKee has been lauded as a small-business advocate but proposed controversial taxes on Paycheck Protection Program loans, which the coalition opposed. Does McKee’s proposal change or shift your opinion and confidence in his ability to advocate for the small-business community? The coalition will continue to work closely with Gov. McKee and respects his willingness … to work with us, as we are both committed to a proactive approach to improving the business community. We may not agree with the governor on all matters, but we are both committed to making Rhode Island’s economy strong and vibrant.
5. What do you see as the most significant legislative changes for the R.I. business community to come out of this session? As the state rebounds from the economic crisis, an overarching theme is to maintain a competitive business climate that fosters economic growth. To do this, the cost of doing business in the state must be managed to allow businesses to succeed. Tax increases will impede growth and diminish any economic competitiveness.
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Email her at Lavin@PBN.com.
Great interview!