The legislature’s Joint Committee on Economic Development is distributing a survey to more than 5,000 businesses, non-profit groups and public agencies to help gauge the impact of the events of September 11 on the business community.
We hope that if you receive such a survey, you take the time to fill it out and return it to the committee.
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Sen. Aram Garabedian, who heads the committee, correctly points out that our lawmakers need accurate information to help them “move forward and plan for the future.”
It has been difficult to get a true read on the impact of the terrorist attacks and the war that has resulted because of them. Some polls have suggested that certain businesses have been hurt dramatically. Others, including a survey distributed by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, concluded that the vast majority of businesses remain confident in the economy.
We think a wide-ranging survey such as the one Garabedian describes is a good idea. The results of the survey are expected to be made public at a hearing on Nov. 7 at the State House. And then, in January, the Joint Committee on Economic Development will hold an economic summit. That event has been in the planning stages since well before Sept. 11. It too is a good idea.
Too often, we hear legislators express frustration that the business community has not taken the time to visit the legislature, or at least contact their legislators with concerns and suggestions. This survey represents an opportunity to do just that, while sacrificing little time.
The summit in January is being described as the first of its kind to be sponsored by the General Assembly. Large businesses, small businesses, representatives of labor and non-profits will be included in the summit. With economists agreeing that we are either in a recession or entering one, there seems no better time to arm our legislators with as much information as possible as they look for ways to stimulate the local economy.
Take the time to fill out the survey. And if you don’t receive one, contact the committee at the State House at 222-1778.
