Supporting Innovation to Grow RI's Economy

Dear Friends,

We cannot have a full economic recovery unless we recognize that small businesses are the main driver of job creation, and we must ensure they have the chance to innovate and expand. Rhode Island especially relies on these entrepreneurs who make up more than 96 percent of our state’s employers. With that in mind, I am focused on supporting and promoting initiatives like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, created to support research and development by small companies working on scientific and technological advances.

SBIR has a proven track record of supporting successful projects, and we have seen the benefits in Rhode Island among the more than 50 awards received by Ocean State businesses in the past four years. In 2010 alone, 13 projects in the defense industry were funded, and I was pleased to work recently to maximize available resources in legislation that extended the defense portion of the program for six years.

However, in conversations with business leaders in our state, it has become clear that we can take better advantage of this program to grow businesses and generate more economic activity. I am encouraging companies in any industry that might qualify to find more information at www.sbir.gov or by calling my office at 401-732-9400.

I hope you will forward this to your friends and colleagues in the business community. In addition, I will soon have an announcement about a Rhode Island Innovation Forum on June 25 with the Small Business Administration and the RI Small Business Development Center at Johnson & Wales University. Please check my website for updates.

Please stay in touch via email, Facebook and Twitter to keep the conversation going, and check out my YouTube and Flickr pages.

Sincerely,

Jim Langevin

Protecting RI Jobs

In a positive development for a major engine of growth in our state, legislation passed by the House last month will help overcome a challenge to the workforce of Electric Boat, which builds the exceptional Virginia Class Submarines in Quonset, RI and Groton, CT. Provisions I advocated for with Rep. Joe Courtney will stop a cut in production proposed by the Administration, which would have jeopardized efficiencies and cost-savings Electric Boat has achieved and resulted in a setback for the local workforce. It would also have increased the cost to taxpayers by $600 million in the long term for a boat that the Pentagon acknowledges it needs, especially as our national security strategy increasingly shifts to the Asia-Pacific. I'm proud that we found a fiscally sound solution.

Recognizing an Extraordinary Rhode Islander for National Foster Care Month

Yesterday, I was thrilled to be joined on Capitol Hill by Dee Saint-Franc, who entered the Rhode Island foster care system when she was seven years old. Now, at age 22, she has dedicated herself to improving opportunities for other youth in state care, with a particular focus on education and workforce opportunities. I will continue to push for Congress to do its part to further support Dee’s efforts including the implementation of legislation she helped me pass to address the disproportionate impact of identity theft on foster children.
Hear more about Dee’s story ››

Save the date

RI INNOVATION FORUM
With the SBDC at Johnson & Wales and the Small Business Administration
Monday June 25, 2012
10:30 AM
Check langevin.house.gov for updates

Did You Know...?

HELPING HOMEOWNERS
Rep Langevin’s office has many resources from his Navigating Homeownership Workshop that can assist constituents with mortgage issues and other housing concerns. ››

FAST FACT
The government needs to hire at least 10,000 cybersecurity experts in the near future, and the private sector needs four times that number. ››

In Other News

ADDRESSING INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO EDUCATION
Rep. Langevin continued his Rhode Island Skilled Economy (RISE) Tour at the MET center, where he discussed programs to better prepare our students for the workforce. ››

CALLING ALL COMPUTER SECURITY COMPANIES
Continuing his efforts to build a strong cybersecurity industry in Rhode Island, Rep. Langevin encouraged RI companies to seek out interns from the Cyber Foundations Competition he launched. ››

COMMEMORATING OUR ARMED FORCES
In honor of Armed Forces Day, Rep. Langevin participated in the state’s Seventh Annual Echo Taps ceremony at the RI Veterans Cemetery. ››

PROTECTING OUR MOST VULNERABLE INDUSTRIES
Rep. Langevin is urging Congress to implement safety standards for the computer networks that run our critical infrastructure, such as the electric grid and water systems, to prevent widespread damage. ››

RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Visiting the Chariho Career and Technical Center, Rep. Langevin took input from students and instructors as part of his efforts to support education programs that prepare our workforce to grow the economy. ››

SUPPORTING EQUALITY
Rep. Langevin commended President Obama’s recognition that giving civil rights to same-sex couples does not interfere with our fundamental belief in the separation of church and state, which ensures respect for the beliefs of religious institutions. ››

APPLAUDING ELECTRIC BOAT WORK
Electric Boat announced it delivered the latest Virginia submarine under budget and almost a year ahead of schedule, further evidence that this program does not have the type of waste that should be the target of budget cuts. ››