Bill > H8043

This resolution, a formal expression from the Rhode Island House of Representatives, strongly urges the City of Providence to fully implement and enforce its "First Source Hiring Ordinance." This ordinance, established to benefit Providence residents, mandates that businesses receiving significant public investments of taxpayer money must prioritize hiring individuals from the Providence First Source List, which connects working-class and low-income city residents with job opportunities and training. The resolution highlights that failure to comply with this ordinance, including not notifying First Source about job openings before public advertising or not allowing access to relevant records, can result in penalties such as termination of aid, contract suspension, or being barred from doing business with the city for at least two years. The resolution expresses concern that the City of Providence has not been enforcing these provisions, despite the ordinance's stated purpose of reducing unemployment, improving property values, and supporting essential public services by ensuring city residents benefit from projects funded by their taxes.