NEW: Serpa Serves on Business Panel, Paves Way for Economic Development
Thursday, March 29, 2012
As one of the chosen guest panelists for the Small Business Association Economic Summit follow-up meeting on Wednesday, March 28, Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Warwick, Coventry) was able to weigh in on some major legislative issues that could hold a positive influence over Rhode Island’s business climate.
“The small business community has been extremely helpful in identifying the obstacles that interfere with their being able to expand or to create new business,” Representative Serpa said. “Some of the issues that seem to be impeding their success include tax and permitting issues, variations in the municipalities’ expectations of what they need to do in order to grow their businesses and identifying access to capital. After participating in the SBA’s January meeting, I was able to determine a clear direction for legislation that would help them.”
At the follow-up meeting, Representative Serpa provided an update on the status of legislation that she and other House members introduced at the request of the SBA participants. The panel, which included House Majority Leader Nicholas A. Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston), Sen. Erin P. Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick) and Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Warwick), fielded questions about potential tax increases and changes to the income tax code.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“The shared sentiment was that we needed to let the tax code play out for a full fiscal year before considering any revisions,” Representative Serpa said. “Leadership was also firm in that we are not looking to increase income taxes on those making more than $250,000 per year.”
She and her colleagues also provided updates on several bills, including one that would authorize the state Department of Labor and Training to investigate the possibility of a jobs match system and several others that are aimed at removing obstacles for small businesses.
“Most of the bills have been heard and testimony has been taken,” the representative said. “In a few cases, some minor amendments must be agreed upon. But I am confident that this year’s House of Representatives small business package of bills will make a resounding impact on the business climate in this state.”
Each January, the Small Business Association (SBA) hosts its annual economic summit during which members of the business community and the General Assembly meet to discuss their legislative priorities for the year. The SBA working committees include budget and taxation, health care, regulations, energy, economic development, education and workforce development. After meeting in smaller breakout sessions in these areas, the committee chairs meet and make recommendations for possible legislation.
