LIVE: Rhode Island Needs To Build Up Business, Says Autiello
LIVE: Rhode Island Needs To Build Up Business, Says Autiello
"This should be a wake-up call that we need to change," Autiello said on GoLocal LIVE. "We need to fix things, starting with the economy, so businesses want to come to our state."
One of the first things needed in his district, as well as across the state, is reconciling the divide between small businesses and an increased minimum wage.
"There seems to be this line where you either say you're for small businesses or you're for a $15 minimum wage," Autiello said. "But I think that's completely wrong. We need to support families and small business owners, and we do that by improving the economy through things like bringing Norweigan Air to Rhode Island. In my district, I'm seeing so many foreign tourists who wouldn't be here otherwise, helping to build up our small businesses and restaurants."
Another major concern, Autiello says, is making concrete changes to the school's education system.
"Every candidate says we need to fix our schools, and I do too, starting with the schools themselves. Schools like Mount Pleasant are falling apart and we need to do something," Autiello said. "We also need to encourage Rhode Island graduates to stay in the state."
The best way to do that, Autiello believes, is to first shift the perception of college.
"I believe we need to focus more on other routes besides four-year universities, because that's not what everyone needs," Autiello said. "Things like certification programs and apprenticeships offer great opportunities. Here in Providence, we have so many construction jobs, but not enough people to fill them."
In addition, Autiello stressed the need to help ease the burden of student debt through measures like Governor Raimondo's tuition assistance program.
"It's not a matter of whether someone should have to pay for school because everyone else did, it's just being realistic. Paying for school now is too much for most students, which leads to years of debt," Autiello added. "I personally have over $100,000 in student debt, which has a huge impact on my future."