RI H8043

Rhode Island House of Representatives urges the City of Providence to enforce its First Source Hiring Ordinance, which requires employers receiving public investments to use the Providence First Source List when filling jobs created by those investments.

First Source Providence, established in 1986, connects low-income city residents with job opportunities and training, but many qualified Providence residents are not receiving hiring opportunities as required by the ordinance.

Existing ordinance penalties for non-compliance include termination of aid or contracts, recovery of public benefits, withholding of payments, and a minimum two-year suspension from doing business with the city.

The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to Mayor Brett Smiley, City Council President Rachel Miller, and First Source Director Wedley Thelemaque.