The Federal Affairs prioritizes legislative issues being debated on the national level. Using member feedback, Committee members, who represent a diverse cross-section of industries and organizations, create a federal advocacy agenda that outlines issues having an effect on the local business community.
Top Federal Priorities
Knowledge Economy ProjectThe Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and the Providence Foundation - together with a consortium of the state’s leading businesses, hospitals, colleges and universities – launched a first-of-its kind effort to invest in the region’s economic growth. The group retained New Economy Strategies based in Washington, D.C. to determine how key employers can move beyond their own institutional strengths and into a far reaching collaborative network that fuels the expansion of a knowledge economy in Providence. The Federal Affairs Committee should closely monitor the activities of this project in order to be prepared to participate, advocate, and/or support when, and if necessary.
Click here for more information.FAA Appropriations ActEnsure that any proposed changes to the funding formula for FAA will not result in any decrease in FAA funding for New England. Support sustained funding for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning programs; air navigation facilities and equipment; and FAA operations in New England. This initiative was first heard by the Chamber’s Transportation Committee.
Federal Research Funding Support increased investment in the knowledge economy by investing in basic and applied research through such organizations as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE) and others. During the past five years, funding for these agencies has not kept up with inflation while at the same time increased competition for such grants has occurred. Such an investment creates high skilled, high wage jobs and can also lead to the development of spin-off companies, which contribute to the state’s economy.
Small Business Administration Reauthorization BillWork to support strong and stable multi-year reauthorization of SBA programs including the SBA 7(a) and 504 lending programs.
We will continue to work diligently to keep you informed and welcome your input and your involvement. For information on the Chamber's Federal Affairs Committee, contact Maureen Crowley, at 401.521.5000 or by email at
mcrowley@provchamber.com