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Dear John,
This week, I was thrilled to join with Governor Dan McKee, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner, and SkillsRI Executive Director Nina Pande to announce the opening of small business applications for the RI Rebounds Technical Assistance Program. The program is managed by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and implemented by Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) through the RI Small Business HUB (risbHUB).
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this new program will help even more Rhode Island entrepreneurs thrive. As we continue to rebuild and strengthen our economy after the pandemic, these resources are a crucial tool for business owners. I encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.
Applications are now open for eligible small businesses seeking technical assistance.
Examples of technical assistance may include:
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Legal Advice & Services
- Marketing, Communications, Branding & Public Relations
- Customer Data & User Experience Analytics
- Strategic & Business Planning
- Human Resource & Payroll Services
- Information & Computer Technology
- Website Development Support
- Business Funding Pitch & Grant Writing
- Supply Chain & Procurement
- E-commerce
You can learn more about the RI Rebounds Technical Assistance Program, including eligibility requirements here.
Applications for both vendors looking to provide services and small businesses looking for assistance can be found through SkillsRI here.
Updates from Rhode Island
Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook
It was great to be able to join Rhode Island Kids Count on Monday to recognize their incredible work and receive this year’s Factbook.
The annual Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook is one of the best tools available to lawmakers and the public, to not only show the progress we have made, but also identify challenges we need to continue to address.
Resources like the Kids Count Factbook provide a clear snapshot of Rhode Island children’s health and how it compares to other years. It gives policymakers, advocates, and community leaders information and data to identify what our priorities need to be in the coming year as we work to best support our children’s education and care.
Strong investments in in- and out- of school learning, mental health, nutrition, maternal and family care, and addressing the gun violence epidemic are vital in protecting and supporting our children and reducing the impacts of systemic racism.
I look forward to continuing my work with Rhode Island Kids Count to support children, families, and the wellbeing of all Rhode Islanders when I begin my new position at the Rhode Island Foundation next month.
Updates from Washington, DC
Holding Russia Accountable for its Illegal Invasion of Ukraine
On Tuesday, my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and I approved a resolution calling for the creation of a Special Tribunal for the punishment of the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine – in furtherance of his delusional plan for the rebirth of a Russian empire – has unleashed horrors on civilians reminiscent of the darkest days of World War II.
Since February 2022, Ukraine has registered cases for nearly 80,000 war crimes.
In cities across Ukraine, Russia has launched airstrikes and missile attacks on apartment buildings, medical facilities, schools, and train stations. Earlier this month, a Russian airstrike killed eight people at a supermarket in Kherson.
In Bucha, journalists have meticulously documented the horrors carried out by Russian forces including men, women, and children with their hands tied behind their backs being shot to death and elder Ukrainians executed as they searched for food.
When I traveled to the Poland-Ukraine border last year, I saw firsthand the brutal consequences of Putin’s illegal and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine. It is the worst humanitarian crisis that I, and I think many of my colleagues, have ever seen.
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the thousands of war crimes that have been documented cannot go unpunished – not just for the sake of Ukraine, but to show other bad actors the resolve of the international community in protecting democracy and fighting aggression.
Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month
On Wednesday, I joined President Biden, First Lady Dr. Biden, Vice President Harris, and Second Gentleman Emhoff at the White House for a Jewish American Heritage Month celebration. As we continue to combat antisemitism, it's vital that we also celebrate our community's vibrancy and perseverance and the contributions Jewish Americans have made to our nation.
Free COVID Tests Via the Postal Service
Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. You can order your tests at CovidTests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Important Passport & Travel Information
Due to unprecedented demand, the State Department has released updated processing times for passports. For passport applications submitted after March 24, 2023, routine processing time is 10 to 13 weeks and expedited processing is 7 to 9 weeks.
Before booking international travel, please remember to check the expiration date on your passport and plan accordingly. Passports last for 5 or 10 years, depending on your age when the passport was issued. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
You can learn more from the State Department here.
As always, I am here to serve you. If there is anything I can do, please call my office at 729-5600 or send me an email at [email protected].
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