RILBMDA gets tough on recreational marijuana
The Rhode Island Retail Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (RILBMDA) announced its 2018 legislative priorities during its annual Lobby Day, including opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana in the Ocean State.
More than 30 RILBMDA members were in attendance yesterday at the state capital in Providence to share their feelings on the business climate in the state, as well oppose several anti-small business bills the legislature will be voting on this year.
“As small business owners and operators, our members employ more than 7,000 people across the state,” explained Maria Fratiello, president of the RILBMDA. “As we look at the legislation proposed by the legislature it is becoming difficult to believe that our elected officials understand the current complexities of running a business in Rhode Island.”
RILBMDA members spoke with their elected officials in opposition to a myriad of topics including: a proposed increase in the unemployment benefit rate which would make R.I. the sixth highest rate in the nation, several onerous bills regarding pay equity and reporting, the increase of minimum wage which will cause rampant wage compression issues, and the legalization of recreational marijuana.
“Our members are grateful to have been able to speak with so many of our elected officials about these issues,” said Michael McDole, RILBMDA’s legislative chair. “We know our collective voice was heard, and we hope our legislators will do the right thing for small businesses in our state.”
The RILBMDA has 23-member locations and represents independent lumber and building material dealers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and other associated businesses in the state of Rhode Island. The lumber and building materials industry employs more than 7,000 Rhode Island residents and has an annual payroll of $321 million.
More than 30 RILBMDA members were in attendance yesterday at the state capital in Providence to share their feelings on the business climate in the state, as well oppose several anti-small business bills the legislature will be voting on this year.
“As small business owners and operators, our members employ more than 7,000 people across the state,” explained Maria Fratiello, president of the RILBMDA. “As we look at the legislation proposed by the legislature it is becoming difficult to believe that our elected officials understand the current complexities of running a business in Rhode Island.”
RILBMDA members spoke with their elected officials in opposition to a myriad of topics including: a proposed increase in the unemployment benefit rate which would make R.I. the sixth highest rate in the nation, several onerous bills regarding pay equity and reporting, the increase of minimum wage which will cause rampant wage compression issues, and the legalization of recreational marijuana.
“Our members are grateful to have been able to speak with so many of our elected officials about these issues,” said Michael McDole, RILBMDA’s legislative chair. “We know our collective voice was heard, and we hope our legislators will do the right thing for small businesses in our state.”
The RILBMDA has 23-member locations and represents independent lumber and building material dealers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and other associated businesses in the state of Rhode Island. The lumber and building materials industry employs more than 7,000 Rhode Island residents and has an annual payroll of $321 million.