PROVIDENCE − Rhode Island “has all the talent and tools” to become a leader in biomedical sciences and the high-tech economy − it just needs the proper facilities to train students in these fields, according to supporters of the $160.5 million higher education bond.
Gov. Dan McKee joined University of Rhode Island President Marc Parlange, Rhode Island College President Jack Warner, former Congressman Jim Langevin and Rhode Island Life Science Hub Interim President Patrice Milos to kick off the Yes on 2 higher education bond campaign Tuesday.
What is Question 2 on the ballot Nov. 5?
In November, voters will be asked to approve a $160.5 million higher education bond. According to a news release, $87.5 million will go toward the construction of a new URI biomedical sciences building at its Kingston Campus, and $73 million will be used to transform Whipple Hall into a dedicated home for the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College.
“The Higher Education Bond doesn’t just open new doors for opportunities at URI and RIC. It will allow our state to be a leader in key sectors of the global and regional economy,” said Gov. Dan McKee at the virtual campaign kickoff. “Biomedical sciences and cybersecurity represent good-paying jobs, economic prosperity, and better health outcomes for our state. I encourage all Rhode Islanders to vote ‘yes’ on Question 2 this November.”
What to know about the URI project
More than 6,000 URI students are currently studying a field related to biomedical sciences, but supporters of the bond say a lack of adequate research infrastructure on the Kingston Campus is limiting the pursuit of innovative and transformative life sciences research. They say approval of Question 2 will expand opportunities for critical medical discoveries and assist in securing additional research funding.
There are 5,773 Rhode Islanders currently employed in the biotech industry, with 666 biotech companies currently located in the state.
“URI is leading cutting-edge research and education in the biomedical and life sciences,” said Parlange. “Our researchers are accelerating important advances in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS. We are helping to drive economic development in the state, and our graduates are making an impact, both locally and globally.”
What to know about the Rhode Island College project
The Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College, launched in the fall of 2023, was established to meet the growing need for cybersecurity research, education and training. Nearly 400 students enrolled in its first year, but the building where the Institute is currently located lacks the technological requirements to support a modern, state-of-the-art program.
“This investment in the cybersecurity and emerging technologies programs and the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College will deliver a real return for the state by developing our next generation of cyber defenders and AI innovators,” said Warner.
There are currently 2,700 cybersecurity job openings in Rhode Island alone and over half a million unfilled positions across the United States. According to the release, RIC is partnering with IBM to build a world-class cyber range, which will provide an immersive experience that simulates real world cyberattacks in a state-of-the-art virtual command center.
Additionally, the nation’s workforce is demanding AI-literate professionals. To train the next generation in this emerging field, RIC developed a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, available this fall.
Who supports Question 2
Several local elected officials and others have already signed on to support passage of this ballot question. They include:
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Former Congressman Jim Langevin, Distinguished Chair of the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies.
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Dr. Patrice Milos, Interim President, Rhode Island Life Science Hub.
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House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi
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Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio.
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Sen. Frank Ciccone, Chairman of Senate Labor Committee and member of Senate Finance Committee (District 7 Providence, Johnston).
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Sen. Alana DiMario (District 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham).
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Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (District 37, South Kingstown).
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Deputy Speaker Raymond A. Hull (District 6, Providence, North Providence).
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Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty (District 35, South Kingstown).
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Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (District 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett).
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Michael F. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers International and President of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council.
For more information, please visit: Yeson2RI.com.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Ballot Question 2 seeks $160M funding for URI, RIC facilities
