Bond issue goes before voters at Nov. 5 general election
The campaign launch, which included former Congressman James
Langevin, Rhode Island Life Science Hub Interim President Patrice Milos, and
URI and RIC students, was hosted virtually with speakers and supporters at
URI’s Kingston Campus and RIC’s Providence campus.
In the Nov. 5 general election, Question 2 will ask voters to approve a $160.5 million higher education bond—$87.5 million to be used for the construction of a new biomedical sciences building at URI’s Kingston Campus, and $73 million to modernize and transform Whipple Hall at RIC into a dedicated home for the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies.
As the state’s flagship public research university, URI is
leading cutting-edge research and education in the biomedical sciences,
including neuroscience. Researchers at the University’s George and Anne Ryan
Institute for Neuroscience are advancing transformative work in the prevention
and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aging-related illness and other central
nervous system disorders. Faculty and students across URI’s campuses, including
in health sciences, pharmacy, and nursing, are pioneering solutions in
biomedicine, disease and pathology, including studying tick-borne illnesses and
more.
“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. We are Rhode Island’s university and we are committed to addressing the needs of our state and improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders.”
More than 6,000 URI students are studying a field related to biomedical sciences. However, the current lack of adequate research infrastructure on the Kingston Campus is limiting the pursuit of innovative and transformative life sciences research. Approval of Question 2 would expand opportunities for critical medical discoveries and assist in securing additional research funding.
The new URI biomedical sciences building would provide
state-of-the-art laboratory space for researchers across a range of biomedical,
biotechnology, and science-related fields and supportive office space. The proposed facility would
support the expansion of existing programs and the development of new
initiatives including critical advancements in treatments for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
At the launch event, Bhavya Chatradgadda, a molecular
neuroscience and microbiology major at URI, said she sees the benefits of
voting Yes on 2.
“As a native Rhode Islander, I knew I wanted to pursue my degree in the life sciences at the state’s public flagship research university,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research that is transforming lives. This investment will increase opportunities for Rhode Islanders and train the next generation of the life sciences workforce for the state.”
Rhode Island has all the elements to be a leader in the
biomedical sciences with a commitment from government and academic leaders,
early-stage investors and industry experts. The recently established Rhode
Island Life Science Hub is focused on accelerating important medical advances
and scientific breakthroughs to improve patient care and population health
globally. There are 5,773 Rhode Islanders employed in the biotech industry,
with 666 biotech companies located in the state. URI continues to develop a skilled
workforce to meet industry needs, generate jobs and drive innovation in the
Ocean State.
“Life-saving innovations for patients are happening right
here in Rhode Island thanks to collaboration and foundational investments in
our infrastructure,” said Milos of the Life Science Hub. “Rhode Island’s
commitment to world-class institutions like the University of Rhode Island
highlights our commitment to educating the next generation, driving
translational research and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem – all crucial
for turning scientific discoveries into meaningful health solutions.
Rhode Island College’s cybersecurity institute
The Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies
at RIC, launched in the fall of 2023, was established to meet the growing need
for cybersecurity research, education and training. The institute continues to
grow, with nearly 400 students enrolled in its first year. However, Whipple
Hall, the building where the institute is located, lacks the technological
requirements to support a modern, state-of-the-art program.
Under the bond issue, the proposed building will include
state-of-the-art computer labs, dedicated cyber range facilities, classrooms
equipped with the latest technology, secure data centers, faculty offices and
collaborative workspaces. Additionally, upgrades would be made to the IT
infrastructure, and advanced security systems to protect sensitive data, as
well as energy efficiency improvements.
“Rhode Island has all the talent and tools to become a
leader in the high-tech economy,” said Warner. “Now it needs a state-of-the-art
facility in which to nurture that talent and train students to use those tools.
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. We are grateful to our state leaders for
establishing a regional center of excellence here at RIC, and we ask the people
of Rhode Island to support the growth of a tech hub in our state.”
Like life sciences, cybersecurity is a rapidly growing
industry with a high demand for talent and limited supply of cyber
professionals. There are currently 2,700 cybersecurity job openings in Rhode
Island alone and over half a million unfilled positions across the United
States.
“Voting Yes on 2 supports our efforts to make Rhode Island a
leader in the fields of life science and cybersecurity,” said House
Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “We have already established the Rhode Island Life
Science Hub, as well as RIC’s Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging
Technologies. Now it’s time to invest in the infrastructure needed to make this
vision a reality.”
“Becoming a leader in the life sciences and cybersecurity
has incredible potential to transform Rhode Island’s economy and open new doors
of opportunity for our students, workers, and communities,” said Senate
President Dominick J. Ruggerio. “Together with many partners, including URI and
RIC, we’ve made important strides to foster the growth of these cutting-edge
fields in the Ocean State. This bond is a critical next step, and I strongly
urge all voters to support Question 2.”
Support for Yes on 2
Former Congressman Jim Langevin, distinguished chair of
the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at RIC: “This
election season, I’m asking Rhode Islanders to invest in our students. Adding a
state-of-the-art cyber range, a security operations center and an AI lab to
Whipple Hall will allow the institute to provide the world-class education and
training that our students need to tackle the cybersecurity challenges of the
21st century.”
Sen. Frank Ciccone, chair of the Senate Labor
Committee and Senate Finance Committee: “Approving Question 2 in
November is a crucial step for establishing Rhode Island’s future as a leader
in the new frontier of safety and security. This bond will provide Rhode Island
College with the state-of-the-art facilities needed to train the next generation
of cybersecurity experts at the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging
Technologies. This investment in our students and infrastructure will address
workforce challenges in Rhode Island and across the U.S. and position our state
as a leader in technological innovation.”
Sen. Alana DiMario: “Investing in a new
biomedical sciences building at the University of Rhode Island is a key part in
Rhode Island’s economic development plan to become a leader in the life
sciences. Attracting students who are interested in this field to come study
and do their research here will help build a foundation for Rhode Island’s Life
Sciences Hub. I urge Rhode Islanders to vote Yes on 2 to invest in Rhode
Island’s future!”
Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski: “Investing in the
success of Rhode Island’s public institutions of higher learning strengthens
our state and brightens our future. URI and RIC provide pathways to opportunity
for countless students, enrich the fabric of our communities, and help drive
our economy. Through Question 2 on this year’s ballot, we can build on the
progress we’ve made and pave the way for the Ocean State to be a leader in the
transformative 21st-century fields of life science and cybersecurity. I’m proud
to represent the URI community in the Senate, and I urge all Rhode Islanders to
Vote Yes on 2!”
Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty: “The world is changing
every day. Science and technology is leading the way to new discoveries. The
$87.5 million in a URI biomedical sciences building will help students gain
experience with new technologies to conduct research on bacteria and viruses
that cause disease. The benefit for all is to the development of knowledge,
interventions or a new technology to cure chronic illnesses for the benefit of
public health.”
Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee: “As URI’s national and
international profile continues to grow, it is imperative that we provide the
school with the resources it needs to flourish. Already
an international leader in oceanography, with the addition of a biomedical
sciences building, URI will have the capability to educate, train and conduct
research in one of the fastest growing areas of health care and commerce. But, this is only possible if
the voters of Rhode Island vote ‘yes’ on Question 2 in the November election.”
Michael F. Sabitoni, general secretary-treasurer of the
Laborers International and President of the Rhode Island Building and
Construction Trades Council: “Voting yes on Question 2 in November is an
opportunity for Rhode Islanders to cast a vote in favor of not only life-saving
advancements in biomedical sciences and cybersecurity, but also the creation of
hundreds of construction and trades jobs. Medical and technological advancement
goes hand in hand with a thriving labor market. The Rhode Island members of the
building trades and the laborers international will be voting yes on Question
2, in support of the new frontiers of health and safety, and the creation of
good union jobs in the Ocean State.”
For more information, please visit: Yeson2RI.com.
