The Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau
Distributed June 16, 2000
For more information,
contact: Dana Rae DelSignore, Publicist
State House Room 20
(401) 222-2457
Email: ddelsignore@rilin.state.ri.us
Bills would boost funding, research positions at the University of Rhode Island
STATE HOUSE - Rep. Eileen S. Naughton of Warwick (D-Dist. 32) has submitted two pieces of legislation that would boost state funding for environmental programs at the University of Rhode Island and "unfreeze" research positions funded by outside sources.
The first bill (2000-H 7081) would require the state to match money received by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund Land Grant programs at URI. Rhode Island currently ranks 52nd in state funding out of 54 Land Grant programs throughout the nation.
"This investment in basic research is way overdue," said Representative Naughton, who is a great proponent of fostering agriculture in the state. "The university is a valuable resource to each and every Rhode Islander, and it's time the state held up its end of the bargain."
The University of Rhode Island was first established as a Land Grant College by the federal government in 1892. Under the Land Grant system, various states received free parcels of land to establish colleges and universities as well as yearly federal appropriations. In turn, states are expected to match funds received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The legislation would benefit the university's Land Grant programs, including various research and outreach projects. Research is the main purpose of the Agricultural Experiment Station, where projects include controlling ticks that carry Lyme Disease, reducing groundwater contamination, and exploring the environmental impacts of aquaculture. The Cooperative Extension is home to the popular Master Gardener Program, where advice on food safety, growing plants, and taking care of animals is doled out.
"These programs touch the life of every person in Rhode Island," said Representative Naughton. "Ongoing research benefits businesses, brings money into the state and adds to the quality of life in Rhode Island."
Representative Naughton's second bill (2000-H 8222) would remove the freeze the state has placed on full-time research positions at the university. The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state since the positions are funded by money from third parties, not state funds.
"With the infusion of funds from these bills, URI's research station and the Cooperative Extension would also be able to involve more undergraduate and graduate students in research, renovate laboratories and expand aquaculture initiatives," said Representative Naughton. "These are quality bills that will only strengthen and enhance URI's already impressive reputation."
Both bills have the support of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education and several other local and state departments.
A member of the House of Representatives since 1992, Representative Naughton is chair of the House Committee on Accountability in Relation to All Aspects of the Environment and the Conservation and Use of the Natural Resources of the State. She also serves on the House Finance Committee.