Rhode Island House Bill H5936

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23

Caption

House Resolution Respectfully Requesting The Ri Department Of Labor And Training To Develop And Provide Recommendations For A Plan To Increase Statewide Diversity Among Workers Employed On Public Works Projects

Impact

If enacted, the resolution seeks to make substantial recommendations aimed at enhancing workforce diversity in construction. This includes strategies to utilize a portion of federal highway funding to promote diversity through various initiatives such as advertising in industry careers, funding an Affirmative Action Taskforce, providing childcare, and supporting vocational programs specifically in communities that are historically underserved. These measures are expected to establish a more inclusive environment and open pathways for underrepresented groups in the construction labor market.

Summary

House Bill 5936 is a resolution that calls upon the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to develop and provide recommendations for increasing diversity among workers employed on public works projects. The bill emphasizes the importance of skilled trades workers in the construction industry, highlighting that these roles often do not require advanced degrees but still provide fair wages. A significant focus of the bill is on diversifying the pool of apprentices, which is seen as vital for creating a workforce reflective of the demographic diversity of the state.

Contention

While the bill does not seem to have recorded opposition during its discussion, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the recommendations and the allocation of state resources. Stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of utilizing federal funds for these diversity initiatives and whether the proposed measures adequately address the specific needs of diverse populations within the construction industry. The focus on ensuring a diverse workforce could also lead to discussions about the best practices for training and hiring processes.