Taxing knowledge-based entities hurts R.I.’s future
In recent weeks, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline has been promoting legislation that mandates hospitals, colleges and universities pay their “fair share” during this difficult economic time. He says taxing these nonprofit organizations is central to the viability of his city.
But, for decades these institutions have given back to our community in immeasurable amounts. In fact, it is difficult to imagine a vibrant, healthy and attractive Providence, or Rhode Island for that matter, without their influence.
Daniel P. Egan: Private colleges do their fair share for city
IN OUTLINING his latest legislative agenda, Providence Mayor David Cicilline argued on this page on May 27 (“A ‘fair-share’ future for Providence”) that “long-term economic recovery... will only be accomplished by remaining focused on the basics: creating jobs, maintaining safe communities, improving public education, nurturing arts and cultural opportunities, creating decent and affordable housing and developing a more attractive business climate.”
The mayor called upon independent higher education to be a part of this economic resurgence. What the mayor failed to articulate, however, are the many current contributions that colleges and universities already support and lead. Working with the city, state, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, the Providence Foundation and many others, the members of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island (AICU Rhode Island) are taking a strong role in growing the state’s knowledge economy.
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Brian J. Shanley: Student fee would break bond of trustI AGREE with Mayor David Cicilline when he says that he has a fiscal and moral obligation to find creative solutions for Providence’s budget deficit that do not further burden those who already contribute significantly to the city’s financial well-being. Unfortunately, the mayor does not consider private colleges and their students among those who already bear their fair share of the fiscal burden. On this point we deeply disagree. |
Don’t hurt geese that lay future’s eggsAt the behest of Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, the General Assembly is soon to consider two bills that, if approved, would do significant, if not irreparable, damage to the state’s nonprofit institutions. |
Student Fee Proposal Taxes Town-Gown RelationsAs the Rhode Island School of Design prepares for graduation this weekend, Providence is taking steps to increase the amount of money it and other universities pay for city services. Providence is facing a $17 million deficit this year and nearly $50 million next year. WRNI Education Reporter Elisabeth Harrison looks at how the search for revenue may be affecting its relationship with private colleges. |
In AICU Rhode Island’s inaugural edition of our semi-annual publication EdWORKS, we showcase our collaborative activities with a sampling of the numerous partnerships and alliances that go well beyond the eight institutions that make up the membership of AICU Rhode Island.
This inaugural edition begins to define collaboration and we stand ready to continue our efforts with our many partners – those established and those yet defined – to strengthen Rhode Island.
The content of this, and future editions, will focus on issues impacting Rhode Island, as well as member activities from education to community partnerships.
Welcome to the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island
Founded in 1979 as the Rhode Island Independent Higher Education Association (RIIHEA), AICU Rhode Island is currently one of 38 state associations nationwide working to address the needs of independent higher education through advocacy and public policy.
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) serves as the unified national voice of independent higher education and represents and assists independent colleges and universities in the political process on policy issues with the federal government, such as those affecting student aid, taxation, and government regulation.
Partnerships
