MEDIA ADVISORY FOR
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021, 3:30 P.M. EST
Media Contact on behalf of Yes for Rhode Island:
“Seven Questions, One Answer.”
“Yes for Rhode Island” Coalition to Back Passage of Seven Essential Bond Questions
Coalition of employers and advocates agree across-the-board bond approval by voters is vital to economic recovery for RI businesses and families in a post-COVID landscape
WHAT: Yes for Rhode Island Coalition Kick-Off Press Conference
WHEN: Wednesday, February 17 at 3:30 p.m. EST
WHERE: Request credentials and link for virtual press conference at: YesForRI.org/press
WHO: Yes for Rhode Island Coalition members including:
- George Nee, President, Rhode Island AFL-CIO
- Seth Magaziner, State Treasurer, Rhode Island
- Frank Flynn, President, Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals
- Larry Purtill, President, National Education Association Rhode Island
- Alicia J. Lehrer, Executive Director, Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council
- Cortney Nicolato, President/CEO, United Way of Rhode Island
- Michael Sabitoni, President, RI Building & Construction Trades
- Jeremiah O’Grady, Senior Program Officer, Local Initiatives Support Corporation
- Tom Parrish, Executive Director, Trinity Repertory
- Laurie White, President, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce
WHY: In anticipation of the March 2 special election, a broad group of employers and advocates, including those specializing in infrastructure, education, climate, and more, are partnering to launch Yes for Rhode Island, a coalition advocating a “yes” vote across all seven bond questions.
The coalition will kick-off with a virtual press conference on Wednesday, February 17, at 3:30 p.m., where speakers will address each bond question, share insights regarding the election, and discuss what’s at stake.
The coalition will be airing advertisements on leading cable networks, local RI broadcast affiliates, social media platforms, and more supporting their “Seven Questions, One Answer” campaign.
For the thousands of residents who continue to struggle through this economic crisis, these investments are urgent. Significant funds must be allocated back into the community to ensure a bright post-COVID future for all Rhode Islanders – and that can only happen with a “yes” vote for all seven bond questions.
If approved by Ocean State voters, the seven referenda questions would authorize bonds and temporary notes to make capital investments to repair roads and bridges, save jobs and businesses, expand access to high-quality public education, guarantee clean water and affordable housing, and stimulate economic growth that will benefit Rhode Island families first, not special interests.
While there may be seven different questions, there’s only one answer to ensure a strong, Rhode Island recovery: Vote yes to approve all ballot questions.
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About Yes for Rhode Island
Yes for Rhode Island is a diverse coalition launching the “Seven Questions, One Answer” campaign, informing Rhode Islanders that a “yes” vote across all seven bond questions in March’s special election will be a much-needed investment in our state’s future.
Though the bond questions cover multiple industries, only a “yes” vote across all seven will bring the robust economic investment our state desperately needs following the devastating effects of COVID-19. Labor unions, arts councils, preservation groups, education advocates, and more are joining together under Yes for Rhode Island to stand as one voice for the economic recovery we need.
Coalition partners include Build Rhode Island, the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, Rhode Island Associated General Contractors, Office of the Rhode Island General Treasurer, United Way, Rhode Island State Council of the Arts, the Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, National Education Association Rhode Island, Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, and many more.
Learn more at YesForRI.org.