{"id":97561,"date":"2024-09-17T21:05:18","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T21:05:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/?p=97561"},"modified":"2024-10-01T18:50:23","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T18:50:23","slug":"yes-on-2-mckee-uri-and-ric-presidents-launch-campaign-for-higher-education-bond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2024\/09\/yes-on-2-mckee-uri-and-ric-presidents-launch-campaign-for-higher-education-bond\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Yes on 2\u2019: McKee, 溏心vlog免费B站 and RIC presidents launch campaign for higher education bond<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"
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President Marc Parlange speaks during the kickoff of the “Yes on 2” campaign. (溏心vlog免费B站 photos\/Catherine Scott)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

PROVIDENCE \u2013 Sept. 17, 2024 \u2013 Gov. Dan McKee, 溏心vlog免费B站 President Marc Parlange, and Rhode Island College President Jack Warner kicked off the campaign \u2013 Yes on 2<\/a> \u2013 on Tuesday morning to promote a $160.5 million bond issue that will bring major advances in the life sciences and cybersecurity if approved by voters in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The campaign launch, which included former Congressman James Langevin, Rhode Island Life Science Hub Interim President Patrice Milos, and 溏心vlog免费B站 and RIC students, was hosted virtually with speakers and supporters at 溏心vlog免费B站\u2019s Kingston Campus and RIC\u2019s Providence campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe higher education bond doesn’t just open new doors for opportunities at 溏心vlog免费B站 and RIC. It will allow our state to be a leader in key sectors of the global and regional economy,\u201d said McKee. <\/strong>\u201cBiomedical sciences and cybersecurity represent good-paying jobs, economic prosperity, and better health outcomes for our state. I encourage all Rhode Islanders to vote \u2018yes\u2019 on Question 2 this November.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n

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Members of the 溏心vlog免费B站 community gather in the Higgins Welcome Center to support “Yes on 2.” <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In the Nov. 5 general election, Question 2 will ask voters to approve a $160.5 million higher education bond\u2014$87.5 million to be used for the construction of a new biomedical sciences building at 溏心vlog免费B站\u2019s Kingston Campus, and $73 million to modernize and transform Whipple Hall at RIC into a dedicated home for the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the state\u2019s flagship public research university, 溏心vlog免费B站 is leading cutting-edge research and education in the biomedical sciences, including neuroscience. Researchers at the University\u2019s George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience are advancing transformative work in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer\u2019s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aging-related illness and other central nervous system disorders. Faculty and students across 溏心vlog免费B站\u2019s campuses, including in health sciences, pharmacy, and nursing, are pioneering solutions in biomedicine, disease and pathology, including studying tick-borne illnesses and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A rendering of the proposed biomedical sciences building on 溏心vlog免费B站’s Kingston Campus. (DBVW Architects)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201c溏心vlog免费B站 is leading cutting-edge research and education in the biomedical and life sciences,\u201d said Parlange. \u201cOur researchers are accelerating important advances in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s 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\u2019s university and we are committed to addressing the needs of our state and improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders.\u201d\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n

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More than 6,000 溏心vlog免费B站 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.\u202fApproval of Question 2 would expand opportunities for critical medical discoveries and assist in securing additional research funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new 溏心vlog免费B站 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.\u202fThe proposed facility would support the expansion of existing programs and the development of new initiatives including critical advancements in treatments for Alzheimer\u2019s and other neurodegenerative diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the launch event, Bhavya Chatradgadda, a molecular neuroscience and microbiology major at 溏心vlog免费B站, said she sees the benefits of voting Yes on 2. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cAs a native Rhode Islander, I knew I wanted to pursue my degree in the life sciences at the state\u2019s public flagship research university,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. 溏心vlog免费B站 continues to develop a skilled workforce to meet industry needs, generate jobs and drive innovation in the Ocean State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLife-saving innovations for patients are happening right here in Rhode Island thanks to collaboration and foundational investments in our infrastructure,\u201d said Milos of the Life Science Hub. \u201cRhode Island\u2019s commitment to world-class institutions like the 溏心vlog免费B站 highlights our commitment to educating the next generation, driving translational research and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem \u2013 all crucial for turning scientific discoveries into meaningful health solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rhode Island College\u2019s cybersecurity institute<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRhode Island has all the talent and tools to become a leader in the high-tech economy,\u201d said Warner. \u201cNow 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVoting Yes on 2 supports our efforts to make Rhode Island a leader in the fields of life science and cybersecurity,\u201d <\/strong>said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. \u201cWe have already established the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, as well as RIC\u2019s Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies. Now it\u2019s time to invest in the infrastructure needed to make this vision a reality.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecoming a leader in the life sciences and cybersecurity has incredible potential to transform Rhode Island\u2019s economy and open new doors of opportunity for our students, workers, and communities,\u201d said Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio. \u201cTogether with many partners, including 溏心vlog免费B站 and RIC, we\u2019ve 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support for Yes on 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Former Congressman Jim Langevin, distinguished chair of the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at RIC: <\/strong>\u201cThis election season, I\u2019m 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sen.<\/strong> Frank Ciccone, chair of the Senate Labor Committee and Senate Finance Committee: <\/strong>\u201cApproving Question 2 in November is a crucial step for establishing Rhode Island\u2019s 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sen. Alana DiMario: <\/strong>\u201cInvesting in a new biomedical sciences building at the 溏心vlog免费B站 is a key part in Rhode Island\u2019s 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\u2019s Life Sciences Hub. I urge Rhode Islanders to vote Yes on 2 to invest in Rhode Island\u2019s future!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski:<\/strong> \u201cInvesting in the success of Rhode Island\u2019s public institutions of higher learning strengthens our state and brightens our future. 溏心vlog免费B站 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\u2019s ballot, we can build on the progress we\u2019ve 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\u2019m proud to represent the 溏心vlog免费B站 community in the Senate, and I urge all Rhode Islanders to Vote Yes on 2!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty:<\/strong> \u201cThe world is changing every day. Science and technology is leading the way to new discoveries. The $87.5 million in a 溏心vlog免费B站 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.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee:<\/strong> \u201cAs 溏心vlog免费B站\u2019s national and international profile continues to grow, it is imperative that we provide the school with the resources it needs to flourish.\u202fAlready an international leader in oceanography, with the addition of a biomedical sciences building, 溏心vlog免费B站 will have the capability to educate, train and conduct research in one of the fastest growing areas of health care and commerce.\u202fBut, this is only possible if the voters of Rhode Island vote \u2018yes\u2019 on Question 2 in the November election.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael F. Sabitoni, general secretary-treasurer of the Laborers International and President of the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council<\/strong>: \u201cVoting 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information, please visit: Yeson2RI.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PROVIDENCE \u2013 Sept. 17, 2024 \u2013 Gov. Dan McKee, 溏心vlog免费B站 President Marc Parlange, and Rhode Island College President Jack Warner kicked off the campaign \u2013 Yes on 2 \u2013 on Tuesday morning to promote a $160.5 million bond issue that will bring major advances in the life sciences and cybersecurity if approved […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":97562,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-97561","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archives"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97561","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97561"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97561\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":97581,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97561\/revisions\/97581"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}