Today,
I signed into law House Bill 5083 Aaa and Senate Bill 0026 Aaa that would
require Bryant University and the Town of Smithfield to negotiate a memorandum
of agreement regarding payment for police, fire, and rescue services. In the
absence of an agreement by March 1, 2014, Bryant University would begin
reimbursing the town for such services.
I believe that the Town of Smithfield and the University have an opportunity to
collaborate and work out an agreement that is beneficial to both entities.
Fostering a strong relationship takes a lot of work and requires both parties
to participate wholeheartedly. I support the bills, sponsored by Representative
Thomas Winfield and by Senator Stephen Archambault, and passed by the General
Assembly, that focus on improving the relationship through good faith
negotiations. This legislation is not about taxing a non-profit or
undermining its IRS protections, but it is about bringing both partners to the
table to strike a balanced and fair
relationship.
