PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale, a Republican representing District 40 in Glocester, Foster and Coventry, issued a statement this week regarding the loss of Hasbro to Massachusetts.
The company announced on Monday, Sept. 9 that it would be moving to Boston by the end of 2026, taking with it some 700 full time jobs after nearly a century in Pawtucket.
“Once again, Rhode Island is left watching a major legacy company leave our state despite costly efforts to lure and retain businesses with taxpayer-funded incentive packages,” said Chippendale. “This cycle repeats itself because our leaders fail to focus on improving our dismal, bottom-ranking business climate. Instead, we continue to try to compete in niche sector arenas where we cannot win against our larger neighbors, like Massachusetts.”
“We must stop chasing corporations with taxpayer-funded giveaways, focus on correcting what is driving this exodus, and improve our business climate for those that have invested in our state,” said the House minority leader, who has represented the district since 2010. “Good jobs for our residents and building a solid tax base depends on thoughtful action now. It requires leaders willing to change the status quo — that will fight for reform, not just talk about it while clutching their pearls.”
Chippendale said that it is time that Rhode Island accepts the reality of the state’s geography.
“Our strength is on the water,” he said. “With a world-class deep-water port at Quonset, our naval heritage, and a growing defense and shipbuilding sector, we have assets that cannot be replicated elsewhere in New England. We should focus our strategy and investment on strengthening Rhode Island’s role in maritime commerce, naval research, and defense manufacturing. That is how we create lasting jobs, expand our tax base, and build an economy that plays to our strengths.”
If we are using our waterways we should be collecting some kind of tax on the 40,000+ pleasure boats docking on our shore lines.
Absolutely Agree! Let’s also take advantage of our waterfront in Providence. Get rid of the metal recycling facilities , oil storage tanks and turn Providence’s waterfront into a tourist destination similar to Boston!