Rep. McLaughlin Named Co-Chairman of Legislative Defense Economy Planning Commission
STATE HOUSE — Rep. James N. McLaughlin (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls) has been appointed co-chairman of the Special Legislative Commission on Defense Economy Planning by Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick).
The panel was created by the General Assembly in 2010 to make recommendations on policies to help preserve the state’s current defense economy and provide incentives for new investments. The commission includes members of the House and the Senate as well as representatives of the defense industry, the military, business, transportation and education. He will lead the panel with co-chairman Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton).
“I’m honored to help lead the Defense Economy Planning Commission,” said Representative McLaughlin. “I look forward to focusing on an important sector of Rhode Island’s economy — the defense industry. It’s important to make sure this sector continues to thrive in our state.”
In addition to his new position, Representative McLaughlin has also been appointed first vice chairman of the House Committee on Health and Human Services, second vice chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and a member of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
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