Rhode Island Enacts Pro-Worker Cooperative Legislation

With the signature of Gov. Gina Raimondo (D), Rhode Island adopted legislation designed to promote worker cooperatives in the state. The legislation (read the text here) would increase state incentives for worker cooperatives and simplify the legal process for becoming one. One of the sponsors of the bill, state Sen. Donna Nesselbush (D-Pawtucket), said, "This legislation is about empowering workers and lifting hard-working people toward the American Dream. . . . Worker cooperatives strengthen the community and provide workers with a direct means of bettering one's life by having a true financial role and stake in their daily jobs. Our state could use more of these innovative corporations."