Gov. Lincoln Chafee signs an executive order calling for increasing minority hiring and contracting by Rhode Island. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
By The Associated Press and WPRO Newsroom
Rhode Island's governor has issued an executive order he says will increase the number of minorities working in state government.
Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed the order Thursday surrounded by leaders in the state's minority communities.
The independent governor says it's important for the state workforce to reflect Rhode Island's changing demographics. While minorities now make up nearly a quarter of the state's population, they hold only 15 percent of state jobs.
The executive order calls on state agencies to identify ways to increase minority hiring and requires the state's Department of Administration to compile annual progress reports.
The order also aims to increase the number of minority-owned businesses with state contracts.
