RI gov candidate Lynch offers economic plan

PROVIDENCE, R.I.

Democrat Patrick Lynch wants to make it easier for small businesses to get loans and has proposed repealing a tax that led Amazon.com to cut ties with its business affiliates in Rhode Island.

Lynch, the state attorney general and a candidate for governor, released an economic platform on Monday.

Lynch also proposed offering up to two years of community college or technical certification courses for unemployed people pursuing certain industries deemed in demand. Funding for that aid would come from work force grants and federal programs.

Lynch also called for a repeal of a law passed last year that requires Amazon.com to collect state sales tax on online purchases. The online retailer cut its affiliations with businesses in the state in response to the tax.