Statement Regarding the Budget Announcement by the House Committee on Finance

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said tonight: “My administration and I will evaluate the budget presented to the House Committee on Finance. I understand that the budgeting process is an exercise in compromise, collaboration and cooperation, and I hope that this budget will move Rhode Island forward.

"Since my first budget, I have proposed and been a proponent of lowering the corporate tax from 9 percent to 7 percent. I applaud the General Assembly for taking this important step to making us more competitive.

"I have been adamant that a reasonable alternative to tolling be reached. The reality is that road and bridge infrastructure needs a consistent funding stream and the money must come from somewhere. Nobody wants to see another bridge completely replaced – at great cost to taxpayers – because of a lack of maintenance. Good transportation infrastructure is closely aligned with building a strong economy. I look forward to examining the plan put forth by the House Committee on Finance.”

Statement from Governor Chafee on Signing House Bill 7050 and Senate Bill 2008

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said: “I wish to thank members of the General Assembly for their swift passage of this bill. I am grateful for their assistance, as this legislation will enable us to pursue our legal options to the best of our ability. The Governor’s Joint Tortfeasor Bill is geared toward facilitating a settlement of claims arising out of 38 Studios.In general, this kind of legislation addresses legal cases where there are multiple defendants. Similar measures were passed to deal with resolution of the Station Fire lawsuits, as well as claims made by DEPCO arising out of the RISDIC scandal. The statute is also consistent with the way the federal government handles the settlement of toxic tort cases.”