Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

The word “tragedy” is used often these days, but it is difficult to think of a more truly tragic turn of events than what occurred in Newtown, Connecticut earlier today.

On behalf of all the people of Rhode Island, our most sincere condolences and sympathy are with the families of the victims of this horrendous crime.

Colonel O’Donnell of the State Police and Secretary Costantino of the Office of Health and Human Services have reached out to Connecticut public safety officials to offer the full support and services of the State of Rhode Island. We will assist in any way possible to help the people of our neighboring state during this unthinkably trying time.

We are taught, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” As the families of today’s many innocent victims mourn this senseless loss of life, the thoughts and prayers of the people of Rhode Island and the people of our nation are with them – and will remain with them. It is my hope that they are able to find some small measure of comfort in the many fine memories of their loved ones that were made before this terrible day.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Passing of the Honorable Joseph R. Weisberger

I was saddened to learn of the passing of retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph Weisberger, a legendary jurist whose legacy looms large in the judicial history of our great state.

Justice Weisberger was so widely admired and respected because he embodied all that the state’s highest court should be: deliberative, fair, scholarly, and seeking always and above all else clarity, justice, and truth.

Throughout his long life, Justice Weisberger demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service. He interrupted his studies to serve as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy during World War II and served in the Rhode Island Senate before his appointment to the Rhode Island Superior Court in 1956. In 1978, he rose to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, serving as Acting Chief Justice from 1993 to 1995, and finally as Chief Justice from 1995 until his retirement in 2001.

Justice Weisberger’s accomplished judicial career was marked by an expansive wisdom and an enduring love for the law. Indeed, even after retiring, he remained active in assisting the Court on which he served admirably for more than two decades.

Justice Weisberger shaped the lives of Rhode Islanders in countless ways. Today is a day not only to mourn his passing, but to celebrate the remarkable legacy that will live on long after him.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

I have confidence in the state’s legal case. But a strong case does not guarantee a win. I am therefore reluctant to rely exclusively on the uncertain outcomes of litigation. The most prudent approach is to continue to aggressively press the state’s case in court while, at the same time, exploring reasonable settlement options that could yield favorable alternatives in the best interest of the taxpayers. Engaging in settlement discussions is a near-universal practice during high-stakes litigation.

Some have said that now is not the time for negotiation. I disagree. The state has leverage only so long as there is still uncertainty as to the outcome of this case – a time period that grows shorter with each passing day.

I have great respect for the judicial system. Indeed, thoughtful discussions and settlement negotiations are an integral part of that system. All or nothing is not the only course, as any judge will tell you.

I have been disappointed that state leaders in a position to engage in reasonable discussions have chosen not to do so. There is no harm in talking, but the consequences of failing to talk could be tremendous, in a case where a loss – in the Treasurer’s own words – would be a “fiscal calamity.” It is my continued hope that other state leaders will join me in working to find common ground to protect the interests of Rhode Island taxpayers and the retirement security of all public employees.

A Thanksgiving Message from Governor Chafee

Fellow Rhode Islanders,

As we prepare to gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is my hope that the holiday will give all of us occasion to reflect on our many blessings and to commit ourselves to creating a better world for our children and the generations to come.

Let us focus not on what divides us, but what unites us; let us work toward a more civil public discourse, with a tone of tolerance and respect; let us seek a more peaceful world built upon common bonds, common interests, and common kindness.

Let us resolve, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, who formally established a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863, to follow the “better angels of our nature.”

Despite the difficulty that has marked recent years, we, as a state, have much to be grateful for and many reasons to feel optimism for the months and years to come. I wish you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and happy Thanksgiving.

Lincoln D. Chafee

Governor

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

I am announcing today my intention to appoint George Caruolo as Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Education, pending confirmation by the Rhode Island Senate.

During his time as a state representative, George earned a reputation as an active participant in our state’s efforts to improve public education. More recently, I have witnessed first-hand George’s energy, knowledge, and experience as a member of the Board of Regents. He is a tireless advocate for our state’s students. George’s four children went through the Rhode Island public school system, and he is committed to joining me in working to make Rhode Island’s schools, colleges, and universities the finest in the nation.

The consolidation of the Boards of Regents and Governors, passed by the legislature in June, affects an extraordinarily important sector of Rhode Island – our education system. A great deal of work needs to be done before the reconstituted Board is up and running well.

In my twenty years of public service, I have always given a priority to public education. Most recently, that has been evident through increases in the budget for elementary, secondary, and higher education.

With this in mind, it is my hope that this redesigned Board will have enhanced ability for greater planning, coordination, and resource allocation from kindergarten to higher education. This will produce benefits for our students, our economy, and all Rhode Islanders.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Re-election of President Barack Obama

I am pleased that the American people have chosen to re-elect a President who is moving our country forward and is committed to building a sustainable economy in which all Americans have the opportunity to prosper.

President Obama has been a friend to and supporter of the State of Rhode Island, which has been hit harder than most by the economic downturn. But we are seeing improvement, and I believe the President’s recovery efforts have had a significant role in our turnaround.

President Obama has proven himself to be willing to forge compromise to solve our most pressing problems. His health care overhaul was crafted based on models championed by my father and other moderate Republicans in an earlier, less partisan era. He is committed to strengthening the middle class, investing in American education, protecting our environment, and restoring America’s place in the international community through smart and responsible leadership. These are goals we all should share.

The American people had an important choice to make in this election, one that will have consequences not only for us but for our children and their future. The voters chose to continue building a better, stronger nation. I look forward to continuing to work with President Obama to find solutions that will benefit the people of Rhode Island and the people of our country.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Passing of Senator Arlen Specter

I was honored to serve for seven years alongside Arlen Specter in the United States Senate. As members of the “mod squad,” we worked over weekly lunches to find bipartisan solutions to the country’s challenges, joining together to resist the increasing pull toward partisanism and extremism. I am particularly grateful that, as Chairman of the important Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Specter was generous to Rhode Island. I found that one of the best ways for Senators to get to know one another was travelling on foreign trips, and I was fortunate to travel throughout South and Central America with Senator Specter. During this trip, I got to know a man who was thoughtful, intelligent, and deeply devoted to his constituents and his country. He should be remembered as a man who put the people’s business above partisan concerns, a characteristic that is, sadly, increasingly rare.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist

I am very pleased to report that Commissioner Gist has undergone surgery and that it went extremely well, with no apparent complications. The Commissioner is making a fine recovery so far, and her doctors expect that she will be able to leave the hospital within a day or two.

The many messages of support that the Commissioner has received from across the entire community have been a great comfort to her during this ordeal. I join with all friends of education in Rhode Island in hoping and expecting that Commissioner Gist will make a rapid and full recovery and that she will soon be able to resume her important work on behalf of Rhode Island students.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

Today, I am pleased to announce that the United States Bankruptcy Court affirmed a plan that promises to return the highly distressed city of Central Falls to a financially viable community. As a result of this plan the city will have a balanced budget until 2017 including a sustainable pension and healthcare system for retirees. I want to thank Rosemary Booth-Gallogly, Robert Flanders, Theodore Orson and all the other people that worked tirelessly to see this through.

None of this would have been possible without collaboration on the part of the legislature, the unions, the city employees and the retirees. All of these people worked tirelessly and made great sacrifices to ensure that Central Falls will once again have the opportunity to become the thriving community it once was.

Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

This afternoon, Governor Chafee and State Police Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Studley visited RIPTA headquarters in Providence.

 
The purpose of their visit was for Lieutenant Colonel Studley, who will be assisting RIPTA with management and helping to improve operations, to get to know the employees with whom he will be working. It was also an opportunity for Governor Chafee to speak directly with RIPTA personnel about the situation and assure them of his support for the many hardworking, honest employees who were not involved with any alleged wrongdoing.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

This morning, a petition for writ of certiorari was filed with the United States Supreme Court on behalf of the State of Rhode Island.

The petition seeks a review of a 1st Circuit Court of Appeals decision which held that the federal government did not need to abide by the terms of the Interstate Agreement on Detainers (IAD), an interstate compact and federal law. The IAD, to which 48 states and the federal government are parties, authorizes any state or federal party to deny a request to transfer a prisoner to another party.

This is a significant states’ rights matter. The parties to this important interstate compact rely on the even-handed and fair administration of the detainer system to reliably move prisoners from one state to another. If the uniform rules of this agreement are applicable only to the states and can be disregarded by the federal government, it is in the best interest of all states to know that is the case immediately. That is the primary reason why the State of Rhode Island is pursuing this case before the Supreme Court.

Because of the important states’ rights issues at stake, Patricia Millett, a partner with the firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and the head of its Supreme Court litigation group, is handling this case on the state’s behalf pro bono, that is, at no cost to the Rhode Island taxpayer.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

Underage drinking is a major problem in Rhode Island and across the country.

With that in mind, the so-called “social host” law has been broadly designed to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring and to protect the young people of our state.

Throughout this process, Stephanie and I have taken this matter seriously and have been concerned and disappointed by the details of the event in question, as any parents would be.

Caleb will accept responsibility for his actions and, in addition to any legal consequences that result, we will continue to deal with this matter as a family. It is our hope that this event, however regrettable, has provided an opportunity for a dialogue about the dangerous and potentially harmful effects of underage drinking. Hopefully many parents took this occasion to speak with their children about this important topic.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation

Yesterday, Keith Stokes offered his resignation as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), which I accepted.

I thank Keith for his service to Rhode Island, not only at the helm of the EDC, but also as a former Board member of that agency and as the long-time Executive Director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce.

Keith is committed to seeing Rhode Island succeed and I am confident that he will continue to be very involved in the state he loves.

Statement from Governor Chafee: Proposed Pay Raises "Unacceptable"

I strongly object to this contract proposal, which would provide a 3% compounded raise for 3 years at a time when other state employees are making daily financial sacrifice, when taxpayers of our state are under severe strain, and when families with students attending our public institutions of higher education are facing tuition increases of 9.5% at URI, 7.5% at CCRI, and 4% at RIC.

It’s not that these fine faculty and staff members don’t deserve a raise, but when other state employees have seen their COLAs cut and their pensions altered, this is an issue of basic fairness and common sense.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding National Guard Spc. Dennis P. Weichel

Specialist Dennis Weichel’s life was marked by bravery, selflessness, and commitment to others – and unfortunately it was in demonstrating these remarkable characteristics that it was lost. Specialist Weichel will be remembered by his fellow soldiers and commanding officers as a dedicated member of the Rhode Island National Guard. He will be remembered by friends and family as a devoted father to Nicholas, Hope, and Madison and a beloved son to Linda and Dennis. And he will be remembered, and mourned, by people across our state as a great Rhode Islander. Specialist Weichel will be deeply missed, and his loved ones are in my thoughts during this difficult time. I hope that they are able to find some comfort in their many fine memories of him.


Read the Press Release

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Announcement of Christina Hull Paxson as Brown University’s 19th President

I was pleased to learn of the election of Christina Hull Paxson as the 19th President of Brown University.

Dr. Paxson no doubt knows that she has big shoes to fill, but I am confident that she will continue the excellent leadership of her predecessor, Ruth Simmons.

As Governor, I am acutely aware of the important role Brown plays in our state. It is a pillar of our civic and cultural life, and a major driver of the economies of Providence and Rhode Island. As I focus on bringing job creation and innovation to the Knowledge District and ensuring fiscal stability in our capital city, Dr. Paxson will be a key partner. I look forward to working with her and, on behalf of the people of Rhode Island, welcome her and her family to our great state.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Passing of Governor J. Joseph Garrahy

I was shocked and saddened to learn this morning of the passing of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy.

Governor Garrahy truly had an unending love for the people of Rhode Island, and in return he earned the respect, admiration, and affection of the people of this great state. He was a true gentleman, down-to-earth and lacking any pretense.

Governor Garrahy had a gift for making progress quickly while managing to make as few waves as possible in the process. He was unassuming, but he delivered results.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Formal Ending of the Iraq War

As one of only 23 Senators – and the lone Republican – to vote against the Iraq War, I am grateful that we have finally reached this day.

I have long been an advocate of George Kennan’s philosophy of containment, which served the United States so well during the Cold War years, and I was amazed at how quickly we abandoned such a successful philosophy.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Occupy Providence

Under state policy, overnight camping is not permitted on the State House lawn and, as signs posted on the State House grounds indicate, tents may not be erected without the proper permitting, which must be obtained well in advance. Events taking place on the State House lawn also must conclude prior to midnight, unless prior written approval is granted. The Occupy Providence protestors have previously been notified of these facts in both written and verbal form.

However, through good-faith negotiations and productive discussions, representatives of Occupy Providence have agreed to a prompt, peaceful, and orderly departure from the State House grounds. In exchange, the Governor has agreed to temporarily waive some of these policies.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Complaint Filed Today in Superior Court

This lawsuit was not unexpected, and the Lt. Governor and I remain confident in our legal position and comfortable with the path we have taken to establish Rhode Island’s Health Benefits Exchange. Without our action to establish this exchange, Rhode Island would have missed out on more than $58 million in funding and would have, instead, had a one-size-fits-all, generic system imposed on it by the Federal Government.