Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Today’s Actions by Moody’s Investors Service

I am confident that we will continue to honor our obligations. We want to send a clear message to the investment community that Rhode Island is a place that will make the difficult but necessary decisions for the long-term health of our state.

I believe that the General Assembly will do the right thing to protect the reputation and borrowing ability of Rhode Island.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

I am pleased that we have reached an agreement with Commissioner Gist. The Commissioner and I have enjoyed a productive and positive relationship over the past several years, and I look forward to continuing to work with her on behalf of Rhode Island’s students.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg

I was saddened to learn this morning of the death of Senator Frank Lautenberg, who for decades represented the people of New Jersey with distinction, dedication, and honor.

He also served his nation as a member of the United States Army Signal Corps in the Second World War. Senator Lautenberg’s passing marks a significant milestone: at the time of his death, he was the only World War II veteran in the Senate – the last of a group that once included Senators Daniel Inouye, Bob Dole, John F. Kennedy, George McGovern, Ted Stevens, and John Chafee, among many others. These men, representatives of a generation forged by battle and sacrifice abroad, came to understand the value of public service early in life, and continued that honorable service in the political arena after returning home.

I was fortunate to serve alongside Senator Lautenberg on the Environment & Public Works Committee, where I was proud to stand with him in defense of some of the most critical environmental legislation of our time, such as the Clean Air & Clean Water Acts and a sensible Endangered Species Act. Senator Lautenberg and I also shared a belief in the importance of investing in our public infrastructure, and worked together to secure passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005.

In his three decades in the United States Senate, Frank Lautenberg upheld that Chamber’s long legacy of serious, collaborative work carried out for the good of the people. He will be missed, not just in his home State of New Jersey, but across the country.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee on the Passing of Former Rhode Island First Lady Elena Pastore

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Rhode Island’s former First Lady Elena Pastore. A devoted mother, she was surrounded at the time of her death by numerous loved ones, including her daughter.

From the very beginning, it was clear that Elena Pastore was special. Born on Leap Day in 1920, she grew up one of 10 children in a large, Italian-American family in Providence.

Although she was only in her early 20s when her husband, John Pastore, became Governor, she was his most important and trusted political advisor. Throughout his long career – in which he was both the first Italian-American Governor and U.S. Senator – Elena was by his side, his companion, confidante, and counselor. Those who knew John and Elena well had little doubt that she was a key ingredient to his tremendous success.

Elena helped raise and nurture three accomplished children, including her son, Dr. John O. Pastore, Jr., who was secretary of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War when the group won the Nobel Peace Prize.

John Pastore is among the most beloved leaders the State of Rhode Island has ever known; we have now lost the extraordinary woman without whom his distinguished career would not have been possible. When we consider the many contributions Governor and Senator Pastore made to his home state, we should thank Elena, as well. She will be missed.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Senate Passage of the Marriage Equality Act

I am always proud to be a Rhode Islander, but never more so than today.

After yesterday’s Judiciary Committee vote, I expressed my hope that the full Rhode Island Senate would pass a bill that chooses tolerance and fairness over division and discrimination. In passing the Marriage Equality Act, they have done just that.

I thank the Senators who have taken a stand to move Rhode Island forward and commend the Senate President for calling the roll. Great credit should go to Ray Sullivan, everyone at Rhode Islanders United for Marriage, and the countless volunteers who knocked on doors and participated in phone banks. Finally, I want to applaud the pioneers, such as the late Julie Pell, who for decades have fought for the fundamental rights of gay and lesbian Rhode Islanders. This day would not have been possible without their efforts.

Pending the final vote by the House of Representatives, Rhode Island will no longer be an outlier in our region. We will have the welcome mat out. We will be open for business, and we will once again affirm our legacy as a place that is tolerant and appreciative of diversity.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Today’s Senate Judiciary Committee Vote on Marriage Equality

I am pleased that the Committee members have chosen to move Rhode Island forward. Marriage equality legislation has now come farther than ever before in the Rhode Island Senate.

Rhode Island currently stands as an island of inequality in our region. At this time of intense economic competition, we cannot afford to lag behind our New England neighbors and New York in this important area.

There is still work to be done. Over the next 24 hours, I encourage Rhode Islanders to contact their Senators to urge passage of a bill that chooses tolerance and fairness over division and discrimination. I believe that when the roll is called, marriage equality will become law in Rhode Island.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

I was shocked and saddened to learn of the events that have taken place in Boston today. The thoughts and prayers of the people of our state are with the victims and their families and all of our neighbors in Massachusetts.

Representatives of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, National Guard, and State Police are in close contact with their counterparts in Massachusetts and have offered their full support and cooperation during this difficult time.

Thankfully, I have not learned of any Rhode Islanders injured, but my office will provide an update should any further information become available.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Today’s Situation at the University of Rhode Island

First and foremost, I am relieved and grateful that no one was seriously injured today at the University of Rhode Island.

I commend the Rhode Island State Police, local law enforcement officials, and URI public safety for their quick response and thorough, ongoing investigation into this matter.

While I am pleased that initial reports of an active shooter proved to be unfounded, incidents such as this offer an important opportunity to review our emergency operations, and that will certainly be the case here. We will take a close look at how this serious and potentially dangerous situation was handled.

Keeping students safe and secure is the most important responsibility of schools at all levels, and today’s events are a reminder that we must be vigilant of the potential for dangerous situations to arise in our places of learning.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding a Referendum on Marriage Equality

 Since my time as a state delegate to the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention of 1986, I have been consistent in my view that in a representative democracy lawmakers have the responsibility to make decisions on matters both monumental and routine.

This is a question that should be taken up by the General Assembly, whose members were sent to the State House to represent their constituents and the people of Rhode Island – a majority of whom support marriage equality. Just as the House overwhelming passed the marriage equality bill in January, the Senate should take an up or down vote on this critical issue.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

A great deal of misconception has been generated over the past several days regarding the preliminary findings of the work done by Ken Block. This work was commissioned by my administration for internal use to find any instances of waste, fraud, abuse, or process failure that could be remedied to save taxpayer dollars. These findings are now being reviewed and are currently being turned over to various appropriate agencies for investigation and process corrections to save taxpayer dollars.

I remain committed to transparency and if, at the appropriate time, a determination is made that publicly releasing the information will not jeopardize our ability to root out fraud and abuse, I will certainly do so. The work with Ken Block, the Office of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Human Services is continuing. Additionally, my FY2013 budget contained funding for an integrity unit within OHHS. Those positions are now being filled and recently an RFP has been issued to contract with a vendor to add an additional layer of waste and fraud prevention to the current system.

I have chosen at this time not to release the preliminary findings to protect our ability to adequately investigate them. As I stated on “10 News Conference,” what should matter to Rhode Islanders is that my administration commissioned this work and is acting on it.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Today’s Revised Employment Statistics

I am encouraged, though not surprised, to see that our economic recovery in Rhode Island has been more robust than originally reported, with December’s unemployment rate falling below 10 percent for the first time in nearly four years.

By investing in the necessary fundamentals of a sustainable economy – quality public education, sound infrastructure, and workforce development – my administration has been working day-in and day-out to bolster Rhode Island’s recovery. We have created a climate of certainty, stability, and predictability, giving employers the confidence to invest and create jobs in our state.

In particular, I believe my administration’s support of a consistent and fair K-12 funding formula, our investment in higher education, our conservative approach to transportation financing, our proactive work in regulatory reform, our efforts toward property tax relief and municipal stability, and our renewed focus on work-readiness and training have sent a clear and positive message to the private sector.

The state is being managed well. Our revenues are exceeding projections and state departments and agencies are controlling spending. We are being responsible with hard-earned taxpayer dollars. Things are getting better in Rhode Island, and I look forward to continuing to move our state forward with an improved and sustainable economy.

Joint Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, RIPTA Chairman & Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, and Interim Executive Director & State Police Lt. Col. Raymond Studley

We first want to express our condolences to the family of the victim and our support for the passengers and driver who witnessed this troubling incident. This was an isolated event and Rhode Islanders should continue to be confident in their safety while using RIPTA. We have full confidence that the Portsmouth Police will conduct a full and thorough investigation and we will assist that investigation in any way possible.

Media inquiries should be directed to the Portsmouth Police Department.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Passing of Barbara M. Leonard

I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Secretary of State Barbara Leonard, who served the state she loved so well and in so many ways throughout her long life.

Barbara took over Lincoln’s H & H Screw Products Manufacturing Company after the sudden death of her husband, running the company from 1977 to 1985.

But Barbara was also called to public service. In addition to her tenure as Secretary of State, Barbara served, under Governors Garrahy and DiPrete, on the Boards of the Rhode Island Port Authority; the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation; the Rhode Island Job Training Council; the Rhode Island Vocational Education Advisory Board; the Board of Commissioners of Public Telecommunications; the Rhode Island Advisory Committee on Refugee Resettlement; the Veterans Memorial Commission; and the Rhode Island Commodores. She also was appointed by President Reagan to serve as New England Regional Administrator for the General Services Administration.

Barbara was one of a number of accomplished women who served in statewide office during the 1980s and 1990s. Since that time, I am pleased to note that we have made significant progress in terms of female leadership in elected and appointed positions in our state, but remarkable women such as Barbara led the way.

Rhode Island is a better place because of Barbara’s life and service, and it is my hope that her family can find some comfort in their many fine memories of her.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding House Passage of Marriage Equality Legislation

There are certain legislative votes that can fairly be characterized as “historic.” The Rhode Island House of Representatives’ overwhelming passage of marriage equality legislation is one such vote.

I think most immediately of the pioneers of the House who have been working to achieve this goal for many years. Former state representatives such as Michael Pisaturo, who first introduced the Equal Access to Marriage Act in the mid-1990s, David Cicilline, who was the lone member of the House Judiciary Committee to vote in favor of marriage equality legislation in 2001, and Ray Sullivan. And current members such as Speaker Fox, Chairwoman Ajello, Deputy Majority Leader Ferri, and Chairman Handy, the bill’s longtime sponsor. I think also of activists such as the late Julie Pell, who certainly would have been encouraged to see this significant step forward.

Although this vote is indeed historic, there is still a long way to go. Now that the House has swiftly acted, I urge Senate leadership to “call the roll” – for our economy, for our gay and lesbian friends and neighbors, and for history.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding this Afternoon’s House Judiciary Committee Vote

I am pleased that, with the House Judiciary Committee’s vote this afternoon, Rhode Island has taken another significant step forward toward marriage equality.

As I noted in my State of the State Address last week, there are a number of reasons why we should bring marriage equality to Rhode Island this year. It is a civil rights issue, it is an issue of basic fairness, and it is an economic development issue. We are at an economic disadvantage with our neighboring states when we do not ‘have the welcome mat out’ for all those who want to work here and contribute to our economy. Rhode Island already lags behind all of our New England neighbors on this issue; we should swiftly remedy that for the good of our economy and the rights of our citizens.

With this afternoon’s vote, we are one step closer to the day when gay and lesbian Rhode Islanders can enjoy the same fundamental rights, benefits, and privileges as all other citizens of our state. It is my hope that that day will come soon. I urge the leaders of the House and Senate to call the roll, and I will be proud to sign this important legislation when it reaches my desk.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s Denial of Certiorari in the Matter of Jason Wayne Pleau

I am disappointed that the United States Supreme Court has decided not to review this important case. Rhode Island and 47 other states entered into the Interstate Agreement on Detainers in good faith. That Agreement authorizes Governors to refuse a prisoner transfer request when it would violate the custodial state’s public policy. I invoked the Agreement to block the transfer of Mr. Pleau to federal custody because it appeared that the sole purpose of that transfer was to subject Mr. Pleau to the death penalty – a penalty that Rhode Island has long rejected. The federal government was obligated to respect Rhode Island’s right, as a co-equal party to the Agreement, to refuse to transfer this prisoner. That it did not and that the federal courts did not enforce the express terms of the Agreement is cause for concern both for the future of the Agreement and for our federalism.

I want to thank the National Governors Association, which represents the Governors of all 50 states, the Council of State Governments, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Cato Institute, the Independence Institute, the ACLU, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, various offices of the Federal Defender, the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Puerto Rico Bar Association, the National Association of Extradition Officials, and the Attorneys General of Ohio, New Mexico, Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, and Kansas – widely disparate groups all of whom filed amicus briefs with the Court in support of Rhode Island’s position in this case. I also wish to thank Patricia A. Millett and the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld for the exceptional work they did on this case – all of it without charge to the taxpayers of the State of Rhode Island.

As I have repeatedly said, my involvement in this case was not about Mr. Pleau personally, but rather about critical states’ rights issues.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

Governor Lincoln Chafee announced today that George Caruolo, his recent nominee to be chair of the new Board of Education, has requested that his name be withdrawn from consideration for that post.

Governor Chafee stated, “George came to me and informed me that the scope of his position and the time commitment necessary were far more extensive than he realized when he agreed to take the position. I reluctantly agreed to his request. He has done fine work for my administration as chair of the Board of Regents and I was looking forward to working with him in this new position. He is a valued advisor and remains so.”

Caruolo stated, “I told the Governor that I was sorry to withdraw and I was appreciative of his confidence in me, but that the more I investigated what had to be done in the coming months, the more it was interfering with my need to support my family. I told him that I still had two children in college and that I felt that to do this job correctly would require virtually a full time effort. That is particularly true during the period when the new structure is designed and implemented. I explained that if I could not dedicate enough time then it was unfair to everyone to have me fill that job. I thanked him for his understanding.”

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

Governor Malloy of Connecticut recently sent a letter to his fellow Governors asking us to join him in declaring a moment of silence in our respective states on the one-week anniversary of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

This moment of silence would be accompanied by the ringing of bells by buildings that have the ability to do so, such as schools and houses of worship. The bells would ring 26 times – once for each life taken at Sandy Hook School, 20 students and 6 educators.

I believe that Governor Malloy chose the number 26 because this particular tribute is focused on the horrible events that unfolded at Sandy Hook School last Friday. The time of 9:30, for example, marks the commencement of the shootings at the school.

We, of course, have honored Governor Malloy’s request and followed his lead in shaping this tribute to the victims of the Sandy Hook School shootings. Of course, particular institutions can express their remembrance in the way with which they are most comfortable.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

As I have said, it is common practice and a wise approach for settlement discussions to be held while litigation is proceeding. I am therefore pleased – though not surprised – at Judge Taft-Carter’s order for mediation talks.

While the state has a strong case, a strong case does not guarantee a win. A negotiated settlement that is satisfactory to both sides could be in the best financial interest of the Rhode Island taxpayers. Such an outcome would be a favorable alternative to costly, uncertain litigation and – worst of all – the “fiscal calamity” of a potential loss in court.

Throughout my time in public office, I have believed in coming together to find common ground and common solutions. Again and again, I have seen the success that can come from a cooperative approach, whether during the dispute between Warwick teachers and the School Committee when I was Mayor, in the Central Falls teachers’ crisis, or, more recently, as Governor, the agreements on the airport runway extension and between Brown and the city of Providence. I have learned that all-or-nothing is an approach that can bring a tremendous potential downside. There simply is no harm in talking. Judge Taft-Carter’s decision demonstrates the wisdom of this course, and I look forward to continuing this important process.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye

I was saddened to learn that our nation’s most senior Senator, Daniel Inouye, has passed away. From his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1959, the year Hawaii became a state, until his death today, Senator Inouye’s time in Congress spanned – remarkably – the entire period of Hawaiian statehood.

Senator Inouye and my father were close friends, their relationship forged over their shared experience of military service in World War II.

On a personal note, I was fortunate to spend time working alongside Senator Inouye through our membership in the Gang of 14. There was a genuine warmth and sincerity to him that I will truly miss.