Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Bankruptcy Filing for Central Coventry Fire District

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said today that a state-appointed lawyer, Robert Flanders, and the Receiver for the Central Coventry Fire District, Steven Hartford, filed a petition in the United States Federal Bankruptcy Court to start Chapter 9 restructuring proceedings in regards to the fire district.

Governor Chafee continued: “This is an unfortunate step. Short of an agreement with the Firefighters Union and restructuring the district’s other debts, bankruptcy is the only tool left to us to finally set the fiscal ship of the Central Coventry Fire District on the right course. I fully expect the district to emerge from the bankruptcy with a reorganized and downsized operation that can pay back its debts and maintain a proper fire and rescue service, as well as assure tax stabilization for the residents.

“For about a year and a half, we have brought both sides – the Central Coventry Fire District and firefighting staff members – together to reconcile their differences. My administration has offered assistance, initiated back-and-forth discussion, and suggested and requested options. I have instructed members of my administration to continue the negotiations in hopes of working toward a resolution. The cost of the fire district has risen beyond the willingness of the taxpayers to pay, and now bankruptcy is the only means available to restructure the district's operations and obligations to restore it to fiscal solvency and stability for the future. While we are unable to predict how long the bankruptcy will take, our objective is to conclude it as soon as possible and obtain a confirmed plan to provide the district with a balanced budget for the next five to six years.

“Throughout my career as a mayor, senator and governor, I have been sensitive to striking the balance between the voice of the local taxpayers and the employees who work in our cities and towns."

Statement from Governor Chafee on the passing of Lila Sapinsley

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said: “I was very saddened to learn of the passing of a dear family friend, Lila Sapinsley. She was a courageous and intelligent public servant who cared deeply for many Rhode Island causes, particularly issues that had an effect on women. In the 1960s, she was a key early supporter of my father. Lila also became my political mentor when she chaired our committee for the 1986 Constitutional Convention. She was the epitome of grace. It was a pleasure to serve with her. Today, Rhode Island lost a woman who dedicated many decades to making our State a better place to live and work.”

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Today’s Decision for a Jury Trial in the Pension Lawsuit

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said, “I am pleased with Judge Taft-Carter’s decision to grant the State’s request for a jury trial in the pension cases. Nevertheless, I continue to hope that settlement discussions will be revisited when the General Assembly returns in January.”

Statement from Governor Chafee and Governor-Elect Raimondo

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and Governor-elect Gina Raimondo met this afternoon at the State House to discuss plans for a seamless transition.

Governor Chafee said: “I was pleased to personally congratulate Governor-elect Raimondo. I look forward to working with the Governor-elect over the next two months to ensure she has everything necessary to prepare her for a successful start of her administration.”


Governor-elect Raimondo said: “I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Governor Chafee today to ensure a smooth transition. Over the next two months, we will be working hard and assembling a topnotch team ready to hit the ground running on day one.”

Statement from the Office of Governor Chafee Regarding Data Sharing with the National Counterterrorism Center

A recent press release from the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island reports that the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles is one of 15 states sharing biometric data from drivers’ licenses with the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).

In regards to this allegation, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said: “On August 20, 2014, Anthony Silva, the Administrator for the DMV, received a letter inquiring about the reported transfer of data to NCTC. Since the receipt of the letter, my administration has done an investigation and has found no evidence of the proactive sharing of information with the NCTC. I look forward to working with the Rhode Island ACLU on this issue.”

For more information, contact: Anthony Silva, Administrator, Rhode Island DMV, 401-462-5705 or anthony.silva@dmv.ri.gov

Statement from Governor Chafee regarding the Investigation into the Contract for Concessions at Three Rhode Island State Beaches

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said today: “Rhode Island State Police officials have briefed me and continue to keep me apprised of the law enforcement agency’s active investigation into the contract for the concessions at three Rhode Island State Beaches.”

According to Governor Chafee’s Director of Communications Faye Zuckerman, state law provides in the Access to Public Records Act (APRA) a clear mandate that state agencies and the Office of the Governor do not release documents or information that might potentially adversely impact an ongoing investigation. The State Police determines what information can and cannot be released, and no state agency or the Governor’s Office will take action during any inquiries.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding His Intention to Sign the FY 2015 Budget

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today said: "The FY 2015 budget passed by the General Assembly, which I intend to sign into law, presents many of my initiatives and some modifications that are encouraging.

"First and foremost, I was pleased that the debate on whether to pay the 38 Studios moral obligation bond ended with the right decision for Rhode Island. I have been unequivocal in my belief that we must honor our debts, however painful. Second, the General Assembly’s FY 2015 budget has a plan to eliminate the toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge by charging a 1-cent gas tax. I have been adamant that absent tolling a reasonable alternative be reached. The reality is we cannot afford to see another bridge completely replaced – at great cost to taxpayers – because of a lack of maintenance.

"I am heartened and commend the legislature for investing in education and our public schools. The budget retains the education aid formula and a tuition freeze for Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island. The $125 million voter bond to enhance URI’s College of Engineering complex will attract and retain talent and is another commendable investment in the future. With the approval of the lease for the Nursing Education Center, which will be headquartered in the former South Street Power Station, the budget buoys my long-term strategy to strengthen the “meds and eds” and grow our Knowledge District. In addition, the $1.5 million for workforce development is a meaningful commitment to worker training and closing the skills gap.

"I was pleased that the voter bonds I had proposed were included in this year’s ballot. The bonds reflect important strategies to grow our economy through improving infrastructure and higher education; enlarging our arts and cultural economy; and protecting Rhode Island’s environment. By maintaining my proposed aid to cities and towns, we continue our work with the municipalities to reverse the damage caused by the previous administration.

"Since taking office, I have proposed reducing the state’s corporate tax rate from 9 percent to 7 percent. I applaud the General Assembly for taking this step through combined reporting to make us more competitive. We need to be mindful that with any budget we put forth, it must be focused on priorities and strategies that send a clear and consistent message far beyond our borders that we honor our commitments, and that the leaders in our state are doing all they can to make Rhode Island a great place to live and work."

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Latest Monthly Employment Statistics

With the latest employment metrics showing a decline in the unemployment rate for five consecutive months and an increase in the number of employed Rhode Island residents and labor force for four consecutive months, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said today, “The latest numbers are the best we have seen. When I took office in January of 2011, the unemployment rate was 11.4 percent and now it’s 8.3 percent. Rhode Island’s approach to economic development continues to pay dividends. Through investments in education, infrastructure and workforce development, we are building our state’s economy in the right manner and creating a solid foundation for the future.”

Governor Chafee is heartened that Rhode Island’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to drop precipitously and is at its lowest level since August 2008. Among the highlights from the latest metrics:

• The April drop of 2,300 in the number of unemployed marks the ninth consecutive month the number has fallen and is the largest one-month decrease on record.
• The number of employed Rhode Island residents increased by 3,600 over the month, the largest one-month increase on record.
• Rhode Island-based jobs were up 4,100 during the first quarter of 2014 the largest first quarter job gain since 1992. In April, another 700 jobs were added.
• Since the recession ended, we have regained 50.5 percent, or 20,100, of the total jobs lost during the recession.
• Rhode Island has also regained 59.2 percent, or 21,500, of the private sector jobs lost during that same time.