Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding a Recent Education Reform Conversation

I was very glad that Deborah Gist, our Commissioner of Education, was able to join me and several statewide labor leaders for a private conversation with Diane Ravitch during Ms. Ravitch’s recent visit to Rhode Island. We enjoyed a lively discussion about many aspects of education reform. From my perspective, Commissioner Gist comported herself in an appropriate and respectful way at all times during this discussion.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Revenue Estimating Conference

The results of the May Revenue Estimating Conference indicate that our economy is starting to pick up steam, although we remain far from a complete economic recovery. Still, this is good news for Rhode Island.

I look forward to discussing the implications of this encouraging revenue estimate with the leadership of the General Assembly as I continue to work with them to produce a balanced budget that invests in Rhode Island’s future.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Compassion Centers

The United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island delivered a letter to me on Friday afternoon which was copied to the Director of the Department of Health and the three Compassion Center applicants. That letter, as well as similar letters sent to officials in other states, clarified the Department of Justice’s position on medical marijuana. The Department of Justice previously indicated that it would not focus its limited resources on doctors and their sick patients who prescribe and use marijuana if such use was permitted by state law. This position was interpreted by some states as giving them latitude to authorize medical marijuana cultivation and distribution programs. Friday’s letter makes it clear that DOJ will now pursue certain commercial cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana, even if such cultivation and distribution is permitted by state law. Compassion centers, their owners, landlords, financiers and other operations “facilitators” are identified as potential targets of federal law enforcement activities.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Marriage Equality Legislation

I have long been an advocate for marriage equality and, while I had hoped that legislation enacting it would have reached my desk this year, I respect Speaker Fox’s assessment as announced today. I do believe passage of civil union legislation would be a step forward for our state and I would sign such a bill if and when it reaches my desk.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Resignation of Major General Robert T. Bray, Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island

It was with great gratitude for his service that I learned of the resignation of Major General Robert T. Bray, who steps down as the Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island.

Major General Bray's many awards and decorations are a testament to his leadership ability and decades-long commitment to the National Guard. During his tenure as Rhode Island's Adjutant General, he has overseen the deployment of more than 3,500 Rhode Island Army and Air National Guard members, the largest deployment of Rhode Island National Guard members since the Civil War. Additionally, his leadership of the Emergency Management Agency has resulted in its complete reorganization into a world-class agency that has proved its mettle during numerous natural disasters, including the floods of 2010.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Fidelity

Governor Chafee is pleased that Fidelity has chosen to continue to grow its business presence in Rhode Island. The Governor believes that a large number of the 1,100 Marlborough-based employees will be transferred to Rhode Island over the coming 2 year period.

The Governor’s staff has been in touch with Fidelity executives today and the Governor will be meeting in the near future with Fidelity executives to learn more about their Rhode Island growth plans and to discuss ways in which Rhode Island can be of assistance in those plans. In addition, the Governor is pleased that Fidelity’s decision to expand its Rhode Island presence has been made in light of the Governor’s plans to revise the corporate income tax policies of the state as proposed in his budget address.