Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Passing of John Hardiman

I was saddened to hear of the passing of John Hardiman, the state Public Defender. John dedicated his career to defending those who needed help the most. He worked tirelessly in the pursuit of equity and justice. My thoughts are with his family and I wish them peace in this sad and trying time.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Today's First Circuit Decision

I am gratified that the 1st Circuit has recognized our state’s right to refuse a federal request to transfer a prisoner for the purpose of exposing him to the death penalty – a penalty long rejected by the people of Rhode Island.

There is no question that Jason Wayne Pleau is a career criminal who deserves to be punished for his crimes. But as I have previously stated, my involvement in this case is not about Mr. Pleau as an individual, nor is it about the terrible ordeal of the Main family. And it is not about my personal feelings or opinions. It is about maintaining and protecting the sovereignty and laws of the state I was elected to govern, and I am encouraged that the 1st Circuit has recognized that important role.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

I was heartened to learn that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had been awarded – along with Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman – this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

As a U.S. Senator, I traveled to Liberia in 2005 to help monitor the country’s first open and fair presidential election after years of devastating civil war. The people of Liberia chose Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, making her Africa’s first democratically elected female president.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Today's Letter from the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island

After much internal and external discussion and research, I have decided that the State of Rhode Island cannot proceed with the licensing and regulation of medical marijuana compassion centers under current law.

This has been a difficult decision.  I believe that patients with debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, glaucoma and AIDS should have safe, reliable and well-regulated access to marijuana for therapeutic purposes.  Rhode Island has a card and caregiver law currently in place for distributing medical marijuana to patients in need.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding In-State Tuition in Rhode Island

I am pleased that the Board of Governors for Higher Education is poised to approve a measure that would extend in-state tuition to undocumented Rhode Island students who are in all other ways eligible for enrollment at our state’s public colleges and universities.

This measure would make in-state tuition rates available only to those undocumented students who have attended a Rhode Island high school for at least three years and have graduated from that high school or received an equivalent diploma or certificate. The students also will be required to sign an affidavit expressing their commitment to seek legal status as soon as they are eligible to do so.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Representative Gordon

The revelations regarding Representative Gordon and his troubled past are regrettable for all parties involved: for Rep. Gordon, for his family, for the people of Portsmouth, Little Compton, and Tiverton, and for the State of Rhode Island. I sincerely hope that these recent events prompt him to address in a meaningful way the personal difficulties that caused them.

Rep. Gordon has already been expelled by his Republican colleagues from their caucus. Certain minimum standards of conduct must be maintained.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Pending Resignation of Brown University President Ruth J. Simmons

It was with regret that I learned of the pending resignation of Ruth Simmons.

While this is a sad occasion, it is also an opportunity to celebrate Ruth’s exceptional leadership of Brown University over the last 10 years.

Ruth is a true superstar, blazing through the galaxy of higher education. Even among its many bright lights, she shone brightest.