RI Awarded Unprecedented $58 Million in Level II Funding for Health Benefits Exchange

Governor Lincoln Chafee and Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts announced on November 29 that RI will be the first state in the nation to receive Level II funding for its Health Benefits Exchange. The additional federal funding for Rhode Island follows a $1 million Exchange planning grant awarded in September 2010 and a Level I establishment grant for $5.2 million awarded in May 2011.

“I am extremely pleased with the progress we are making toward making accessible and affordable healthcare a reality for Rhode Island families and small businesses,” said Governor Chafee. “For Rhode Island to be selected as the first state in the nation to receive this grant is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together on something of great importance to all Rhode Islanders: access to affordable, high quality health care.”

“I attribute today’s grant award to the Governor’s leadership on this issue, establishing a historic collaborative effort of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner, the Department of Administration and the public RI Healthcare Reform Commission. Together, they are all working tirelessly to improve healthcare options for Rhode Islanders,” said Lt. Governor Roberts, Chair of the RI Healthcare Reform Commission.

The RI Health Benefits Exchange, established by Governor Chafee’s executive order in September, is expected to start offering insurance plans in October of 2013.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Massachusetts’ Casino Vote

Rhode Island receives more than $300 million annually from the lottery, Twin River, and Newport Grand. This is the third largest source of state revenue.

Given the significance of that revenue stream, I have been closely following the debate in the Massachusetts House and Senate over the question of allowing casino gambling in the Bay State. I have anticipated for some time that today would come and my administration has taken proactive steps in preparation for it.

VIDEO: Comprehensive Pension Reform for Rhode Island

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act

I am very pleased that the Board of Directors of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce today voted to endorse the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act (RIRSA), the comprehensive pension reform plan that Treasurer Raimondo and I submitted to the General Assembly this week.

RIRSA asks each of the three main interested parties – retirees, current employees and the taxpayer – to do their share to comprehensively address this problem. Everyone must share in the sacrifice to restore fiscal health to our pension systems and to help our economy recover.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Municipal Pension Reform

As a former Mayor and City Council member, I am deeply committed to the fiscal health and stability of Rhode Island’s municipal pension systems. I am, therefore, encouraged by today’s announcement by the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns regarding the comprehensive pension reform plan that General Treasurer Raimondo and I proposed earlier this week.

The League clearly acknowledges that comprehensive pension reform must restore financial solvency to both the state-operated and independent municipal pension funds. Since taking office in January, and as I highlighted in my budget address in March, I have consistently stated that we must address our failing state and municipal pension systems. The plain truth is that many of our municipal pensions are in far worse shape than the state pension system. These include Coventry Police at 16.5% funded, Cranston Police & Fire at 15.8% funded, and Smithfield Police at 11.4% funded.

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.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Passing of Councilman Miguel C. Luna

Councilman Miguel Luna, who I was proud to call my friend, was beloved by his constituents. Throughout Ward 9 and the City of Providence, he will be remembered fondly for his warmth, his dedication, and his generous nature.

It is my hope that at this difficult time his family can find some solace in their many fine memories of him, in the good deeds he did throughout his community, and in his service to the city that he loved.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Establishment of a Mayoral Academy in Cranston

Throughout my career in public service I have been a strong advocate for public education. I have been and continue to be committed to making the necessary investments to ensure that all of our schools are performing well and preparing the young people of Rhode Island for a promising future. That is why my budget fully funded the new funding formula for K-12 education and proposed 10 million additional dollars for higher education.

There are currently 16 charter schools operating in the State of Rhode Island. The latest is the Nurses Institute Middle College Charter School (RINI), which was recently approved. Classes there are set to start on September 7 and the school will help address Rhode Island’s growing nursing shortage and create jobs in the growing health care industry.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Debt Ceiling Debate

Governor Chafee and his Cabinet have been monitoring the situation closely and are preparing in a manner consistent with the lead-up to the possible federal government shutdown in April of this year. The Governor, his staff, and his Cabinet are examining the potential effects of a failure to reach a solution and are planning accordingly.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Passing of Governor Bruce Sundlun

Governor Bruce Sundlun lived an extraordinary life. But even with all of the events and successes of his long life, he will be best remembered as a Governor who guided Rhode Island through difficult times with direction, determination, and a fundamental belief in the people of our state.

From his distinguished military career, for which he was the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Flying Cross, to his unparalleled success in business, in which he led a Rhode-Island-based company to tremendous prosperity, Bruce Sundlun achieved greatness in each of his many endeavors.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the U.S. District Court Decision

Governor Chafee today reviewed a decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island affirming the Governor’s lawful right to refuse the request by federal prosecutors to transfer Jason Pleau to federal custody. After carefully evaluating arguments by both Pleau’s attorney and federal prosecutors, the Court nevertheless today issued a writ of habeas corpus ordering the transfer.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Today’s Budget Signing

When I submitted my budget and addressed both Chambers of the General Assembly earlier this year, I outlined the challenges confronting our state and my vision for its future,” Governor Chafee said. “My priorities for the fiscal year 2012 budget were clear: an honest and balanced budget that reduces structural deficits; investment in education by funding of the K-12 funding formula; reversing the trend of cuts to higher education; reforming Rhode Island’s approach to transportation and infrastructure funding and ending the state’s reliance on borrowing; and supporting our cities and towns through municipal aid.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the State Budget

Throughout the budget process, I have emphasized several key goals:

• A balanced budget without structural deficits;
• Investment in education through full funding of the K-12 funding formula and increased aid for higher education;
• Investment in transportation and infrastructure through a dedicated funding source to the Department of Transportation, and a cessation of borrowing in order to meet our federal matching requirements;
• Support for our cities and towns through municipal aid.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Proposed MAST Program

Governor Chafee is pleased that RIPEC has joined with Moody’s Investor Services in endorsing the proposed MAST program, a component of his budget that would allocate $19 million to motivate cities and towns to properly fund their municipal pension obligations. 

In its report, RIPEC lauds the MAST program as "sound fiscal policy" and "a step toward long-term municipal fiscal sustainability."