Governor Chafee and Quebec Government Representative Discuss Business Opportunities

On February 1, Governor Chafee met with Quebec Delegate to New England Jean-Stephane Bernard and discussed opportunities to further strengthen business ties between Rhode Island and the Canadian province.

Among the ideas discussed was the possibility of exporting hydro electric power from Quebec to reduce Rhode Island energy costs. Rhode Island Companies such as Toray Plastics, for example, spend millions on electricity each year. Hydroelectric power could significantly reduce energy costs for Toray and other Rhode Island businesses.

The Governor believes the relationship with Quebec will continue to be an important one as Rhode Island develops its knowledge economy. Approximately $500 million is generated annually from the trade relationship between Rhode Island and Quebec, but states such as Vermont and New Hampshire are at $1 billion, while Massachusetts and Connecticut are at $2 billion. Governor Chafee views this discrepancy as potential for the relationship between Rhode Island and Quebec to grow even stronger.

Governor Delivers State of the State Address: “The Year of the Cities and Towns”

“The status quo is unacceptable,” said Governor Chafee in his 2012 combined State of the State and Budget Address. “Everything good occurs when our people are working.” The Governor delivered his speech at a Joint Session of the House and Senate, also attended by members of the Judiciary, municipal leaders, general officers, education officials, and citizens on Tuesday night.

The Governor’s remarks, titled “The Year of the Cities and Towns,” emphasized his commitment to investing in the future through education funding and relief for the Rhode Island property taxpayer through state aid to cities and towns. 

“I am proud to announce tonight that my budget maintains my commitment to education, while also reducing the financial burden on Rhode Island property taxpayers. My budget devotes nearly $40 million in additional education funding to cities and towns,” Governor Chafee said.

Governor Chafee Hosts Electronic Town Hall for Rhode Island Retirees and Taxpayers

Chief of Staff George Zainyeh, Director of Revenue Rosemary Booth
 Gallogly, and Governor Chafee take calls during the electronic town hall

In the latest example of Governor Chafee's continued and sustained efforts to address Rhode Island's municipal challenges and to provide retirement security for employees and retirees and property tax relief to Rhode Islanders, the Governor hosted an electronic town hall for retirees and taxpayers on Thursday, January 26.

"Too often, retirees and taxpayers do not get the opportunity to voice their concerns and share their ideas on the issues and decisions that affect them. This town hall is a way to speak directly with Rhode Islanders and hear their input and their solutions, as well as a chance for me to answer questions about these critical issues. As my Administration works to address the financial challenges of our municipalities, we do so with the best interest of retirees and taxpayers at heart. The feedback I will hear on Thursday will be valuable as we move toward lasting solutions that will help cities and towns better serve Rhode Islanders," Governor Chafee said.

Governor Chafee Hosts T.F. Green Airport Event: "Rhode Island is a great place to do business"

"The smallest state in the nation has always been one of the country's biggest leaders." So begins a positive 15-page feature profile about Rhode Island in Delta Air Lines' in-flight Sky magazine, which reaches an estimated 5 million readers each month. Governor Chafee highlighted the profile at a three-pronged press event at T.F. Green Airport emphasizing some of the ways in which Rhode Island is a great place to do business. In addition to the Delta Sky piece, the Governor announced a new partnership between the Governor's Office, the RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the RI Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), and the City of Warwick to grow and promote the Warwick Station Development District, and also showcased RIDOT's new interactive kiosk and screens that make using the InterLink and intermodal station easier and more convenient for business and leisure travelers.

Governor Chafee was joined by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, RIEDC Executive Director Keith Stokes, RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis, local business and governmental leaders, and Delta Air Lines officials for the event at the Warwick InterLink.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Passing of Governor J. Joseph Garrahy

I was shocked and saddened to learn this morning of the passing of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy.

Governor Garrahy truly had an unending love for the people of Rhode Island, and in return he earned the respect, admiration, and affection of the people of this great state. He was a true gentleman, down-to-earth and lacking any pretense.

Governor Garrahy had a gift for making progress quickly while managing to make as few waves as possible in the process. He was unassuming, but he delivered results.

Governor Chafee Hosts Community Small Business Outreach Forums

Continuing his efforts to address the fiscal challenges of Rhode Island's cities and towns, Governor Chafee, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and municipal leaders, hosted three community forums. The goal of the forums, held between January 11 and January 13, was to hear from local small businesses and discuss ways to help them succeed, grow the economy, and create jobs for Rhode Islanders.

The Governor was joined at the forums by mayors and municipal leaders from Pawtucket, Cranston, and West Warwick, as well as representatives of the RIEDC and SBA.

VIDEO: Fighting for the Property Taxpayer, Standing up for Cities and Towns