Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Today’s Revised Employment Statistics

I am encouraged, though not surprised, to see that our economic recovery in Rhode Island has been more robust than originally reported, with December’s unemployment rate falling below 10 percent for the first time in nearly four years.

By investing in the necessary fundamentals of a sustainable economy – quality public education, sound infrastructure, and workforce development – my administration has been working day-in and day-out to bolster Rhode Island’s recovery. We have created a climate of certainty, stability, and predictability, giving employers the confidence to invest and create jobs in our state.

In particular, I believe my administration’s support of a consistent and fair K-12 funding formula, our investment in higher education, our conservative approach to transportation financing, our proactive work in regulatory reform, our efforts toward property tax relief and municipal stability, and our renewed focus on work-readiness and training have sent a clear and positive message to the private sector.

The state is being managed well. Our revenues are exceeding projections and state departments and agencies are controlling spending. We are being responsible with hard-earned taxpayer dollars. Things are getting better in Rhode Island, and I look forward to continuing to move our state forward with an improved and sustainable economy.

Joint Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, RIPTA Chairman & Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, and Interim Executive Director & State Police Lt. Col. Raymond Studley

We first want to express our condolences to the family of the victim and our support for the passengers and driver who witnessed this troubling incident. This was an isolated event and Rhode Islanders should continue to be confident in their safety while using RIPTA. We have full confidence that the Portsmouth Police will conduct a full and thorough investigation and we will assist that investigation in any way possible.

Media inquiries should be directed to the Portsmouth Police Department.

Flags May be Raised Following the Funeral of Former Secretary of State Barbara M. Leonard

Following Secretary Leonard’s funeral services today, per the Governor’s directive below, Rhode Island flags may be returned to full-staff tomorrow morning, Wednesday, January 30, 2013.

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Orders Rhode Island Flags to Half-Staff to Honor the Memory of Barbara M. Leonard

To honor the memory of former Rhode Island Secretary of State Barbara M. Leonard, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee has ordered all Rhode Island flags across the state to half-staff until Secretary Leonard is laid to rest.

Governor Chafee’s order applies to state flags on all public buildings in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Passing of Barbara M. Leonard

I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Secretary of State Barbara Leonard, who served the state she loved so well and in so many ways throughout her long life.

Barbara took over Lincoln’s H & H Screw Products Manufacturing Company after the sudden death of her husband, running the company from 1977 to 1985.

But Barbara was also called to public service. In addition to her tenure as Secretary of State, Barbara served, under Governors Garrahy and DiPrete, on the Boards of the Rhode Island Port Authority; the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation; the Rhode Island Job Training Council; the Rhode Island Vocational Education Advisory Board; the Board of Commissioners of Public Telecommunications; the Rhode Island Advisory Committee on Refugee Resettlement; the Veterans Memorial Commission; and the Rhode Island Commodores. She also was appointed by President Reagan to serve as New England Regional Administrator for the General Services Administration.

Barbara was one of a number of accomplished women who served in statewide office during the 1980s and 1990s. Since that time, I am pleased to note that we have made significant progress in terms of female leadership in elected and appointed positions in our state, but remarkable women such as Barbara led the way.

Rhode Island is a better place because of Barbara’s life and service, and it is my hope that her family can find some comfort in their many fine memories of her.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding House Passage of Marriage Equality Legislation

There are certain legislative votes that can fairly be characterized as “historic.” The Rhode Island House of Representatives’ overwhelming passage of marriage equality legislation is one such vote.

I think most immediately of the pioneers of the House who have been working to achieve this goal for many years. Former state representatives such as Michael Pisaturo, who first introduced the Equal Access to Marriage Act in the mid-1990s, David Cicilline, who was the lone member of the House Judiciary Committee to vote in favor of marriage equality legislation in 2001, and Ray Sullivan. And current members such as Speaker Fox, Chairwoman Ajello, Deputy Majority Leader Ferri, and Chairman Handy, the bill’s longtime sponsor. I think also of activists such as the late Julie Pell, who certainly would have been encouraged to see this significant step forward.

Although this vote is indeed historic, there is still a long way to go. Now that the House has swiftly acted, I urge Senate leadership to “call the roll” – for our economy, for our gay and lesbian friends and neighbors, and for history.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding this Afternoon’s House Judiciary Committee Vote

I am pleased that, with the House Judiciary Committee’s vote this afternoon, Rhode Island has taken another significant step forward toward marriage equality.

As I noted in my State of the State Address last week, there are a number of reasons why we should bring marriage equality to Rhode Island this year. It is a civil rights issue, it is an issue of basic fairness, and it is an economic development issue. We are at an economic disadvantage with our neighboring states when we do not ‘have the welcome mat out’ for all those who want to work here and contribute to our economy. Rhode Island already lags behind all of our New England neighbors on this issue; we should swiftly remedy that for the good of our economy and the rights of our citizens.

With this afternoon’s vote, we are one step closer to the day when gay and lesbian Rhode Islanders can enjoy the same fundamental rights, benefits, and privileges as all other citizens of our state. It is my hope that that day will come soon. I urge the leaders of the House and Senate to call the roll, and I will be proud to sign this important legislation when it reaches my desk.