Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Today’s Actions by Moody’s Investors Service

I am confident that we will continue to honor our obligations. We want to send a clear message to the investment community that Rhode Island is a place that will make the difficult but necessary decisions for the long-term health of our state.

I believe that the General Assembly will do the right thing to protect the reputation and borrowing ability of Rhode Island.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

I am pleased that we have reached an agreement with Commissioner Gist. The Commissioner and I have enjoyed a productive and positive relationship over the past several years, and I look forward to continuing to work with her on behalf of Rhode Island’s students.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg

I was saddened to learn this morning of the death of Senator Frank Lautenberg, who for decades represented the people of New Jersey with distinction, dedication, and honor.

He also served his nation as a member of the United States Army Signal Corps in the Second World War. Senator Lautenberg’s passing marks a significant milestone: at the time of his death, he was the only World War II veteran in the Senate – the last of a group that once included Senators Daniel Inouye, Bob Dole, John F. Kennedy, George McGovern, Ted Stevens, and John Chafee, among many others. These men, representatives of a generation forged by battle and sacrifice abroad, came to understand the value of public service early in life, and continued that honorable service in the political arena after returning home.

I was fortunate to serve alongside Senator Lautenberg on the Environment & Public Works Committee, where I was proud to stand with him in defense of some of the most critical environmental legislation of our time, such as the Clean Air & Clean Water Acts and a sensible Endangered Species Act. Senator Lautenberg and I also shared a belief in the importance of investing in our public infrastructure, and worked together to secure passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005.

In his three decades in the United States Senate, Frank Lautenberg upheld that Chamber’s long legacy of serious, collaborative work carried out for the good of the people. He will be missed, not just in his home State of New Jersey, but across the country.

Governor Chafee Orders U.S. and State Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff During the Forenoon Period on Memorial Day

In honor of Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, President Barack Obama has today requested the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control.

Accordingly, Governor Chafee has directed that, in addition to the flag of the United States, the Rhode Island flag fly at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds across the state on Monday, May 27, until noon.

Click here to see the proclamation from the President.

Governor Chafee Orders U.S. and State Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day

President Barack Obama has proclaimed May 15, 2013, Peace Officers Memorial Day and has ordered the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff during the course of that day. Accordingly, Governor Lincoln Chafee has ordered that, in addition to the flag of the United States, the Rhode Island flag fly at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds across the state on Wednesday, May 15.

Click here to see the proclamation from the President.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee on U.S. Senate Passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act

I am pleased that the Senate has voted overwhelmingly, with strong bipartisan support, to pass the Marketplace Fairness Act.

Since taking office as Governor, I have been a vocal proponent of Marketplace Fairness. I sent a letter to all of my fellow Governors in conjunction with the 2011 National Governors Association meeting urging them to lobby their Senate delegations on this important issue. I also submitted written testimony last year to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. And just a few weeks ago, I joined with Senator Reed, who has been a leader in these efforts, and local retailers to point out the ways in which Marketplace Fairness will help Rhode Island businesses.

Not only will the Marketplace Fairness Act level the playing field between Main Street stores and online retailers, it will also bring valuable revenue to our state and make our overall economic climate more competitive. The FY2012 Rhode Island Budget I signed into law included a trigger to lower the overall state sales tax rate from 7% to 6.5% if Marketplace Fairness legislation passes at the federal level.

Now our efforts move to the House of Representatives. This is an important economic issue that matters to Governors across the country, and I therefore encourage my colleagues to contact their House delegations and strongly urge swift passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee on the Passing of Former Rhode Island First Lady Elena Pastore

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Rhode Island’s former First Lady Elena Pastore. A devoted mother, she was surrounded at the time of her death by numerous loved ones, including her daughter.

From the very beginning, it was clear that Elena Pastore was special. Born on Leap Day in 1920, she grew up one of 10 children in a large, Italian-American family in Providence.

Although she was only in her early 20s when her husband, John Pastore, became Governor, she was his most important and trusted political advisor. Throughout his long career – in which he was both the first Italian-American Governor and U.S. Senator – Elena was by his side, his companion, confidante, and counselor. Those who knew John and Elena well had little doubt that she was a key ingredient to his tremendous success.

Elena helped raise and nurture three accomplished children, including her son, Dr. John O. Pastore, Jr., who was secretary of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War when the group won the Nobel Peace Prize.

John Pastore is among the most beloved leaders the State of Rhode Island has ever known; we have now lost the extraordinary woman without whom his distinguished career would not have been possible. When we consider the many contributions Governor and Senator Pastore made to his home state, we should thank Elena, as well. She will be missed.