Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Moody’s Upgrade for East Providence

Congratulations to the City of East Providence on Moody's Investors Service’s general obligation rating upgrade from Ba1 to Baa3. All of the difficult decisions by the Budget Commission and City officials have been recognized by the national rating agency. This is another example of the good work that has been done with the help and support of the State under the Fiscal Stability Act. Our State government has an important role to make sure that all of our communities are financially strong and vibrant.

This marked progress would not have been achieved if not for the partnership between the City and the Commission. Rhode Island is grateful to the Commission members (Michael O'Keefe, Diane Brennan, Steve Bannon, Council President and Mayor James Briden, and City Manager Peter Grazykowski), City staff, and Director Gallogly and the Department of Revenue staff members for all their dedication and determination to ensure a successful outcome.

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Orders Rhode Island Flags Lowered to Half-Staff

In remembrance of the 30^th anniversary of the Beirut barracks bombings in 1983, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today ordered flags across Rhode Island to be lowered to half-staff until sunset, October 23, 2013.

On October 23, 1983, a terrorist truck bomb exploded in a barracks killing 241 American servicemen, including 220 marines, 10 sailors, three soldiers, and injuring 128 Americans. 

“This was an unthinkable tragedy, one that has brought many Rhode Islanders and me great sadness,” Chafee said. “My thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected by this senseless attack.”

The Governor’s order applies to all public buildings in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Flags May be Raised Following the Funeral of Staff Sgt. Timothy Raymond McGill

Following Staff Sgt. Timothy Raymond McGill’s funeral services today, per the Governor’s directive, both the U.S. and Rhode Island flags may be returned to full-staff tomorrow morning, Saturday, October 5, 2013. 

Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Federal Shutdown

As our economy is slowly rebounding, now is the time for leaders to ensure that government’s important services continue for our citizens as well as our businesses. We must avoid anything that will slow or impede the positives we have gained during the recovery. I believe that Rhode Island, and indeed the United States, cannot afford a federal shutdown over a budget impasse and health care reform, which is the law of the land. Congress needs to work together and develop a viable solution. I encourage Rhode Islanders and people throughout the country to join me in calling for a swift conclusion.

Governor Chafee Orders U.S. and State Flags to Half-Staff in Remembrance of Fallen Soldier

Out of respect and remembrance for Staff Sgt. Timothy Raymond McGill, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee ordered both the United States and State flags to half-staff on all public buildings until Sunset on the day of his interment.

McGill a member of the Rhode Island Army National Guard died on Saturday, Sept. 21, at a forward-operating base in Gardez, Paktia Province, Afghanistan. He was 30-years-old and from Ramsey, New Jersey.

“My sincere condolences go out to Staff Sgt. McGill’s family, friends, and loved ones on this sad occasion,” Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said. “Staff Sgt. McGill is a fallen hero who reminds us of the supreme sacrifice that the men and women in uniform make every day as they serve to protect our nation.”

Governor Chafee Orders U.S. and State Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor the Victims of the Tragedy at the Washington Navy Yard

To honor the victims of the violent acts performed on September 16, 2013, at the Washington Navy Yard, 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 September 20, 2013 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, until September 20, 2013.

Click here to see the proclamation from the President.

Statement from the Governor on the Passing of the Former Secretary of State Susan L. Farmer

I  was saddened to learn of the passing of the first woman ever elected to General Office in Rhode Island, former Secretary of State Susan L. Farmer. Farmer was the devoted wife to Malcolm Farmer and a loving mother, as well as a well-respected public servant and dear family friend.

From an early age, Susan Farmer proved she had a big heart and cared for the well-being of Rhode Islanders. Long before she started to serve the public as Secretary of State in 1983, she had won respect for advocating for some of the State’s most vulnerable populations.

After leaving public office in 1986, she spent the next 17 years at the helm of Rhode Island’s public television station, WSBE. Raising money for the station became her mission, and when she left she had greatly increased donations and visibility through her hosting duties for the stations’ fundraising efforts and WSBE's political affairs show, A Lively Experiment.

On a personal note, she cared deeply about many causes but ensuring an increase in the number of women working in government was especially important to her. During the 2010 campaign, she took a leadership role in an initiative in which she asked all of the candidates to sign a pledge that if elected, we would double the percent of women appointed to boards and commissions, as well as high-level staff and cabinet positions. After I was elected Governor, she was persistent about the pledge, as she always was regarding issues that made Rhode Island a better place to live and work.

She is among one of the most beloved leaders of the State of Rhode Island. We have lost an extraordinary woman whose distinguished career has left a long-lasting mark on our State.