Governor Chafee Orders U.S. and State Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Remembrance for former South African President and Anti-Apartheid Leader Nelson Mandela

President Obama directs flags be lowered to half-staff immediately
 and until Sunset, Monday, December 9, 2013

Rhode Island joins the world in mourning the loss of a historic leader who spent his life fighting for freedom, social justice, and racial equality. He was a global icon of hope, sacrifice and understanding. His wisdom and foresight has been and will be an inspiration for generations to come. 

In his own words, Nelson Mandela said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” That is how Nelson Mandela lived his life and led his nation. 

Accordingly, in remembrance for Nelson Mandela, President Obama has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff beginning immediately and until sunset Monday, December 9, 2013. Governor Lincoln D. Chafee has directed that both the Rhode Island and U.S. flags on all public buildings, grounds, and naval vessels across the State be flown at half-staff during the day.

Please see the President’s proclamation, here.

Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding RISD’s President John Maeda Accepting a Position in the Silicon Valley

The Rhode Island School of Design’s (RISD) President John Maeda has accepted a position as Design Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers in California. He will be leaving his position at the end of the fall semester.

The Presidents of all of Rhode Island’s stellar colleges and universities play a major role in shaping the State’s future. President Maeda certainly did that in a positive way during his six years here.

While at the helm of RISD, applications to the school and financial aid to students increased, which allowed the design school to boast of more diverse classes. He brought to our State an unyielding vision that “art and design transform our economy and bring meaning to our lives.” As the leader of the preeminent art and design institution of higher education, he was able to continue and enhance his forward-thinking work at how the intersection of design, technology, and business can benefit the human experience. He has led the charge to turn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) into STEAM by adding an A for Art.

Under his watch, in late 2012, Business Insider named RISD the No. 1 design school in the world.  John Maeda leaves the school in good standing and a better place. Through his hard work, he has made RISD a more innovative and creative college. I personally wish him the very best in his new pursuit on the West Coast.

Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the State House Tree

In 2011, my first year celebrating December in the State House I gave a simple six word instruction to the planners of the annual tree lighting: “Do what they did last year.”

Despite the myriad of pressing issues facing Rhode Island and the nation, this presumably happy event became a focal point for too much anger. Strangely lost in the brouhaha was any intellectual discussion of the liberties pioneered here in Rhode Island 350 years ago in our Charter. Because I do not think how we address the State House tree affects our “lively experiment,” this year’s invitation calls the tree a Christmas tree.

Secretary of State Mollis has offered to light the tree, and I have accepted his gracious offer. The tree lighting will begin on Thursday (December 5, 2013) at 5 p.m. in the State House rotunda. Once again, our many thanks to all those who have worked hard to make our State House festive.

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Orders the Rhode Island Flag to Half-Staff to Honor the Memory of former State Attorney General Herbert F. DeSimone, Sr.

To honor the memory of former State Attorney General Herbert F. DeSimone, Sr., Governor Chafee has ordered all Rhode Island flags across the State to half-staff until Attorney General DeSimone 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.

Governor Chafee Orders U.S. and State Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Remembrance for President John F. Kennedy

President Obama directs that flags be lowered to half-staff on November 22

President Obama has proclaimed November 22, 2013, as a day of remembrance for President John F. Kennedy. Americans are called upon to honor his legacy with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. The President has called upon Governors of the United States and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff during the day. He is encouraging all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses.

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee has directed that both the Rhode Island and U.S. flags on all public buildings, grounds, and naval vessels across the State be flown at half-staff during the day on Friday, November 22, 2013.

Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the Repercussions of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines

In the aftermath of the powerful typhoon that devastated the Philippines, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Pacific island chain specifically in the hard hit Leyte region. Rhode Islanders have always come forward with compassion and generosity for those in need, especially following disasters not only here in Rhode Island but in other parts of the world. I am heartened by the numerous reports of our state's residents immediately seeking out opportunities to donate or volunteer to the relief effort, as well as assisting their Filipino-American neighbors and friends who are worried about loved ones back home. I urge you to continue your efforts and be mindful to donate to a reputable aid organization that you trust to deliver badly needed provisions and support to the displaced millions in the disaster zone.

On behalf of the State of Rhode Island, we stand ready to offer our support in any way possible as the people of the Philippines begin what will be a long and arduous recovery.

Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Completion of General Obligation Bond Offering for 2013

The state has completed its general obligation bond offering for 2013 and has sold $53.15 million of the bonds for various projects approved by Rhode Island voters in previous elections. The bond projects include the new Veterans Home in Bristol, affordable housing, building improvements at Rhode Island College, recreational facilities, open space acquisition, and clean water infrastructure. 

The issue was sold to a syndicate led by Citi and JP Morgan.  The following firms also served as co-managing underwriters: Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Janney Montgomery Scott, Oppenheimer, Raymond James and Roosevelt and Cross.

All three rating agencies affirmed the state’s ratings in connection with the sale: Aa2 from Moody’s, AA from Standard and Poor’s and AA from Fitch Ratings. The state’s strong fiscal management, positive trends in liquidity and a fully funded budget reserve fund were noted as strengths by the rating agencies in the reports released in connection with the bond issue.