Statement from the Office of Governor Chafee Regarding the Resignation of RITBA’s Chairman

In regard to the resignation of David A. Darlington, Chairman of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA), Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said today, “On behalf of the State of the Rhode Island, I thank David for his many years of public service. He has served Rhode Island with dedication and a strong commitment, and ensured many accomplishments over two decades. His proven leadership skills have brought innovation to the authority. I wish him all the best and further success.”

Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding 195 Commission

Governor Chafee said today:  “In regards to the development of the 195 land, we are striving to strike the proper balance between the public’s right to know and the success of a project that is vital to Rhode Island. It is our job to create an environment where we can obtain bids from the best companies to ensure the delivery of successful, quality ventures.

            “I fully support the work of the 195 Commission, a board of responsible, civic-minded professionals. They are attempting to do the right thing for the future of our State."

Statement Regarding Upcoming Trade Mission to Italy and Ireland, April 27-May 1

According to Governor Lincoln D. Chafee’s Director of Communications Faye Zuckerman, “at the request of Commerce RI and as part of its economic development strategy Governor Chafee and Marcel Valois, the executive director of Commerce RI, will be meeting with companies that have expressed an interest in establishing operations here. These companies see Rhode Island as attractive because of its proximity in North America to Europe, as well as location in the busy northeast corridor, and the convenience of TF Green Airport, industrial ports, and rail and highway transportation systems.

“In addition to participating in business meetings with companies that have expressed interest in Rhode Island, they will meet with the Prime Minister of Ireland, Mayor of Rome and other heads of state.

“Donald Sweitzer, chairman of GTECH, who will be in Rome, has offered to join the Governor and Executive Director Valois as a private sector ambassador for the State. Lottomatica/GTECH has established business relationships in Italy and Ireland.” 

Below is a general travel itinerary:
•Sunday, April 27: Arrives in Rome, Italy.
•Monday, April 28: Business meetings in Rome and Naples area.
•Tuesday, April 29: Travel to northern Italy for business meetings. 
•Wednesday, April 30: Travel to Ireland and attend business meetings. 
•Thursday, May 1: Business meetings in Ireland and return to United States.

Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee

Governor Chafee said: “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Nuala Pell, the devoted wife of Senator Claiborne Pell, a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and well-respected advocate for education, women’s health issues and the arts. 

Nuala Pell was ever present on the political campaign trail and her opinion was valued by many. Her passion for scholarship and the humanities led to a decades-long advocacy of public service and philanthropy.

My sincere condolences to the Pell Family as we celebrate the many accomplishments of this remarkably talented and caring woman who has left her mark throughout our state.”

GOVERNOR, TREASURER ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING PENSION LAWSUIT

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo today released the following statement:

“More than one year ago, Superior Court Judge Sarah Taft-Carter ordered the parties involved in numerous pension lawsuits from 2009, 2010 and 2011 into mediation. With the help of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the parties to this litigation worked collaboratively on a proposed settlement.

The proposal announced on February 14 retained the structural elements of the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act of 2011, and maintained 95 percent of the necessary savings for taxpayers. It also offered immediate benefits, certainty and predictability for our public employees and retirees. We believe this proposal was fair for our public employees, retirees, taxpayers and cities and towns. It was also well-received by the various rating agencies.

We would like to commend and thank the plaintiff union leaders that worked closely with us over the last year to reach this settlement. And we would like to thank the large majority of their members who were willing to go forward with us to avoid lengthy and costly litigation.

Due to a small group of union members the settlement agreement has failed and the mediation process has ended. We find this disappointing and frustrating.

While we are disappointed this settlement was not ultimately able to come to fruition, we continue to believe that the pension changes enacted by our General Assembly are constitutional, the State has strong legal arguments to support its positions and will begin to prepare for litigation.”


Background on RIRSA:

The Rhode Island Retirement Security Act was enacted in November of 2011 by a vote of 52 to 15 in House of Representatives and by a vote of 36 to 2 in the Senate and moves the state forward by:

- Allowing us to honestly tell our public employees that their retirement is secure
- Immediately reducing the unfunded liability by about $3 billion
- Saving Rhode Island taxpayers; $4 billion over the next two decades
- Saving cities and towns $1 billion over the next two decades
- Ensuring that future pension costs are predictable and sustainable

Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the New Speaker and Leadership for the House of Representatives

"After the vote, I offered my congratulations to Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello, and told him that I look forward to working with him, the new Majority Leader, the leadership team as well as the General Assembly on initiatives and issues that are important to Rhode Islanders. I commend the Rhode Island House of Representatives for ensuring that government continues to move forward and remains focused on key issues. By persisting in our efforts to support education and workforce development, build infrastructure, help cities and towns, and lower energy costs, together we have developed the necessary momentum for Rhode Island’s recovery."

Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding Drug Overdose Deaths

Governor Chafee said today: “I am greatly concerned and saddened by this epidemic of drug overdose deaths that is happening in Rhode Island and around the country. I send my condolences to all the families and communities of those who have lost loved ones. The recent spike in deaths since the beginning of the year has been especially troubling.

“I see hope and progress coming from our families and communities, working with health and behavioral officials, law enforcement officials and faith leaders throughout the entire state to address both the response to the health issue and also the cause of the problem.

“Specifically, this coalition of health, treatment and law enforcement has:

Brought attention to the issue and increased general public awareness of drug overdose as a preventable public health problem;
Sounded the alarm to users and the public;
Strengthened statewide overdose surveillance mechanisms;
Increased the usage and effectiveness of the Prescription Monitoring Program;
Increased access to naloxone training and distribution programs;
Increased access to substance abuse treatment; and
Convened a statewide group of stakeholders to collaboratively address the epidemic.

“As we move forward as Rhode Islanders, let us mourn the victims, and work with their families to stop these needless, preventable deaths.”