Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today said: “I am pleased to put my support behind both of the hard-working public servants President Obama has nominated for key positions in his administration. As Governor of a state that has experienced a number of severe weather events in recent years, we have had to work closely with HUD. We saw firsthand Secretary Donovan’s leadership at creating an effective and efficient federal agency. His staff moved quickly to implement a streamlined and coordinated federal effort in our state. I commend him for successfully steering the agency in the wake of the housing crisis. He helped to stabilize the market and worked tirelessly to keep families in their homes. His many distinguished years of public service speak volumes. If confirmed as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Secretary Donovan will use his track record of interpreting data to make the right decisions to advance the work of this important office.
;“I have the utmost confidence in San Antonio’s Mayor Julián Castro. He will make a strong HUD Secretary given his practical and on-the-ground experience. During his five years as mayor, the residents of San Antonio have seen Mayor Castro’s leadership move the city in the right direction – specifically in the areas of housing and economic development. His ability to build consensus among key partners will serve him well and continue the work of the Administration’s initiatives in the housing and urban development. I agree with President Obama when he calls him ‘a rising star ready for a national role’.”
Friday, May 23, 2014
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 26, 2014, 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 26, until noon.
Click here to see the proclamation from the President.
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 26, until noon.
Click here to see the proclamation from the President.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Statement from the Office of Governor Chafee Regarding Rhode Island Housing’s Agreement to Reinstate Gayle Corrigan as Deputy Director
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said today: “I support this resolution, and I am glad the matter has been settled. I think highly of Gayle Corrigan. Her success in Central Falls speaks for itself, and I know that having all of the parties working together toward Rhode Island Housing’s mission is what is best.
“I want to thank Board Chair Andrew Cortes, Executive Director Richard Godfrey and the leadership at Rhode Island Housing for getting this done. From the outset I have raised concerns about the cost of ongoing litigation and the potential for this to distract from the agency’s important work. This will bring closure to a difficult chapter.”
“I want to thank Board Chair Andrew Cortes, Executive Director Richard Godfrey and the leadership at Rhode Island Housing for getting this done. From the outset I have raised concerns about the cost of ongoing litigation and the potential for this to distract from the agency’s important work. This will bring closure to a difficult chapter.”
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Latest Monthly Employment Statistics
With the latest employment metrics showing a decline in the unemployment rate for five consecutive months and an increase in the number of employed Rhode Island residents and labor force for four consecutive months, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said today, “The latest numbers are the best we have seen. When I took office in January of 2011, the unemployment rate was 11.4 percent and now it’s 8.3 percent. Rhode Island’s approach to economic development continues to pay dividends. Through investments in education, infrastructure and workforce development, we are building our state’s economy in the right manner and creating a solid foundation for the future.”
Governor Chafee is heartened that Rhode Island’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to drop precipitously and is at its lowest level since August 2008. Among the highlights from the latest metrics:
Governor Chafee is heartened that Rhode Island’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to drop precipitously and is at its lowest level since August 2008. Among the highlights from the latest metrics:
- The April drop of 2,300 in the number of unemployed marks the ninth consecutive month the number has fallen and is the largest one-month decrease on record.
- The number of employed Rhode Island residents increased by 3,600 over the month, the largest one-month increase on record.
- Rhode Island-based jobs were up 4,100 during the first quarter of 2014 the largest first quarter job gain since 1992. In April, another 700 jobs were added.
- Since the recession ended, we have regained 50.5 percent, or 20,100, of the total jobs lost during the recession.
- Rhode Island has also regained 59.2 percent, or 21,500, of the private sector jobs lost during that same time.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Governor Chafee Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor Peace Officers Memorial Day
President Barack Obama has proclaimed tomorrow (Thursday, May 15, 2014) 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 D. 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 Thursday, May 15.
Click here to see the proclamation from the President.
Click here to see the proclamation from the President.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Statement: Governor Chafee Blasts Advocates of Default on 38 Studios Bonds
Governor Chafee today defended the necessity of paying the 38 Studios debt as essential for Rhode Island to continue its recovery from the recession and recoup taxpayers’ money through legal efforts.
Governor Chafee said, “The candidates who can’t understand these two obvious truths are unfit to be Governor. The consequences of default would place Rhode Island as one of the lowest state bond ratings in the nation, and the industry would reduce Rhode Island to ‘junk bond’ status. We have been told in no uncertain terms that the reaction to not paying our debt obligations will be severe and have an adverse impact on Rhode Island. In addition, failure to honor our obligations could have harmful effects on the pending lawsuit.”
Governor Chafee added, “The push by Allan Fung and Ken Block to default is disheartening. We hear from them populist rhetoric that lacks any empirical research or credible support. Common sense dictates that you pay your debts however distasteful.
“From the beginning, I have been the most vocal and strongest opponent of the 38 Studios deal. In the summer of 2010, I was denied access to a Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (now called Commerce RI) meeting where I hoped to speak and state the case on behalf of Rhode Islanders on why this was a bad investment.”
Governor Chafee also pointed out that default may undo all our hard work to recover from 2008’s major economic downturn. With the latest employment metrics showing an increase in the number of employed Rhode Island residents and the largest one month drop of unemployed in 30 years, Rhode Island’s current approach to economic development is paying dividends. Through investments in education, infrastructure and workforce development, we are building our state’s economy and reputation in the right manner and creating a solid foundation for years and decades to come.
“As we look to continue this positive momentum, candidates for Governor should be espousing positions that take into account our state’s long-term future, not the instant gratification of appealing to primary voters.”
Governor Chafee said, “The candidates who can’t understand these two obvious truths are unfit to be Governor. The consequences of default would place Rhode Island as one of the lowest state bond ratings in the nation, and the industry would reduce Rhode Island to ‘junk bond’ status. We have been told in no uncertain terms that the reaction to not paying our debt obligations will be severe and have an adverse impact on Rhode Island. In addition, failure to honor our obligations could have harmful effects on the pending lawsuit.”
Governor Chafee added, “The push by Allan Fung and Ken Block to default is disheartening. We hear from them populist rhetoric that lacks any empirical research or credible support. Common sense dictates that you pay your debts however distasteful.
“From the beginning, I have been the most vocal and strongest opponent of the 38 Studios deal. In the summer of 2010, I was denied access to a Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (now called Commerce RI) meeting where I hoped to speak and state the case on behalf of Rhode Islanders on why this was a bad investment.”
Governor Chafee also pointed out that default may undo all our hard work to recover from 2008’s major economic downturn. With the latest employment metrics showing an increase in the number of employed Rhode Island residents and the largest one month drop of unemployed in 30 years, Rhode Island’s current approach to economic development is paying dividends. Through investments in education, infrastructure and workforce development, we are building our state’s economy and reputation in the right manner and creating a solid foundation for years and decades to come.
“As we look to continue this positive momentum, candidates for Governor should be espousing positions that take into account our state’s long-term future, not the instant gratification of appealing to primary voters.”
Friday, May 2, 2014
Statement from the Office of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding the One-Year Anniversary of the Marriage Equality Act
In regard to the one year anniversary of the Marriage Equality Act, Governor Chafee said: “One year ago on May 2, Rhode Island made history with passage of the Marriage Equality Act. In so doing, we sent a remarkable message beyond our borders that Rhode Island is a community that chooses tolerance and freedom over discrimination. In addition, together as a community we furthered the principles of our forefathers who lived in pursuit of the words etched on our glorious State House, ‘to hold forth a lively experiment, that a most flourishing civil state may stand and best be maintained.’
“Today, across Rhode Island same-sex couples enjoy the celebration of a wedding. All loving, productive and valued members of our community are free to exercise their right -- which is a fundamental right -- to marry. We would not be ushering in this one-year milestone if not for devoted Rhode Islanders who fought for decades for basic civil rights. To those forward-thinking members of our community, I say thank you.
“Since before my inauguration, I have been unwavering in my support of marriage for all. It is what Rhode Island has been about from its early beginnings – a tolerant state – of liberty of conscience. Through marriage equality, we proved that our state continues to be a leader in diversity and welcoming to everyone. By having a reputation for tolerance and equality, talented and creative minds from all over the world will be attracted to our cities. I believe new employers will want to put down roots in a state where they can find the brightest and best professionals, who are free of the distraction and worry of inequality, because good business is about treating people equally and having laws that are inclusive.”
“Today, across Rhode Island same-sex couples enjoy the celebration of a wedding. All loving, productive and valued members of our community are free to exercise their right -- which is a fundamental right -- to marry. We would not be ushering in this one-year milestone if not for devoted Rhode Islanders who fought for decades for basic civil rights. To those forward-thinking members of our community, I say thank you.
“Since before my inauguration, I have been unwavering in my support of marriage for all. It is what Rhode Island has been about from its early beginnings – a tolerant state – of liberty of conscience. Through marriage equality, we proved that our state continues to be a leader in diversity and welcoming to everyone. By having a reputation for tolerance and equality, talented and creative minds from all over the world will be attracted to our cities. I believe new employers will want to put down roots in a state where they can find the brightest and best professionals, who are free of the distraction and worry of inequality, because good business is about treating people equally and having laws that are inclusive.”
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