Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said today: “Rhode Island State Police officials have briefed me and continue to keep me apprised of the law enforcement agency’s active investigation into the contract for the concessions at three Rhode Island State Beaches.”
According to Governor Chafee’s Director of Communications Faye Zuckerman, state law provides in the Access to Public Records Act (APRA) a clear mandate that state agencies and the Office of the Governor do not release documents or information that might potentially adversely impact an ongoing investigation. The State Police determines what information can and cannot be released, and no state agency or the Governor’s Office will take action during any inquiries.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Unaccompanied Children in the Southwest
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said:“During a conference call between the federal government and the country’s governors yesterday, officials for the United States Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services reported that the number of unaccompanied children coming across the border has tapered off. The need for large facilities has dissipated, and the officials added that they will notify the governors if and when an assessment of possible settings is required in the future. To date, no federal entity has reached out to the State of Rhode Island regarding housing the unaccompanied children. The Department of Health and Human Services said that most of the children have found shelter with relatives or family friends.”
Monday, July 21, 2014
Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding Unaccompanied Children in the Southwest
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today said: “The State of Rhode Island has not been officially contacted by any federal entity regarding either services or sheltering unaccompanied children who have crossed the U.S. border in the Southwest. If and when there is a request from the federal government, I will share it publicly.”
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Statement From the Office of Governor Chafee Regarding His Support for An Act Authorizing State-Operated Casino Gaming at Newport Grand
Governor Chafee today reiterated his wholehearted support for An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Authorizing State-Operated Casino Gaming at Newport Grand Subject to Statewide and Local Voter Approval,H
8294, Substitute A/2, As Amended.
The Governor, who signed the Act, said, “I support casino gaming in Newport, both as a revenue generator and as a bulwark against competition from a potential casino in southeastern Massachusetts.”
The Act authorizes a local and statewide referendum to approve casino gaming in Newport. If approved by the voters, the new legislation provides that certain payments will be made to the City of Newport.
The Governor, who signed the Act, said, “I support casino gaming in Newport, both as a revenue generator and as a bulwark against competition from a potential casino in southeastern Massachusetts.”
The Act authorizes a local and statewide referendum to approve casino gaming in Newport. If approved by the voters, the new legislation provides that certain payments will be made to the City of Newport.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Statement Regarding Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Settlement with Certain Defendants in Pending 38 Studios Lawsuit
As Chairman of the Board of the Directors of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (RICC), Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced today that a proposed settlement between the RICC and Antonio Afonso, Jr. and Moses Afonso Ryan Ltd. was filed today in the Rhode Island Superior Court. The proposed settlement is contingent upon approval by the Superior Court in the pending litigation.
The settlement provides for payment to the RICC of the gross sum of $4,370,000. This sum represents the full amount remaining of these settling defendants’ insurance coverage, less a sum of $200,000 set aside to pay the legal fees of these individual settling defendants in the pending action and related lawsuits or proceedings. Although the original coverage limits on this insurance policy were $5,000,000, the insurance policy provides that all defense costs are deducted from the coverage limits. Defense costs to date have been approximately $430,000.
The settling defendants have not acknowledged or admitted any liability or wrongdoing in connection with the matters on which the pending litigation is based. To the contrary, they maintain their original position that they have no liability and committed no wrongdoing. The settlement agreement states that the RICC and the settling defendants are mindful of the inherent uncertainty of litigation, and the financial costs associated with the ongoing prosecution and/or defense of same.
Under these circumstances, the RICC and the above-named settling defendants have agreed that this settlement is reasonable. The RICC’s litigation is still going forward against other defendants who are not included in this settlement.
“The proposed settlement is a step in the right direction, and I hope this is the beginning of a positive resolution to the 38 Studios saga,” Governor Chafee said.
The settlement provides for payment to the RICC of the gross sum of $4,370,000. This sum represents the full amount remaining of these settling defendants’ insurance coverage, less a sum of $200,000 set aside to pay the legal fees of these individual settling defendants in the pending action and related lawsuits or proceedings. Although the original coverage limits on this insurance policy were $5,000,000, the insurance policy provides that all defense costs are deducted from the coverage limits. Defense costs to date have been approximately $430,000.
The settling defendants have not acknowledged or admitted any liability or wrongdoing in connection with the matters on which the pending litigation is based. To the contrary, they maintain their original position that they have no liability and committed no wrongdoing. The settlement agreement states that the RICC and the settling defendants are mindful of the inherent uncertainty of litigation, and the financial costs associated with the ongoing prosecution and/or defense of same.
Under these circumstances, the RICC and the above-named settling defendants have agreed that this settlement is reasonable. The RICC’s litigation is still going forward against other defendants who are not included in this settlement.
“The proposed settlement is a step in the right direction, and I hope this is the beginning of a positive resolution to the 38 Studios saga,” Governor Chafee said.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Statement from Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Regarding His Intention to Sign the FY 2015 Budget
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today said: "The FY 2015 budget passed by the General Assembly, which I intend to sign into law, presents many of my initiatives and some modifications that are encouraging.
"First and foremost, I was pleased that the debate on whether to pay the 38 Studios moral obligation bond ended with the right decision for Rhode Island. I have been unequivocal in my belief that we must honor our debts, however painful. Second, the General Assembly’s FY 2015 budget has a plan to eliminate the toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge by charging a 1-cent gas tax. I have been adamant that absent tolling a reasonable alternative be reached. The reality is we cannot afford to see another bridge completely replaced – at great cost to taxpayers – because of a lack of maintenance.
"I am heartened and commend the legislature for investing in education and our public schools. The budget retains the education aid formula and a tuition freeze for Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island. The $125 million voter bond to enhance URI’s College of Engineering complex will attract and retain talent and is another commendable investment in the future. With the approval of the lease for the Nursing Education Center, which will be headquartered in the former South Street Power Station, the budget buoys my long-term strategy to strengthen the “meds and eds” and grow our Knowledge District. In addition, the $1.5 million for workforce development is a meaningful commitment to worker training and closing the skills gap.
"I was pleased that the voter bonds I had proposed were included in this year’s ballot. The bonds reflect important strategies to grow our economy through improving infrastructure and higher education; enlarging our arts and cultural economy; and protecting Rhode Island’s environment. By maintaining my proposed aid to cities and towns, we continue our work with the municipalities to reverse the damage caused by the previous administration.
"Since taking office, I have proposed reducing the state’s corporate tax rate from 9 percent to 7 percent. I applaud the General Assembly for taking this step through combined reporting to make us more competitive. We need to be mindful that with any budget we put forth, it must be focused on priorities and strategies that send a clear and consistent message far beyond our borders that we honor our commitments, and that the leaders in our state are doing all they can to make Rhode Island a great place to live and work."
"First and foremost, I was pleased that the debate on whether to pay the 38 Studios moral obligation bond ended with the right decision for Rhode Island. I have been unequivocal in my belief that we must honor our debts, however painful. Second, the General Assembly’s FY 2015 budget has a plan to eliminate the toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge by charging a 1-cent gas tax. I have been adamant that absent tolling a reasonable alternative be reached. The reality is we cannot afford to see another bridge completely replaced – at great cost to taxpayers – because of a lack of maintenance.
"I am heartened and commend the legislature for investing in education and our public schools. The budget retains the education aid formula and a tuition freeze for Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island. The $125 million voter bond to enhance URI’s College of Engineering complex will attract and retain talent and is another commendable investment in the future. With the approval of the lease for the Nursing Education Center, which will be headquartered in the former South Street Power Station, the budget buoys my long-term strategy to strengthen the “meds and eds” and grow our Knowledge District. In addition, the $1.5 million for workforce development is a meaningful commitment to worker training and closing the skills gap.
"I was pleased that the voter bonds I had proposed were included in this year’s ballot. The bonds reflect important strategies to grow our economy through improving infrastructure and higher education; enlarging our arts and cultural economy; and protecting Rhode Island’s environment. By maintaining my proposed aid to cities and towns, we continue our work with the municipalities to reverse the damage caused by the previous administration.
"Since taking office, I have proposed reducing the state’s corporate tax rate from 9 percent to 7 percent. I applaud the General Assembly for taking this step through combined reporting to make us more competitive. We need to be mindful that with any budget we put forth, it must be focused on priorities and strategies that send a clear and consistent message far beyond our borders that we honor our commitments, and that the leaders in our state are doing all they can to make Rhode Island a great place to live and work."
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Statement Regarding the Budget Announcement by the House Committee on Finance
Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said tonight: “My administration and I will evaluate the budget presented to the House Committee on Finance. I understand that the budgeting process is an exercise in compromise, collaboration and cooperation, and I hope that this budget will move Rhode Island forward.
"Since my first budget, I have proposed and been a proponent of lowering the corporate tax from 9 percent to 7 percent. I applaud the General Assembly for taking this important step to making us more competitive.
"I have been adamant that a reasonable alternative to tolling be reached. The reality is that road and bridge infrastructure needs a consistent funding stream and the money must come from somewhere. Nobody wants to see another bridge completely replaced – at great cost to taxpayers – because of a lack of maintenance. Good transportation infrastructure is closely aligned with building a strong economy. I look forward to examining the plan put forth by the House Committee on Finance.”
"Since my first budget, I have proposed and been a proponent of lowering the corporate tax from 9 percent to 7 percent. I applaud the General Assembly for taking this important step to making us more competitive.
"I have been adamant that a reasonable alternative to tolling be reached. The reality is that road and bridge infrastructure needs a consistent funding stream and the money must come from somewhere. Nobody wants to see another bridge completely replaced – at great cost to taxpayers – because of a lack of maintenance. Good transportation infrastructure is closely aligned with building a strong economy. I look forward to examining the plan put forth by the House Committee on Finance.”
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