Statement from the Office of Governor Chafee Regarding Data Sharing with the National Counterterrorism Center

A recent press release from the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island reports that the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles is one of 15 states sharing biometric data from drivers’ licenses with the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).

In regards to this allegation, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said: “On August 20, 2014, Anthony Silva, the Administrator for the DMV, received a letter inquiring about the reported transfer of data to NCTC. Since the receipt of the letter, my administration has done an investigation and has found no evidence of the proactive sharing of information with the NCTC. I look forward to working with the Rhode Island ACLU on this issue.”

For more information, contact: Anthony Silva, Administrator, Rhode Island DMV, 401-462-5705 or anthony.silva@dmv.ri.gov

Governor Chafee Calls for a Statewide Moment of Silence to Mark the Anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks

U.S. and State Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff During Patriot Day

and National Day of Service and Remembrance

To mark the thirteenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee will call for a voluntary statewide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2014. In addition, in honor of Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, President Obama has requested the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff 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 Thursday, September 11, 2014.

“It is with great sadness that we prepare to mark the thirteenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks,” Governor Chafee said. “To honor that day’s many victims, from Rhode Island, across the country and around the world, I ask that Rhode Islanders observe a respectful moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. September 11 was a tragedy on every scale imaginable, and it is my hope that on its anniversary we are all able to engage in silent remembrance of those who were lost.”

Click here to view the President's proclamation for PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE, 2014.

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Results of the Primary

Governor Chafee tonight said: “This primary season was particularly hard fought, and I want to congratulate the candidates for their hard work on the campaign trail. I am supporting all of the Democratic Party’s nominees, and regardless of party affiliation, I look forward to working with the new General Officers on their transition following the November election. I want to ensure that our State continues moving in the right direction by investing in education, infrastructure and workforce development, as well as ensuring the health of our cities and towns – the basic building blocks of a strong economy.”

Statement from Governor Chafee regarding the FY14 Preliminary Closing Statement and FY14 General Fund Surplus

Today Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced that the FY14 Preliminary Closing Statement, issued by the Department of Administration’s Office of Accounts and Control, shows the state ended fiscal year 2014 with a $68 million General Fund surplus.  General revenue expenditures were $16.1 million less than budgeted.  For each year of the current administration’s term, the state’s general revenue expenditures have been less than budgeted appropriations – $18 million less in 2011, $29 million less in 2012, and $17.8 million less in 2013.  This is the fourth year in a row that the state has seen strong closing surpluses – $64.2 million in FY11, $115.2 million in FY12, and $104.1 million in FY13.  $59.2 million of the surplus funds were accounted for in the FY15 budget as enacted by the General Assembly.

In addition, the FY14 Preliminary Closing Statement shows the budget reserve and cash stabilization account is fully funded with a balance of $177 million.  The Rhode Island Capital Plan Fund available balance is $124.4 million.

“I am very proud of our team of directors and state employees throughout all of state government who deserve significant credit for spending less than their enacted budget,” stated Governor Chafee.  “I am gratified once again that the state has ended each year that I have been Governor with a healthy surplus.  For the last two years, my administration has submitted a balanced budget on time and now, due to the strong fiscal management exhibited by our state agencies, we can announce that this is the fourth straight year in a row with state agencies coming in under budget.

“Recent economic indicators – including the steadily declining unemployment numbers, the increase in median house prices, continued economic growth in Q1 and Q2 and projected growth for Q3 – combined with this latest news of the state’s positive economic performance, show that together we are strengthening Rhode Island’s economy.  I am proud that my administration has set a strong platform for the next governor and the next stage in our state’s recovery.”

Online: http://controller.admin.ri.gov

 

Governor Chafee Orders the Rhode Island Flag to Half-Staff to Honor the Memory of Former United States Congressman Fernand St Germain

To honor the memory of Former U.S. Congressman Fernand St Germain, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today has ordered all Rhode Island flags across the State to half-staff until Congressman St Germain is laid to rest. Governor Chafee’s order applies to State flags on all public buildings and grounds in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Statement from Governor Chafee Relating to the Passing of Legendary Vermont Senator James Jeffords

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today said: “On Behalf of the State of Rhode Island, I join the nation, along with Vermont, in mourning the loss of Jim Jeffords. Jim Jeffords made history in the spring of 2001 with his bold move out of the Republication Party. He will be remembered for sending a message to the rest of the country that he was not going to put partisan politics before his work in Washington, D.C. Throughout his distinguished and lengthy career, Jim cared deeply about our environment. He displayed fiscal common sense, and he developed government programs that build a strong middle class. He was also one of the 23 senators to have the courage and foresight to vote against the Iraq War Resolution. He was revered by all who knew him.”

Statement from Governor Chafee Regarding the Passing of Legendary U.S. Congressman Fernand J. St Germain

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today said: “We mourn the loss of former United States Congressman Fernand J. St Germain, who left a lasting impression on Rhode Island. He was a life-long Democrat who fiercely fought for the rights of the working and middle classes. From 1961 to 1989, he served Rhode Island’s First Congressional District in the U.S. Congress, and one of his accomplishments was a stint as the Chairman of the Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs. Before representing Rhode Island in Washington, he was a valuable member of Rhode Island’s General Assembly where he became a respected and revered politician. On behalf of the State of Rhode Island, I send condolences to his family.”