Week in Review

Week of March 12, 2006

March 12
Governor Carcieri honors Bishop Farrow
Governor Carcieri attended a service at the Holy Ghost Church of God in Christ to mark Bishop Robert Farrow’s 60th birthday and his years of dedication to Rhode Island and the church. Governor Carcieri and Bishop Farrow have worked closely on a number of issues over the years, including his involvement in September 11th commemorations, the relocation of Hurricane Katrina victims to the state, and the Governor’s appointment of the Bishop to the state Prejudice and Bias Commission.
Said Carcieri: “Since I took office, Sue and I have come to know Bishop Farrow well. He has been a spiritual support to us.”

March 13
Governor’s Institute for Community Design welcomes Cariceri
Governor Carcieri discussed the issues of land use and development patterns in relation to quality of life, economic competitiveness, and the environment at the first meeting of the Governor’s Institute for Community Design. Governor Carcieri joined local and state officials as well as community leaders for this first-ever meeting of the Institute.

Specifically, the Governor discussed opportunities to enhance transportation, and noted several major projects currently underway in Rhode Island, These include the relocation of Route 195 in Providence and the train station planned for T.F. Green Airport.

The Institute is led by three former governors – Christie Whitman (New Jersey, also a former EPA Administrator); Parris Glendening (Maryland) and Angus King (Maine) – with a long history of promoting smart growth. The Institute is funded by US EPA, the National Endowment for the Arts, and jointly administered by the Smart Growth Leadership Institute and the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education at the University of Maryland.

Governor addresses Affordable Rhode Island Coalition
Governor Carcieri joined a rally by the Affordable Rhode Island Coalition to urge legislators to support a bill that limits state spending. “This year’s budget was the most difficult ever” Governor Carcieri said. “We must create a government we can afford while alleviating the tax burden on all Rhode Islanders. In order to remain competitive with our neighbors we must reduce state spending, reduce our tax burden, and increase wages by creating better jobs.”

The Governor noted that his Fiscal Fitness initiatives, called the Big Audit, have proven to be important steps toward bringing down the cost of state government. The Governor’s initiatives have saved Rhode Island taxpayers $140 million to date and will save an estimated $500 million through 2010.

March 14
Governor Carcieri encourages Rhode Islanders to “Own Your Future”
Governor Carcieri kicked off the “Own Your Future” to increase public awareness about the importance of planning for long-term care needs. This campaign is a joint effort of the state and federal government. Rhode Island is one of three states participating in the campaign this year.

The Governor said that Rhode Islanders between the age of 50 and 70 will be receiving letters from him that encourage them to send away for a free long-term care planning “tool kit.” This kit contains a 28-page brochure and CD-ROM that explains the issues and options that baby boomers have when it comes to long-term care.

Governor Carcieri said that long-term care is increasingly important issue as our population ages. This kit can be attained by calling 1-866-PLAN-LTC or by logging on to www.aoa.gov/ownyourfuture.

Carcieri outlines education reform to Board of Regents
Governor Carcieri attended a special meeting of the Board of Regents to ask them to approve four elements in his education agenda. “Over the past three years, we have come along way in enhancing public education in our state. Working together, we must build upon this momentum so all Rhode Island students are successful.”
Fiscal Fitness Program, an outgrowth of the Big Audit, has saved Rhode Island $143 million through the end of the fiscal year and will save taxpayers $268 million through the end of the next fiscal year. In the second phase of the program, the Governor will encourage municipalities to piggyback on the state’s initiatives and generate their own savings and efficiencies.

While several of the Governor’s proposals have been submitted in the form of legislation, others require the approval of the Board of Regents. The proposals that the Governor brought to the Regents include:

the creation of a part-time, adjunct math and science faculty to tap the expertise of professionals in the field;
a requirement for all students to take three years of science classes prior to graduation;
the adoption of statewide evaluation standards for teachers and administrators;
an easier system to obtain alternative certification for professionals to switch careers and become teachers.

March 15
Governor Carcieri administers Rhode Island Children’s Crusade Oath
Governor Carcieri today welcomed students from Providence, Woonsocket, Central Falls, Newport, and Pawtucket to the State House and swore them in as “Crusaders” on behalf of the Rhode Island Children’s Crusade.
This organization provides children with a variety of assistance in their education, from homework help to SAT preparation, and scholarships. As part of the pledge, the children agreed to remain drug and alcohol free, work hard in school, respect their peers, teachers, and parents, and be positive role models for others.

March 16
Carcieri launches Rhode Island Tourism Campaign
Governor Carcieri kicked off the state’s tourism campaign to promote the state’s natural beauty. This year’s campaign seeks to attract vacationers who are within a day’s drive of the state and highlights the state’s natural beauty, including its beaches and nature trails.

"There's no question in my mind we've got a world-class destination," Governor Carcieri said. The three-month campaign was produced by the state's Division of Tourism and includes advertisements on television, in magazines and on Web sites.

The Governor noted that Rhode Island has enjoyed tremendous success in travel and tourism.

Governor Carcieri attends Rhode Island Science and Engineering Fair Awards
Governor Carcieri met with future scientists during the annual awards ceremony held for the Rhode Island Science and Engineering Fair at the Community College of Rhode Island. More than 400 students participated in this year’s science fair.

Governor Carcieri congratulated all of the participants on their hard work, pointing out the importance of math and science skills for the future of our state. The Governor talked about his efforts to strengthen math and science education in our schools, including his initiatives to create a statewide science curriculum and the implementation of a Physics First curriculum at five high schools this fall.

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