I am confident that we will continue to honor our obligations. We want to send a clear message to the investment community that Rhode Island is a place that will make the difficult but necessary decisions for the long-term health of our state.I believe that the General Assembly will do the right thing to protect the reputation and borrowing ability of Rhode Island.

I am pleased that we have reached an agreement with Commissioner Gist. The Commissioner and I have enjoyed a productive and positive relationship over the past several years, and I look forward to continuing to work with her on behalf of Rhode Island’s students.

I was saddened to learn this morning of the death of Senator Frank Lautenberg, who for decades represented the people of New Jerseywith distinction, dedication, and honor.He also served his nation as a member of the United States Army Signal Corps in the Second World War. Senator Lautenberg’s passing marks a significant milestone: at the time of his death, he was the only World War II veteran in the Senate – the last of a group that once included Senators Daniel Inouye, Bob Dole, John F. Kennedy, George McGovern, Ted Stevens, and John Chafee, among many others. These men, representatives of a generation forged by battle and sacrifice abroad, came to understand the value of public service early in life, and continued that honorable service in the political arena after returning home.I was fortunate to serve alongside Senator Lautenberg on the Environment & Public Works Committee, where I was proud to stand with him in defense of some of the most critical environmental legislation of our time, such as the Clean Air & Clean Water Acts and a sensible Endangered Species Act. Senator Lautenberg and I also shared a belief in the importance of investing in our public infrastructure, and worked together to secure passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005.In his three decades in the United States Senate, Frank Lautenberg upheld that Chamber’s long legacy of serious, collaborative work carried out for the good of the people. He will be missed, not just in his home State of New Jersey, but across the country.