Linc-O-Meter: Tracking the promises of Lincoln Chafee
Linc-O-Meter Scorecard
- Promise Kept 13 (%)
- Compromise 1 (%)
- Promise Broken 3 (%)
- Stalled 1 (%)
- In the Works 9 (%)
- Not yet rated 5 (%)
PolitiFact Rhode Island has compiled promises that Lincoln Chafee made during the 2010 campaign and is tracking their progress on our Linc-O-Meter.
We rate their status as Not Yet Rated, In the Works or Stalled. Once we find action is completed, we rate them Promise Kept, Compromise or Promise Broken. (See our About the Linc-O-Meter page for more details on our ratings.)
The report card at right provides an up-to-the-minute tally of all the promises.
Browse the Linc-O-Meter:
Promises we’ve rated recently
Lower taxes on personal income and corporate profits when economy improves
The Promise:
"When the economy improves, Chafee backs lowering taxes on personal income and corporate profits."
Update January 21st, 2013:
Chafee pushing for lower corporate tax, no cut in personal income tax proposed
Grant same-sex couples same rights that heterosexual couples have in adoption, foster care, etc.
The Promise:
Chafee "supports . . . same-sex parenting rights."
Develop master plan for use of state-owned property
The Promise:
"Development of a Master Property Utilization Plan that will clearly and transparently lay out a new vision for state-owned properties. This plan will conceive of the Pastore Complex in Cranston as a centrally located, mass-transit-accessible 'government services mall,' supported by three regional hubs in Blackstone Valley, Bristol County and South County."
Make major infrastructure improvements, including super high-speed Internet access
The Promise:
"Clustering our economic development strategy will allow us to create a critical mass for growth. In addition, we can target major infrastructure improvements, such as super high-speed Internet connectivity, that will attract businesses just as traditional transportation systems attract business."
Will audit all economic development tax deals
The Promise:
"I will conduct audits of all economic development tax deals. We need to stop the bleeding of state resources through tax credit programs that have no discernible impact."
Give independent contract workers access to the state system to enforce wage claims.
The Promise:
Give independent contract workers "access to Department of Labor and Training (DLT) procedures to enforce wage claims."
Update July 25th, 2012:
Legislation to help freelance workers under development for 2013 General Assembly session
Make group health benefits available to independent workers
The Promise:
"I will present legislation that will make group health benefits available to independent workers, as they are in New York."
Reform municipal employee pension plans
The Promise:
Move aggressively on the municipal level to curb future pension costs, avoid protracted litigation, ensure employment stability, be fair to workers, older workers in particular, and honestly address all the critical issues facing the state with respect to pension benefits.
Expand hate crimes legislation to include sexual orientation and gender identity of victim
The Promise:
Chafee "supports hate crimes legislation in Rhode Island" [which has already been achieved federally and] designed to include feedom of gender expression."
Upgrade state website to put government services such as obtaining drivers licenses online
The Promise:
"I will upgrade RI.gov to ensure that citizens can take maximum advantage of the public services they pay tax dollars to fund. The upgrade will include putting online government services that currently require a trip to state offices, such as making DMV appointments and renewing drivers’ licenses. This initiative will make online services available for free."
Update May 22nd, 2012:
Online driver’s license renewal fulfills one element of Chafee promise, but at a small price
Support same-sex marriage, support repeal of Defense of Marriage Act
The Promise:
"If Chafee were elected governor, he would not only sign marriage equality legislation, but would champion it. In his own words from a 2009 op-ed in the Huffington Post, 'To me, the issue of same-sex marriage boils down to a question of basic fairness ... Rhode Island legislators should follow in the footsteps of our fellow New England states and be true to our pioneering history of tolerance by advancing a marriage equality bill.' "
Update May 15th, 2012:
Recognition of out-of-state unions goes beyond "support" of same-sex marriage
Reform municipal employee pension plans
The Promise:
Move aggressively on the municipal level to curb future pension costs, avoid protracted litigation, ensure employment stability, be fair to workers, older workers in particular, and honestly address all the critical issues facing the state with respect to pension benefits.
Reform state employee pension plan
The Promise:
Reform pension plans: Reamortize pension; create hybrid 401(k), audit existing plan, develop long-term plan to coordinate retirement age with Social Security age.
Support anti-bullying legislation, protect gay, bisexual and transgender youths in schools
The Promise:
Chafee "supports . . . protecting [gay, bisexual and transgender] youth from bullying and harassment."
Review all state leases of commercial office space
The Promise:
"Launch a thorough, case-by-case review of all 33 leases currently held by the state in commercial office buildings."
We want to hear your suggestions and comments. Email the Rhode Island Truth-O-Meter with feedback and with claims you'd like to see checked. If you send us a comment, we'll assume you don't mind us publishing it unless you tell us otherwise.
