Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo issued the following joint statement concerning today’s Superior Court ruling in Council 94 v. Chafee and Raimondo, a union challenge to the 2009, 2010 pension amendments enacted by the General Assembly: “Today’s lower court ruling recognized this is only the beginning of what could be a long legal process. We understand that this case will ultimately be decided by the Rhode Island Supreme Court. The state will be seeking immediate Supreme Court review of Judge Taft-Carter’s decision. “While we are disappointed that today’s ruling did not grant immediate dismissal of the plaintiffs' claims against the state at this time, we remain committed to submitting comprehensive pension reform legislation for the General Assembly to consider during their October special session. The state cannot afford its current pension obligations and must enact reform that is fair to the taxpayers and provides retirement security to retirees and active employees that is sustainable and affordable.”
