Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Eastern Region are holding a two-day meeting in Newport, R.I., focusing on local, state and federal governmental and non-governmental partnerships to deliver cost-effectives services to constituents and to root out waste, fraud and abuse in government programs.
As chair of the NAAG Eastern Region, Kilmartin will serve as host of the meeting, which will be held October 27th and 28th at the historic Viking Hotel. The NAAG Eastern Region is comprised of 11 states, the District of Columbia and two territories. *
With the realities of state budgets and the call from the public and policymakers to "do more with less," attorneys general nationwide need to balance shrinking budgets and limited resources with carrying out the office mission. Forging partnerships with federal, state and non-governmental entities can be a cost-effective and innovative approach to delivering services.
"I'm pleased to bring this meeting to Rhode Island, and I am looking forward to a robust discussion on how states can leverage traditional and non-traditional partnerships to better serve taxpayers," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "Here in Rhode Island, we have seen firsthand the results of cooperative partnerships. Our partnership with RI DLT to crack down on unemployment insurance benefit fraud has resulted in more than $750,000 in court-ordered restitution since the program began in 2013. States can learn from this experiment and look to new and innovative partnerships to maximize resources and minimize duplication of services."
Speakers include Commissioner Ron Goldstock of the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor and Deputy Assistant Secretary Alexander A. Arvizu with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, as well as representatives from AARP, Facebook, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Intuit and AT&T. Discussions will focus on best practices in how to create, execute and leverage effective public and private partnerships.
"This is also a great opportunity to showcase Newport and Rhode Island as a world class destination," added Kilmartin. "In addition to two days of interesting panels, we have included a tour of Touro Synagogue for attendees. No matter where I attend meetings as Attorney General, people I have had the good fortune of meeting and working with always ask about Newport when I mention that I am from Rhode Island. We are fortunate to have such a rich history and beautiful setting in our background, making it an ideal location to hold this meeting."
This is the second time in three years that Attorney General Kilmartin has hosted the NAAG Eastern Region Meeting in Rhode Island and is the third major NAAG conference held in Rhode Island during his administration. In 2014, the Eastern Region meeting was held in Providence. In August 2013, Attorney General Kilmartin hosted the North American Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors. In addition, Rhode Island has hosted several NAAG educational seminars on a variety of issues including consumer protection, bankruptcy law, and trial advocacy. Also, in 2013, the Attorney General hosted the Democratic Attorneys General Association in Newport.
"I am pleased that in my role as Attorney General, I have been able to host substantive conferences in our State and showcase many of its assets," added Attorney General Kilmartin.
*Editor's Note: The NAAG Eastern Region is comprised of Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) was founded in 1907 to help attorneys general fulfill the responsibilities of their office and to assist in the delivery of high quality legal services to the states and territorial jurisdictions.
The NAAG Eastern Region Conference is open to registered attendees and the credentialed media. To review the agenda, register for media credentials or to schedule interviews with specific speakers and panelists, please contact Amy Kempe at akempe@riag.ri.gov or (401) 952-7726.