Whitehouse’s office says:

Senator Whitehouse’s Paying a Fair Share Act would codify that proposal, bulwarking the system against gimmickry and abuse.  

The Paying a Fair Share Act would:

• Ensure that millionaires and billionaires pay at least a 30% effective tax rate;
• Apply only to taxpayers with income over $1 million – including capital gains and dividends;
• Require those taxpayers to calculate their effective tax rate under the regular system and pay the higher of their regular rate or 30%;
• Preserve the incentive for charitable giving;
• Reduce the deficit by billions of dollars over the next decade [awaiting Joint Committee on Taxation score].

Langevin has focused on the cybersecurity issue, a topic likely to grow in public attention because of hacking efforts from China and elsewhere.

Langevin spokesman Jonathon Dworkin says Hake’s role will be filled by Michael Hermann, who has worked for about five years with US Representative Henry Waxman of California, the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Hake has a reputation as an industrious fellow, according to this story in Federal Computer Week:

Davis Hake is arguably the House’s hardest-working aide, at least when it comes to making cybersecurity issues accessible for fellow staffers and lawmakers.

He is the driving force behind the House Cybersecurity Caucus, which his boss, Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), co-leads. Hake keeps people on both sides of the aisle informed through weekly e-mail updates and cyber information briefings for industry and government, which he holds in the Capitol Visitor Center to make them convenient for staffers.

Back in Rhode Island, Hake launched the first statewide high school cybersecurity talent search as part of the U.S. Cyber Challenge, which offers young people the chance to win recognition, scholarships and opportunities for further learning.

“I would argue that the reforms that have been instituted in the recent session, especially the special session, are just the beginning. They are half-measures, if that,” Zaccaria said during a taping this morning of RIPR’s Political Roundtable, “and that much more needs to be done to really start tackling the tough nut of municipal pension in this session. And there’s going to be blood on the floor.”

During the legislative lunch sponsored today by the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, the business crowd cheered legislative Democrats for passing the pension overhaul. That’s just the latest accolade in a cascade of local and national publicity for Democratic Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Democratic lawmakers.

But Zaccaria insists that RI Republicans, after struggling for years to make gains at the General Assembly, still have an opening due to the state’s ongoing fiscal woes:

Rhode Islanders will be treated to an example of the fact that we’re out of money, and that when you’re out of money you have to act differently than when you’ve got money in your pocket.

As Republicans, we are going to be looking at a fiscally conservative message that is, I believe, the message we have to all embrace today when we are in very, very difficult times – especially in a government that has grown at the state and the federal level far beyond our means.

Political Roundtable airs at 5:40 and 7:40 Friday morning, and can also be found online.

The conference, which will be held at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet on Feb. 16, will also feature panels on workforce development and the state human services budget. For further information, contact Jennifer Leigh at 401-456-2752.

It was Garrahy who championed 1984′s Greenhouse Compact, an effort to use the then-lofty sum of $250 million to seed the high-wage jobs of the future. Garrahy was the trustworthy everyman who had shepherded the state through the Blizzard of ’78. He invested himself in backing the job-creation plan after announcing in 1983 he wouldn’t seek reelection. Yet Rhode Islanders, skeptical about their government’s stewardship ability, overwhelmingly voted the concept down.

 More than 25 years later, the Ocean State remains plagued by high unemployment and serial rants about the state’s toxic business climate.

Give Garrahy credit at least for trying something bold and ambitious — the kind of thinking we don’t much see from public officials of late. (Last year’s pension overhaul has won plaudits far and wide, but it happened because the state’s back was firmly against the wall.)

Garrahy offered this reflection on the demise of the Greenhouse Compact, in a 1984 column by the Providence Journal’s M. Charles Bakst:

Garrahy now believes the plan, with its $250-million price tag and its intricate economic strategies, might have been too expensive and too bold for the electorate to grasp.

And, he said, politics – the wrangling over whether to raise taxes to pay for it, the furor over political appointments to the panel that would have run the program – ultimately helped shoot the plan down.

“Opponents seized on the political aspects,” he said.

Fast forward to President Obama’s latest State of the Union address, particularly its emphasis on economic populism and the goal of creating an economy “built to last.” The president took a number of shots at China, suggesting that American manufacturing can rebound if given the proper conditions.

Yet whenever Obama sounded that note, it was hard not to think about last Sunday’s eye-opening New York Times’ story on why iPhones get made in China. Costs are far cheaper there, yes. But there are other significant factors, including the ability of Chinese manufacturers to roll out thousands of semi-skilled workers on very short notice.

Ted Nesi offered this observation:

Rhode Island’s congressional delegation talks a lot about bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., and each of its members will find some evidence for their views. Senator Whitehouse says China pursues unfair trade practices; that’s part of it. Congressman Langevin says Rhode Islanders aren’t being educated and trained properly; that’s part of it. Congressman Cicilline says the federal government doesn’t support its manufacturing sector the same way China does; that’s part of it.

But reading The Times piece – which you should do – makes their proposals seem awfully inadequate to the scale of the challenge.

I spoke with House Speaker Gordon Fox last Friday about the latest glum news of an uptick in Rhode Island’s unemployment rate. He expressed frustration, of course, but also held out hope that steps “to change the long-term conditions of Rhode Island” will eventually bear fruit. Governor Lincoln Chafee has offered a similar view.

Still, as Rhode Island prepares to lay Governor Garrahy to rest, it’s worth wondering why the state still struggles with a fundamental problem that he attempted to ameliorate 28 years ago.

The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Providence Biltmore Hotel on the 16^th floor., according to the invitation.  Biden’s appearance is evidence of how seriously the White House is taking the reelection campaign of Senator Whitehouse.

General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo today announced that the state has received 12 proposals from vendors seeking to run Rhode Island’s new defined contribution program. In the coming months, Rhode Island will develop and launch this new program as mandated in the recently passed Rhode Island Retirement Security Act. The program will be a core part of each employee’s retirement plan and is intended to provide a secure source of retirement benefit, in addition to their pension benefit.

“The state remains committed to an open and transparent process as selection begins to hire a service provider,” Raimondo said.  “Our goal is to choose a provider whose priorities are low-cost and secure investment products, as well as strong and dependable customer service.”

In total, the state received 12 responses from the following firms: VALIC, ACS, TIAA CREF, Prudential, Fidelity, Mass Mutual, ICMA-RC, Great-West, ING and Nationwide.  Mass Mutual submitted two proposals with two advisor firms (Tim Ludwig of Legacy Financial Group and John Thompson of JWTI), each offering separate education services.  J.W. Thompson Investments also submitted a separate proposal for investment education and communications services.

Proposals should include detailed answers in the following areas:
- Robust investment options and management
- Efficient plan administration and record keeping
- Effective member communication and education mechanisms
- Comprehensive retirement planning
- Fees and expenses

The proposals are under review by members of the State Investment Commission, Treasury staff and Segal Advisors, the consultant for the defined contribution RFP process.

Most Rhode Island state employees, teachers and municipal employees participating in the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) will be required to contribute to the defined contribution program. It is estimated that the plan will initially cover approximately 30,000 government employees, and that annual contributions will be in the range of $100 million to $150 million.

The State Investment Commission is expected to approve a final choice by March 1, 2012. The new program will take effect on July 1, 2012.

Garrahy, a Democrat, served as governor from 1977 until 1985. His family released this statement:

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy. He loved his family dearly and we were so proud to call him our husband, father and Poppy. He also loved the people of Rhode Island and worked tirelessly to improve the State and to provide assistance to those in need.

We thank Rhode Islanders for their continued outpouring of fondness over the years. He was very grateful for their warmth and friendship and for the opportunity to serve them.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated at this time.

Former Providence Journal political columnist M. Charles Bakst offers this recollection of Garrahy:

He was a thoroughly decent guy, did not put on airs, not a mean bone in his body; a kind of folk hero in Rhode Island, partly, of course, for the blizzard.

I think he was somebody people could identify with as being of them. And I used to be at lunch with him or breakfast, wherever we were, people would come up to him, ‘oh, Governor, how are you?  I remember you from the blizzard,’ stuff like that.

And at one time I said to him, ‘So you’re role in life is to be — this is years after he was governor — your role in life is to be Joe Garrahy.’  I was thinking of people like Rocky Marciano or Stan Musial, people like that who had their careers and then the rest of their lives they just sort of played that role.

I said, ‘You’re role is to be Joe Garrahy.’ He sort of chuckled and said, ‘Yeah, it’s pretty good.’ 

Former lieutenant governor Charles Fogarty, director of the state Department of Labor and Training, offers this statement:

I was stunned and saddened today to learn of the passing of my close friend and mentor, Former Governor Joe Garrahy. Outside of my parents, no person has had a greater and more lasting influence on my public service career.

Joe Garrahy was my first boss. I had the privilege of serving as his senate page when he was lieutenant governor, and later as a policy aide when he served as governor. Personally, I will always remember Governor Garrahy for his honesty, humility, humor and great inner strength, and I am certain that all Rhode Islanders will remember him for touching so many lives while making our state a better place.

My heart goes out to his wife, Margherite, and to all his children and grandchildren on the loss of this wonderful man.

This from Brendan Doherty:

I began my career with the Rhode Island State Police under Governor Garrahy and have been fortunate to develop a lasting friendship with him over the years. I am proud to have had Governor Garrahy as a mentor.  We were together last week inFlorida and as usual, the best advice he gave me was not about politics, but the importance of family, values and humanity. Rhode Islandhas lost a great statesman.

State Democratic chairman Ed Pacheco:

My heartfelt condolences go out to the Garrahy family. As Rhode Islanders, we mourn the loss of our 69^th governor – an icon in the State of Rhode Island, a true and dedicated public servant. A state senator, deputy majority leader, lieutenant governor, governor and Democratic Party chairman, Garrahy’s stewardship serves as a model and his leadership had a tremendous impact on our state.

Senator Jack Reed:

Rhode Island has lost a great statesman and we have all lost a great friend. Joe Garrahy combined courageous leadership, unimpeachable decency, and a warm and embracing spirit.

 His example sustained us and inspired us, and it will continue to do so. My deepest condolences to his wife, Margherite, and his wonderful and loving family.

Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy, a beloved leader who was deeply committed to our state and to all Rhode Islanders. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. He will be greatly missed.

Governor Chafee:

I was shocked and saddened to learn this morning of the passing of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy.

Governor Garrahy truly had an unending love for the people of Rhode Island, and in return he earned the respect, admiration, and affection of the people of this great state. He was a true gentleman, down-to-earth and lacking any pretense.

Governor Garrahy had a gift for making progress quickly while managing to make as few waves as possible in the process. He was unassuming, but he delivered results.

Many of us will always think of him in his famous flannel shirt, rising to the occasion to guideRhode Island through the devastating Blizzard of ’78.

Much of Governor Garrahy’s family still lives here and remains part of the fabric of our state. My thoughts and sympathy are with them during this difficult time. I hope that they are able to find some comfort – as so many Rhode Islanders will – in their many fine memories of him.

Treasurer Gina Raimondo:

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Garrahy family. He loved serving the people of Rhode Island, and they loved him in return for his gentle manner and confident leadership. I will never forget his tremendous kindness, friendship and wise counsel as I began my term as Rhode Island’s General Treasurer.

House Speaker Gordon Fox:

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Governor Garrahy, who will always be remembered for his even-handed and steady leadership at the helm of our state.  I considered him one of the true elder statesmen of the Democratic Party who inspired us in the next generation to carry on his legacy of honesty, hard work and dedication to the people ofRhode Island.  I was very fond of the way he always made himself available to me and others in the General Assembly to provide us with advice and guidance.

Congressman David Cicilline:

Governor Garrahy first entered public service as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War.  Of course, Rhode Islanders will always know him as the affable son of Providence who led our state decisively, especially during the Blizzard of 1978.  Governor Garrahy’s legacy, established during the four terms he served as Governor, will continue to live on in our memories.  He was a beloved public servant who was respected and known for his integrity.  Governor Garrahy’s family is in my thoughts and prayers today.

Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed:

Governor Garrahy, a former state Senator who presided over the chamber during his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, is a trueRhode Islandlegend whose leadership I remember fondly and vividly to this day. His portrait in the Senate Lounge reminds me daily of the dedicated service which has made him a part of the tapestry ofRhode Islandgovernment. His calm and steady stewardship during often tumultuous times helped to strengthen our state and endear him in the hearts of generations of Rhode Islanders. The thoughts and prayers of the Rhode Island Senate are with Mrs. Garrahy and the entire Garrahy family during this difficult time.

In the latest example of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee’s continued and sustained efforts to addressRhode Island’s municipal challenges and to provide retirement security for employees and retirees and property tax relief to Rhode Islanders, the Governor will hold an electronic town hall for retirees and taxpayers on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.

“Too often, retirees and taxpayers do not get the opportunity to voice their concerns and share their ideas on the issues and decisions that affect them. This town hall is a way to speak directly with Rhode Islanders and hear their input and their solutions, as well as a chance for me to answer questions about these critical issues. As my Administration works to address the financial challenges of our municipalities, we do so with the best interest of retirees and taxpayers at heart. The feedback I will hear on Thursday will be valuable as we move toward lasting solutions that will help cities and towns better serve Rhode Islanders,” Governor Chafee said.

Approximately 8,200 Rhode Islanders will be invited to take part in the electronic town hall. Invitees will be notified by phone tomorrow afternoon and early evening. All Rhode Islanders are also encouraged to share their questions, thoughts, and suggestions on municipal issues with the Governor – either by sending an e-mail to local.solutions@governor.ri.gov or through a new feedback forum on the Governor’s website (www.governor.ri.gov), both of which will go live at noon on Thursday.