Governor Lincoln D. Chafee to Postpone Official Trade Mission to Israel

Press Release

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced today that he will postpone a planned November trade mission to Israel in order to stay in Rhode Island during the General Assembly's special session on pension reform. The trip will be rescheduled for a date in the near future.

"While I was looking forward to a productive business development trip to Israel next month, Rhode Island legislators are working hard to enact historic legislation and I need to remain in Rhode Island to continue to advocate for truly comprehensive pension reform," Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said. "There is no issue that is more critical to Rhode Island's economic development and fiscal stability than pension reform. For that reason, I will remain in Rhode Island while the House and Senate continue their efforts to pass comprehensive reform -- including our underfunded independent municipal pension plans."

"Although I am unable to travel to Israel next week, we will reschedule the official trip as soon as possible," Governor Chafee continued. "My next visit will be my fourth trip to Israel, and I welcome the opportunity to continue to work collaboratively with leaders in the Israeli government and business community to find mutually beneficial economic development opportunities. Our mission will be an important chance to explore ways to increase job creation here in Rhode Island while strengthening the important ties between the United States and Israel, long-time international partners."

A group of Rhode Island business leaders, academics, and professionals led by Avi Nevel, President of Nevel International, LLC will travel to Israel next week on a business- to- business visit coordinated by Raymond Fogarty of the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University.

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