2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
Executive Order 95-15
May 16, 1995
WHEREAS, the Rhode Island State House stands as a symbol of the State of Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, The Rhode Island State House, designed by the renowned American architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White, is one of the nation's most beautiful public buildings and is situated on significant landscaped grounds; and
WHEREAS, September 16, 1995 marks the 100th anniversary of the groundbreaking for the construction of the Rhode Island State House; and
WHEREAS, the Rhode Island State House contains historical and artistic objects and collections of great importance such as one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, a collection of portraits including a picture of George Washington painted by Rhode Island artist Gilbert Stuart, a silver tea service created by Gorham Company for the Battleship Rhode Island, an original Colonial Charter, and other valuable artifacts; and
WHEREAS, this historic structure that both contains and represents Rhode Island's state government requires special attention and support to restore and preserve its architectural character and collections;
NOW THEREFORE, I, LINCOLN ALMOND, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby order as follows:
1. There is hereby established a Rhode Island State House Restoration Committee, the purpose of which shall be to solicit and accept charitable contributions on behalf of the State of Rhode Island from individuals, estates, corporations, and foundations, with the proceeds of such gift income to be used exclusively for the restoration, preservation, interpretation, betterment and benefit of the Rhode Island State House.
2. The Rhode Island State House Committee shall consist of civic-minded individuals who have an interest in historical and architectural restoration and preservation. The members of the Committee shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor, and shall include a representative of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and a representative of the Providence Preservation Society. The Committee is authorized to elect such officers and to create such committees as it may deem necessary.
3. The Committee shall develop a fund-raising program; offer advice and counsel to the Governor and the Department of Administration with respect to the restoration and preservation of the State House, including its structure, public spaces, fixtures, furnishings and decor, and terraces and grounds. The Committee shall keep a record of its meetings and actions.
4. All funds received by the Committee shall be deemed charitable contributions to be used in exercise of an essential governmental function exclusively for the aforementioned public purposes, consistent with the Internal Revenue Code, so as to made those funds exempt from federal taxation and tax deductible to the donors. Upon the approval of the General Assembly, the controller is hereby authorized to set up a restricted or trust account for donations made to the benefit of the State House Restoration Committee established by this Executive Order, and access to the funds in that account shall be allowed only to the designed officer of the Committee in the pursuit of the aforementioned purposes of the Committee. Any funds on deposit in the State House Restoration Committee account which are not required for current expenditures shall be invested so as to earn a reasonable rate of interest, and the interest shall be added to the principal balance of the account for the use of the Committee in carrying out the purposes of this Executive Order.
5. The Department of Administration is authorized to establish accounts and controls as necessary to comply with this Executive Order and is authorized to conduct annual audits of the Committee's books, records, and financial receipts.
This Executive Order shall replace Executive Order 92-13 and take effect immediately on the date hereof.
Lincoln Almond
Governor