CNBC came out with their ranking today of “America’s Top States For Business 2013”.  Rhode Island has moved up one whole notch from dead last.  If we maintain this rate of progress – one notch per year – we’ll be in the middle of the pack in just twenty four years.  Woohoo!  Undoubtedly the last hearty survivors still hanging on in 2037 will break out the champagne if the state hits this milestone (“Here’s to being #25!”) as projected.

CNBC solicited a sort of rebuttal or defense from Governor Chafee released simultaneously with the ranking.  I’m finding his first sentence quite difficult to compute in light of his initiative record as Governor but perhaps I’ve missed something.

Since being sworn in as the governor of Rhode Island in January 2011, my No. 1 priority has been to build an economy in our state where good companies can succeed, grow and thrive. Similarly, many other states have faced our challenges, but I am pleased to say that we are headed in the right direction, and every day, more businesses are creating good, well-paying, safe and secure jobs for Rhode Islanders.

Despite our small size, we can have a big impact—and we are doing it by relying on sound fundamentals. In other words, there are no shortcuts or special deals.

To help businesses grow and succeed, we have a simple plan. We’re capitalizing on our assets and building world-class infrastructure.  ….

Oh, and broadband.  Don’t forget the broadband.

Another key element of our infrastructure is our leading access to broadband. Rhode Island ranks No. 3 in the nation in broadband coverage and No. 1 in broadband speed.

Of course, broadband speed is at the top of every check list of companies looking to relocate.   However, as good as all of this sounds, I must confess to being a tad confused.  One of three “T’s” is conspicuously absent from his missive.   Remember this from the Governor’s March OpEd?

  Rhode Island must continue to build our new economy based on technology, talent and tolerance. Those — all three — are the necessary ingredients for a 21st Century economy.

Gay marriage has been signed into law.  Shouldn’t we be counting the short months before the economic fringe benefits, touted by Governor Chafee, of the third “T” – the “Tolerance” of gay marriage – kick in?  Why was this omitted from his response to CNBC?

You don’t suppose he might have been exaggerating or downright fibbing about that “ingredient”, do you?  Nah, couldn’t be!

[Monique is Editor of the RI Taxpayer Times newsletter.  Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.]