Lincoln Almond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lincoln Almond
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| 72nd Governor of Rhode Island | |
| In office January 3, 1995 – January 7, 2003 |
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| Lieutenant |
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| Preceded by | Bruce Sundlun |
| Succeeded by | Donald Carcieri |
| United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island | |
| In office 1981–1993 |
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| President | |
| Preceded by | Paul Murray |
| Succeeded by | Sheldon Whitehouse |
| In office 1969–1978 |
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| President | |
| Preceded by | Edward P. Gallogly |
| Succeeded by | Paul Murray |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lincoln Carter Almond
June 16, 1936 Pawtucket, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Died | January 2, 2023 (aged 86) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Marilyn Johnson
(m. 1958) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
Lincoln Carter Almond (June 16, 1936 – January 2, 2023) was an American lawyer and politician. He served as the 72nd Governor of Rhode Island from 1995 to 2003. Before becoming governor, he was a United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island for many years. He was a member of the Republican Party.
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Early Life and Education
Lincoln Carter Almond was born on June 16, 1936, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. His parents were Thomas Clifton Almond and Elsie (Carter) Almond. He grew up in Central Falls, Rhode Island, until his family moved to Lincoln, Rhode Island, in 1947.
He went to Central Falls High School because there wasn't a high school in Lincoln at that time. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1959 with a science degree. Later, he earned a law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1961. After finishing his studies, he began his career as a lawyer in Rhode Island.
Serving as U.S. Attorney
Before he became governor, Lincoln Almond worked as the U.S. Attorney for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. A U.S. Attorney is a top lawyer who represents the United States government in court. He served under several presidents, including Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush.
He held this important job from 1969 to 1978, and then again from 1981 to 1993. In total, he served for 21 years, making him one of the longest-serving U.S. Attorneys in Rhode Island's history. During his time, he focused on fighting organized crime and political corruption in the state.
Becoming Governor
Lincoln Almond first tried to become governor in 1978 but didn't win. In 1994, he ran again and won the Republican primary election, which was a surprise to many. He then went on to win the main election against Myrth York.
He became the first governor in Rhode Island to serve a four-year term. He was also the first to have a limit of two terms. Before him, governors only served for two years with no term limits.
Health Care for Rhode Islanders
During Governor Almond's time, improving health care and human services was a big focus. He greatly expanded RIte Care, which is a state health care program for children. He also started a strong program to make sure children received their immunizations (shots to prevent diseases).
His administration also expanded state-funded programs for pregnant mothers, which helped lower the number of babies born with low weight. He increased the number of state-supported child care spots and improved standards for child care providers. Rhode Island became one of the states where most people had health insurance coverage.
Improving Education
Governor Almond strongly supported higher education. He helped pass a plan in 2000 that included money for a new campus for the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). He made sure that tuition at CCRI stayed frozen for most of his time in office, making college more affordable.
He also directed money to improve buildings and dorms at Rhode Island College (RIC). He supported the building of the Nazarian Performing Arts Center at RIC. As the first governor to graduate from the University of Rhode Island (URI), he made big investments there. He helped upgrade the steam plant, renovate dorms, and improve academic buildings. The Ryan Center, a large sports and event complex, was completed at URI in 2002.
Taxes and Business Growth
Governor Almond worked to make Rhode Island a better place for businesses. He used tax breaks and new rules to help industries like financial services, biotechnology, and marine trades grow. For example, a tax credit he signed in 2001 helped turn the historic Masonic Temple in Providence into a hotel.
He also helped expand the Quonset Davisville Port and Commerce Park, which led to more businesses and jobs. He worked to lower the state's income tax by 10% over five years and reduce taxes on investments. Overall, 45 other tax reductions were made during his time as governor.
State Projects and Roads
Governor Almond created the Rhode Island Capital Plan Fund. This fund helped the state pay for important projects using current money instead of borrowing. Many parts of the state benefited, from parks in Woonsocket to beaches in Westerly.
He also directed money to improve recreational areas, boat ramps, and fishing piers. The Rhode Island State House was renovated during his time, and this work was recognized nationally. He also planned and started major road and rail projects, including the Rhode Island Route 403 and the Iway project, which moved a major highway.
Gambling Policy
Governor Almond was strongly against expanding gambling in Rhode Island during his eight years in office. Even though two large casinos opened in nearby Connecticut, he successfully fought against every attempt to bring more casino gambling into Rhode Island. He also urged the state's lottery commission not to add more video lottery machines.
Protecting the Environment
In terms of the environment, Governor Almond worked on important projects. After the 1996 North Cape barge oil spill, he helped create a safe plan to clean up Narragansett Bay. This project was important for allowing ships to deliver oil directly to ports, which is safer for the environment than using barges. He also worked on a plan to collect and treat storm water runoff in the Providence area before it went into Narragansett Bay.
Later Life
After leaving office, Governor Almond continued to be involved in public service. In 2005, he was asked to lead an investigation into an insurance company called Beacon Mutual Insurance Company. His report led to big changes in the company.
In 2006, there was a plan to allow a casino to be built in partnership with the Narragansett Indian Tribe. Lincoln Almond led a group of people who were against this idea. Even with a lot of advertising for the casino, the proposal was defeated.
Personal Life and Death
Lincoln Almond and his wife, Marilyn, lived in Kingston, Rhode Island, and Wellfleet, Massachusetts. They had two children. Their son, Lincoln Douglas Almond, became a federal magistrate judge in Rhode Island.
Lincoln Almond passed away on January 2, 2023, at the age of 86.
Images for kids
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Lincoln Almond
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Lincoln Almond's signature
