Gov. Dan McKee Announces Historic Investments for Rhode Islanders in First State of the State Address

In his first annual State of the State address yesterday, Gov. Dan McKee delivered his vision for Rhode Island’s future, including recovering from the pandemic, investing in housing, funding education, and tackling climate change.

Here’s what people are saying about Gov. McKee’s address:

• Associated Press: “Rhode Island’s governor said in his first-ever State of the State address Tuesday that it’s time to start looking to the future.”

• The Providence Journal: “In his first State of the State address, Gov. Dan McKee on Tuesday  laid out his vision for Rhode Island’s recovery from the pandemic, vowing to put more than $250 million into housing, forgive student loans for health-care workers and ‘create a statewide network of electric car charging stations.’”

• WJAR: “He said the proposed budget is ‘fiscally responsible with no broad-based tax increases,’ but also proposes long-term investments to grow the economy and support residents.”

• WPRI: “The largest of McKee’s big-ticket items announced in Tuesday’s speech included a $250 million investment in housing for low- and moderate-income residents.”

• The Providence Journal: “McKee, who has prioritized the small business community since becoming governor last year, will include a raft of ideas to boost businesses ranging from home bakeries to bars in his upcoming state budget proposal, he announced Tuesday.”

• Boston Globe: “Rhode Islanders who have dropped out of college during the COVID-19 pandemic or who didn’t immediately enter higher education after graduating from high school could soon be eligible for thousands of dollars in tuition, child care, and other expenses that will help them return to school under a new proposal from Governor Dan McKee.”

“Gov. Dan McKee has always been a champion for Rhode Islanders,” said DGA Senior Communications Advisor Christina Amestoy. “Under his bold leadership, Rhode Island is recovering from the pandemic and bouncing back even stronger. And Gov. McKee isn’t done yet — his bold vision for the next year will invest in housing, education, and the issues most important to Rhode Island’s working families.” 

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