McKee gives 2024 State of the State address

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee presented the State of the State address for Rhode Islanders on Tuesday evening, touting the accomplishments of the state in 2023 and the plan ahead for 2024.

McKee called back to his days as a basketball coach for the overarching theme of the speech: that Rhode Island was one team, one state and getting better every day.

“Never underestimate the power of a team that has each other’s backs,” McKee said.

The tone of McKee’s speech was positive, keeping a focus on his 2023 accomplishments.

McKee said, this year, the focus is on putting more money in Rhode Islanders’ pockets, aiming to raise the per-capita income by $20,000 in the next six years.

“Just think how much housing insecurity and food insecurity we could address as a state if we double down and work to raise per capita income across Rhode Island, helping every family,” McKee explained.

The State of the State cast a wide net, touching on growth in the housing sector, proposing a $100M housing production bond on the ballot to improve housing stock.

McKee spoke about the budget, aiming for funding in healthcare, education and infrastructure, as well as making promises for the coming legislative cycle.

“Finding common ground and reforming the law enforcement officers’ bill of rights, finding new ways to speed up housing production, and, this year, let’s finally pass an assault weapon ban in Rhode Island,” McKee said.

McKee also spoke on the Washington Bridge closure, acknowledging the impact of the closure, but not giving any indication of a timeline moving forward.

Republican House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale gave his thoughts on the situation in a response following the State of the State address.

“While Rhode Islanders pay among the highest fees for road maintenance through our gas tax, we still don’t see adequate maintenance of our infrastructure,” Chippendale said. “The near disaster of the I-195 bridge is a reminder of the negative impact these failures have had on commerce, education, healthcare delivery, and the lives of everyday commuters.”

Chippendale continued his list of grievances in the Republican Party’s State of the State.

“Last year’s budget was 14 billion dollars and, based on the annual budget growth prior to COVID, we should be around 11.5 billion dollars this year,” Chippendale added. “We must hold the line and we must be looking for places to cut spending.”

Both speeches touched on similar issues and ended the same way, looking toward Rhode Island’s future. 

“Rhode Island truly is one of the most special places in the world,” Chippendale said. “And, as the smallest state, we possess the agility to excel beyond expectations. It’s time to dream bigger and execute smarter.”

“The State of the State is strong,” McKee said. “The future is bright, and our very best is well on the way.”

Now the clock begins for McKee to meet the goals he set Tuesday night and introduce the legislature he said will be critical for the state moving forward, including the 100-day deadline for a plan to improve Rhode Islanders’ incomes.