“Get a shot, get a beer” Gov. Dan McKee proposes incentives at RI vaccine sites

PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – Governor Dan McKee and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos taking questions from reporters Tuesday afternoon in Providence.

One of those questions, will Governor Dan McKee support an incentives programs like giving out gift cards for Rhode Islanders who now go and get a COVID-19 vaccine.

“There’s some creative ideas out there,” Gov. Dan McKee said. “I think one was get a shot, get a beer I think it’s important that we’re keeping front and center on that issue.”

Gov. McKee says the state is considering some kind of vaccine incentives program even as the percentage of Rhode Islanders vaccinated for COVID-19 nears 70%.

“We’re approaching that 70% number as I thought we would be by Mother’s Day,” Gov. McKee said. “Reserve your lunch and brunch on Mother’s day and so I think we’re going to have to be creative in terms of that pick and shovel work. I wouldn’t be against that if it was done in a way that made sense.”

McKee also says it makes sense to help small businesses in the state with gift cards. He hopes to start getting to them by next month.