Governor Dan McKee Introduces Rhode Island’s First Affordability for All Agenda, Pledges to Protect Rhode Islanders from Trump’s Harmful Policies in State of the State Address
Providence, RI – Yesterday, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee gave his fourth State of the State address, outlining his top priorities for the year as he looks to build on his strong record of delivering for Rhode Islanders. Emphasizing the importance of affordability, he introduced Rhode Island’s first “Affordability for All agenda,” which will eliminate the state tax on Social Security, bring down costs, and expand health care coverage.
Governor McKee also promised to continue standing up to Donald Trump’s efforts to rip away Rhode Islanders’ health care, food assistance, jobs, and other critical services. In the first eight months of his presidency, Trump’s disastrous economic agenda cost the average family $700 in higher costs.
Since taking office, Governor McKee has delivered for Rhode Islanders, creating over 36,000 private sector jobs, cutting energy bills by $21 million, and keeping Rhode Island building despite national economic uncertainty.
Read more on Governor McKee’s State of the State address below:
Boston Globe: In State of the State speech, R.I. governor outlines ‘Affordability for All’ agenda
McKee, a Democrat seeking another four-year term in the November elections, said his “Affordability for All” agenda would save taxpayers $215 million in the first full year, and $1.4 billion over the next five years.
In his speech, McKee mentioned President Trump nine times, saying, “Together, we will stand up to President Trump when he tries to take away Rhode Islanders’ health care, food assistance, jobs, or the programs that families rely on.”
Ocean State Media: McKee touts ‘affordability agenda’ in State of the State speech
“In the years ahead, we will keep fighting for the future Rhode Islanders deserve,” [Governor McKee] said while speaking in a House of Representatives chamber packed with lawmakers and dignitaries. “We will keep Rhode Island building and our economy growing …. And we will work together to fight back against harmful policies from the Trump administration, protecting our most vulnerable and defending Rhode Island’s economy and values.”
WPRI: Key moments from McKee’s State of the State address
A central theme throughout the speech was the governor’s “Affordability for All” agenda, which he said will “keep $215 million in Rhode Islanders’ pockets” during year one and $1.4 billion “over the next five years.”
The governor’s budget also includes $600 million in bond proposals, which he says will go toward investments in economic development, education and housing.
The Providence Journal: McKee delivers State of the State speech. Here are the takeaways.
In the proposed new state budget, he will promise $215 million in relief in 2026 and 2027, and $1.4 billion over the next five years, from the “creation of Rhode Island’s first permanent child tax credit, lowering the gas tax, reducing the charges on your electric bill, lowering healthcare costs, and eliminating the tax on Social Security.”
“Keep Rhode Island building,” McKee said. “That’s one of the best ways to protect our economy from national downturns.”
WJAR: McKee pledges affordability, infrastructure upgrades in State of the State Address
“Together, we will stand up to President Trump when he tries to take away Rhode Islanders’ health care, food assistance, jobs, or the programs that families rely on,” McKee said
