Governor Dan McKee Pledges to Include the Rule of 90 in Next Year’s Budget Proposal
Standing with Council 94 AFSCME, NEA Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, McKee Pledges to Begin Restoring Retirement Security for Public Employees
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Today, Governor Dan McKee joined the leadership and members of Rhode Island Council 94 AFSCME, NEA Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals to commit to including the Rule of 90 at the top of the list in next year’s budget proposal. The previously proposed Rule of 90 legislation has been a longstanding priority of Rhode Island’s public sector unions and the members they represent.
The commitment also lands as school districts and state agencies across Rhode Island compete for teachers and public employees in a tight labor market. Retirement security is one of the few advantages public service can offer against private-sector pay, and early-career educators weigh it when they decide where to build a career.
“When I’m in a room with public employees and educators, I’m with the people who keep this state running – the people who teach our children, care for our patients, and answer the call when a family needs help,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Fifteen years ago, a promise was taken away from our workers. They didn’t break that promise – they kept showing up and doing the job anyway. It’s past time to begin the process of making people whole, and one of the ways I can do that is by putting it in my budget. This will let veteran teachers retire with the respect they’ve earned, and open the door for the next generation coming up behind them. As long as I am Governor, this state will show up for working people.”
Governor McKee has been a steady partner to Rhode Island’s public schools and educators, approving a record $4 billion for school construction since 2021. As the Trump administration moves to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, Governor McKee has committed to protecting the funding and the public schools upon which Rhode Island families rely.
Since taking office, Governor McKee has delivered for working families – cutting the tax on social security benefits, raising the state’s minimum wage, creating more than 37,000 private sector jobs, saving two hospitals on the verge of closing, and successfully taking Donald Trump to court to defend the Revolution Wind project and the good-paying union jobs that come with it.
Early voting in the September 9 Democratic primary opened today and runs through Monday, September 8. Rhode Islanders can find their early voting location, check their registration, and view a sample ballot at vote.ri.gov.
