Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee Proposes Four Major Infrastructure Initiatives for Public Vote in November 2024

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has announced his intention to put four major infrastructure initiatives up for public vote in November 2024. The proposals, which total $345 million, are part of McKee’s $13.7 billion state budget plan for the 2025 fiscal year.

One of the proposed questions would issue $135 million in bonds for higher education, with $80 million earmarked for the University of Rhode Island’s Biomedical Sciences Building. This facility is intended to accelerate the life sciences industry in the state and create a state-of-the-art research and innovation hub.

Another question would allow the state to borrow $100 million to increase affordable and middle-income housing production, support community revitalization, and promote home ownership. McKee stated that the budget prioritizes programs and initiatives that will help raise the incomes of Rhode Islanders.

A third question would spend $60 million on a permanent state archive and history center to store and display historical documents, including copies of the Declaration of Independence and letters from George Washington. This initiative aims to preserve Rhode Island’s rich history and make it accessible to the public.

The fourth question would ask voters to approve $50 million in borrowing for “green economy” projects. These projects include $20 million for infrastructure improvements at the Port of Davisville, $10 million to help restore vulnerable coastal habitats, rivers, and stream floodplains, and $8 million to restore the tourism infrastructure of the Newport Cliff Walk.

Rhode Island has a history of ballot measures, with a total of 163 appearing on statewide ballots between 1985 and 2021. Of these, 128 were approved, and 35 were defeated.

Other highlights of the budget proposal include $15 million to improve outcomes in math and English instruction and the addition of 35 pre-kindergarten classrooms, totaling 700 seats for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The state has set a goal of 5,000 pre-kindergarten seats by 2028.

The budget plan now heads to the General Assembly for consideration. McKee’s State of the State address, delivered just days prior, highlighted his goals for the new year, including higher wages, stronger student scores, and increased housing production. One pledge McKee made was to boost the buying power of Rhode Island residents by setting a goal to raise the per capita income in the state by at least $20,000 by 2030.

In response to McKee’s speech, House Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale expressed concern about the fiscal challenges facing the state and called for a more proactive approach to addressing these challenges.

The release of the budget on Thursday came just days after McKee outlined many of his goals for the new year in his State of the State address. These goals included higher wages, stronger student scores, and increased housing production. One pledge McKee made was to boost the buying power of Rhode Island residents by setting a goal to raise the per capita income in the state by at least $20,000 by 2030.

In a Republican response to McKee’s speech, House Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale expressed concern about the fiscal challenges facing the state and called for a more proactive approach to addressing these challenges. “It’s not negative to talk about the struggles our state has, and ignoring them certainly won’t make them go away,” he said. “We have to accept that these challenges exist, and that we must work together to find solutions to reverse the course we’re on.”

The infrastructure initiatives proposed by McKee represent a significant investment in the future of Rhode Island. By putting these decisions in the hands of the voters, McKee is demonstrating his commitment to transparency and accountability. The success of these initiatives will depend on the support of the Rhode Island community and their belief in the potential benefits they will bring.

In conclusion, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee’s proposal to put four major infrastructure initiatives up for public vote in November 2024 represents a significant investment in the future of the state. By involving the community in the decision-making process, McKee is demonstrating his commitment to transparency and accountability. The success of these initiatives will depend on the support of the Rhode Island community and their belief in the potential benefits they will bring. The budget plan, which includes initiatives in education, housing, and history preservation, now heads to the General Assembly for consideration. The challenges facing the state are significant, but with a proactive approach and a commitment to finding solutions, Rhode Island can reverse the course it’s on and build a brighter future for its residents.