Lt. Governor McKee Statement on Governor’s Proposed Budget

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Lt. Governor Daniel J. McKee tonight issued the following
statement on Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s budget address to the General Assembly:

«Governor Raimondo’s second proposed budget continues to focus on the fundamentals
of a strong Rhode Island: job creation, economic development and workforce
development. The budget also reflects her strong commitment to improving public
education in Rhode Island. Without an excellent public school system, many of our
students will continue to be unprepared for college and careers, and our economy
will continue to suffer.

I applaud the Governor’s proposed freeze on public college and university tuition in
Rhode Island, her record investments in higher education, and her inclusion of a $25
million bond for the University of Rhode Island’s College of Engineering.
Investments like these will pay big dividends.

I commend Governor Raimondo for continuing to recognize the importance of fiscally
strong cities and towns, which would benefit from additional education funding and
school construction aid. The Governor has also proposed important steps to make it
easier to do business in Rhode Island. Cutting the unemployment insurance rate would
save businesses $30 million next year alone. I was pleased to see the Governor’s
proposal to expand the e-permitting program so additional cities and towns can take
part.

I look forward to working with Governor Raimondo and the General Assembly to do what
I can to advance Rhode Island by boosting business friendliness, promoting
excellence in our public schools and supporting our cities and towns.»