Housing, Small Business, Higher Ed Feature In RI State Of State

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee have his first State of the State address as Rhode Island governor Tuesday, laying out his priorities for the state.

McKee's speech focused on "kitchen table" issues facing Rhode Islanders today, meaning he could not avoid discussing the coronavirus pandemic, now approaching its second full year.

"It’s been stressful, and it’s been frustrating because we all want it to be over," McKee said to open his address. "I know that’s how Rhode Islanders are feeling right now — and I want you to know that when we’re sitting around our kitchen table, my family and I feel that way too. But I also want you to know that there is no question in my mind that we will get through this as we have for the past 21 months — together."

As the state continues to navigate the pandemic and its economic repercussions, the governor said the state has a "once-in-a-lifetime chance to strengthen Rhode Island’s economic recovery and propel our state into the next decade with strength." These included several major priorities for the state, outlined below.

Supporting children

The governor called for the state to offer Medicaid coverage to all children, as well as for new moms during their baby's first year of life.

"We’ve done it before, let’s do it again," McKee said. "It's the right thing to do — let's get it done. In addition, for the first time in decades, let’s expand the income eligibility threshold for families to access the Child Care Assistance Program and let’s continue our investments in early education retention bonuses."

The governor also called for greater supports for the state's public schools, which have been struggling to provide students a quality education while remaining safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We’re going to work with the General Assembly to make sure our schools get the funding they need," McKee said, adding that his proposed 2023 budget will increase funding for school districts.

Higher Education

The governor called for the creation of the "Rhode Island Higher Ed Academy," described as "a new initiative to help Rhode Islanders pursue postsecondary education and training that leads to good-paying jobs and puts the state on a path to long-term economic recovery."

"We must meet Rhode Islanders where they are, and help give them the personalized, hands-on help they need to earn their credentials from our colleges and universities," McKee said. "The Academy will help our state get more people back into the workforce in jobs that will not only earn them living wages, but jobs that put them at the ground floor of careers. I am thrilled to partner with Commissioner Gilkey on this initiative that will deliver a brighter future for all Rhode Islanders."

The proposal would use federal relief funding to support approximately 1,000 Rhode Island residents in earning a degree or credential, targeting low-income communities and people negatively impacted by the pandemic. Residents aged 18 and older who do not have a postsecondary degree and have been financially hurt by COVID-19 can reach out to the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner for more information.

Housing

McKee rolled out a historic housing proposal, calling for a majority of the state's American Rescue Plan Act’s State Fiscal Recovery Funds, totaling $250 million, to be used for housing assistance and to support the unhoused.

"It’s time to come together to make a once-in-a-generation investment in housing in Rhode Island," McKee said. "For Rhode Island to be an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family, we must address the availability and quality of housing — that means everything from providing supports to those experiencing homelessness, to increasing affordable housing, to ensuring we build more workforce housing for our middle-class families. The moment of opportunity is there — let’s make it happen."

Investments would include $90 million to create and support 1,500 affordable housing units, the creation of a grant program for the development of affordable housing, support for workforce housing and making improvements to vacant and blighted properties.

The proposal also called for $50 million to be earmarked for down-payment assistance, as well as $21.5 million in direct support to Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness.

Watch the full address here.

This article originally appeared on the Cranston Patch