After 10 Days on Vacation, McKee Heads to a “Democratic Governors' Meeting"

After 10 Days on Vacation, McKee Heads to a “Democratic Governors' Meeting"

Governor Dan McKee did not even need to unpack.

After spending ten days on vacation, McKee’s Press Secretary sent an advisory that the Governor was headed to the Democratic National Convention.

“This morning, Governor McKee will be traveling to the 2024 Democratic National Convention [DNC] in Philadelphia. The Governor will return to Rhode Island on Tuesday evening,” wrote Olivia DaRocha on Monday morning.

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When asked for clarification as the DNC was held in Chicago in August, DaRocha said it was an error and that the Governor was headed to the city of brotherly love — Philadelphia.

The revised version of the press advisory said that he was traveling to the Democratic Governors Association meeting. The event is the DGA's "Fall Policy Conference."

 

CVS and Hasbro 

While McKee heads to Pennsylvania, CVS announced Monday that it was laying off 632 workers who work out of the corporate office in Woonsocket.

CVS is presently considering splitting up the company, which could further result in job loss in Rhode Island. 

In addition, GoLocal reported on Monday that Pawtucket-headquartered Hasbro began discussions with top Massachusetts officials six months ago about possible incentives to move across the border, according to a new report. 

Hasbro’s CEO Chris Cocks Cocks and Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Haomet had dinner in April, before additional members of the company talked with state officials in more detail over the summer, including about a state tax-break program.  

 

McKee’s Response

GoLocal asked McKee’s office if it was appropriate to travel to the Democratic Governor’s Association meeting after being on vacation for ten days while critical business issues and thousands of jobs were in question.

McKee’s office refused to respond.

The University of Rhode Island and Brown University are scheduled to play in the annual Governor’s Cup on Saturday.

McKee is expected to attend.