Political Profile: Dan McKee, Candidate for Governor

Political Profile: Dan McKee, Candidate for Governor

Dan McKee is a Democratic candidate for governor of Rhode Island. Here is what he has to say.

 

 

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1. What do you think is the biggest political issue this campaign cycle? 

Rising costs on a national level have been on the minds of every Rhode Islander I've talked with over the last several months. That's why I have been focused on delivering swift relief for families--including eliminating the car tax, ending the tax on military pensions, providing a child tax credit, and cutting taxes on small businesses. Everyone in Rhode Island deserves a good-paying job that they can afford to live and raise a family on. I've also worked to address the issue on a long-term basis, including working to raise incomes for Rhode Islanders, creating good-paying jobs, and investing $250 million in affordable housing. 

 

2.  What do we need to do to improve Rhode Island's economy?

We have to keep our foot on the pedal. You’ve heard me say it before – Rhode Island has the lowest unemployment we’ve seen in decades. Our economic recovery is one of the best in the nation. But that doesn’t mean our work is done. This is the time to keep making strategic investments in key industries like the blue economy and offshore wind – my budget invested over $160 million in those two sectors alone. We also need to make it easier for small businesses to thrive in Rhode Island. That’s why we’re reducing unemployment insurance taxes for businesses by about $10 million. But beyond that, my budget makes critical investments in workforce development, education, and housing – because when individuals and families succeed, so does our economy.

 

3.  What is the greatest challenge facing Rhode Island as a state?
We’re not alone in this, but Rhode Island is facing an affordability challenge. Costs are rising, and we need to make sure families, individuals and businesses can continue to afford to live or operate here in the long term. So that means we need to raise people’s incomes – we’re working towards that by investing in workforce development and education that connect working Rhode Islanders to good-paying jobs and careers that can earn them a living and support their families. We’re continuing to create construction jobs – I budgeted $300 million for school construction, as well as investments in other infrastructure. And -- something I’m very proud of --  is our historic investment in housing. We’ve directed $250 million to address the affordable housing stock so that no Rhode Islander has to struggle to pay their rent.

 

4.  Why are you running for office? What makes you uniquely qualified?  

I was born and raised here in Rhode Island and I have been proud to raise my family in my hometown. I love Rhode Island and I'm proud of the tremendous momentum our state has right now. My administration and I have delivered strong results for our state in my first year and a half in office and I'm running for a full term because I believe it's critical that we keep our 'foot on the pedal' and continue to make our state an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Anyone can have an idea, but to show true leadership and make a real difference, you have to have a plan and know how to execute it. We have a well thought-out plan, called RI 2030, that we crafted with insight from stakeholders and state agencies to build our vision, goals, and opportunities. That plan is in motion, and we’re seeing those results now.
 

 

5.  Who is your inspiration?  

My family is always my inspiration, starting with my parents, James and Willa. My dad was a World War II Army Air Corps Veteran who later founded our local Boys & Girls Club. My mother, Willa, is 94 years old (she needs no introduction these days).  They raised us to work hard and do our best every day, and to give back to our community.

My wife, Susan, is my high school sweetheart. We met at Cumberland High School, where I played basketball and she was a cheerleader. Our children, Matt and Kara, also played basketball at Cumberland High School. And, so did my dad! Our kids have always worked hard, and they make us proud parents.

I will add that President Obama has been my leadership inspiration – he took office as the country’s economy was reeling from the Great Recession. He handled it with stability and positivity.

That is what I am doing here in Rhode Island – taking us from worst to first in vaccinations, turning our economy around, and getting back the jobs that Rhode Islanders lost. I have shown leadership when it mattered most, and that’s led to results.

Website: https://www.governordanmckee.com/