Rhode Island Democrats McKee, Foulkes Pitch $150 Million Bond Plans Ahead of Sept. 9 Primary
Updated
Updated · oceanstatemedia.org · Jun 18
Rhode Island Democrats McKee, Foulkes Pitch $150 Million Bond Plans Ahead of Sept. 9 Primary
3 articles · Updated · oceanstatemedia.org · Jun 18
Summary
Sept. 9's Democratic primary is taking shape as incumbent Gov. Dan McKee and challenger Helena Foulkes used separate interviews to sharpen contrasts on jobs, health care and education.
Foulkes, who has led McKee in recent polls, centered her economic pitch on a $150 million ocean-economy bond and a $100 million career and technical education bond, arguing Rhode Island must invest more in workers and schools.
McKee defended his record by pointing to new employers including Amazon, Anduril and Organogenesis, saying life-sciences jobs have doubled during his tenure even as studies show the state has lost economic ground.
On federal health-care cuts, McKee said Rhode Island's budget will keep about 20,000 people on the health exchange and add money for uncompensated care, while roughly 40,000 residents remain at risk of losing coverage.
Because Democrats hold every statewide office in Rhode Island, the primary is likely to play an outsized role in deciding the state's next governor.