CONEG welcomes its newest member, Governor Daniel McKee. With the resignation of Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo shortly before being sworn in as US Commerce Secretary on March 2, Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee became Rhode Island’s 76th Governor.
Incoming Governor McKee has spent his final days as Lt. Governor working closely with the state’s municipalities on their vaccine response. One of his initial goals as the new governor will be to expand the states capacity to handle more COVID-19 vaccines doses. He will also prioritize teachers as they and other school workers are currently not on a priority list in RI.
Of his official swearing-in, McKee says “There will be a private swearing-in, and then we will meet with my cabinet that I have been able to put together. Most of the cabinet members are pre-existing but we’re gonna make sure that they’re a part of our team and know that we’re a part of their team.” He indicated that a public swearing-in will be held on Sunday.
McKee said he expects to announce his staff appointments within 24 hours of his swearing in and will have his staff interview all the lieutenant governor applicants before naming a new lieutenant governor.