36.1%

#43 of 50

Dan McKee

Rhode Island D | 1st elected term (succeeded Raimondo March 2021, elected 2022)

2021-03-02Took Office 5 yrs, 3 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 597 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

223/300

74%

Section B: State Outcomes

413/975

42%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

-39 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 223/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

Fiscal Responsibility — 29/45 (64%) 15 metrics

On-time budget submission

Filed FY2023 $12.8B budget (Jan 2022), FY2024 $13.6B 'RI Ready' budget, and FY2025 $13.7B 'Team Rhode Island' budget all within statutory deadlines. FY2025 signed June 2024 at $13.96B after legislative adjustments adding $271M above proposal.

RI OBM Budget Submission Records; RI General Assembly Bill Tracking

Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual

Revenue Estimating Conference May 2024 found $47.7M surplus above forecast for FY2024 and $9.7M above for FY2025. FY2022-FY2023 revenues significantly exceeded projections due to federal ARPA stimulus. State general revenues grew only 2.6% ($135.8M) from FY2024 to FY2025 as pandemic windfalls faded.

RI Revenue Estimating Conference Reports; OBM Revenue Analysis

Rainy day fund management

Budget Reserve Fund maintained near 5% constitutional cap (~$300M). RI reported modest rainy day fund balance decline in FY2024 per Pew analysis, ranking at 19.2 days of operating costs. Fitch and S&P noted structural budget adjustments needed to preserve reserves as ARPA windfalls expire.

RI State Treasury Budget Reserve Reports

State credit rating trajectory

Fitch upgraded RI from AA to AA+ (May 2025), citing declining long-term liability burden and 2012 pension reform benefits. Moody's Aa2 stable, S&P AA stable. Fitch had previously changed outlook to 'Positive' in Oct 2023. All three agencies at highest ratings in state history under McKee's tenure.

S&P Global Ratings — Rhode Island; Moody's Aa2 Rhode Island

Pension funding ratio trajectory

ERSRI funded ratio reached 60.4% as of June 30, 2024 with ~$11B in plan assets. Actuarial projections anticipate 80% funding by 2031. FY2024 budget changed COLA from every-4-year payments to 25% annual payments and reduced minimum funding threshold from 80% to 75%. Raimondo 2011 reforms continue slow improvement.

ERSRI Actuarial Valuation 2024; State Investment Commission Reports

Debt per capita trajectory

RI outstanding bonds/leases total $2.89B (16th per capita nationally). Total state debt including unfunded liabilities ~$18.86B (~$17,960 per capita). FY2024 issued $146.7M in GO bonds and $93.5M in school project bonds. Debt represents ~16% of state GDP (~$70B). High for small state.

RI State Treasury Debt Reports; Census Population Estimates

CAFR/ACFR published on time

Auditor General published ACFR within statutory deadlines for FY2021-FY2024. Comprehensive annual reports support Fitch/Moody's/S&P credit rating reviews. Financial statements audited by independent auditors with unmodified opinions.

RI Auditor General ACFR Publication Records

Audit findings — material weaknesses

Auditor General reported routine findings but no material weaknesses unique to McKee era. Dec 2024 RIBridges cyberattack (Brain Cipher ransomware) exposed data of 650,000+ residents, prompting $5M Deloitte settlement and $6.3M class action payout. System vulnerability reflects inherited UHIP/Deloitte infrastructure.

RI Auditor General Reports 2021-2025

Federal grant fund accounting

Managed $1.13B ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds through Rhode Island Rebounds program. Initial $113M tranche allocated Oct 2021 ($38.5M social supports, $32M small business, $29.5M housing/broadband, $13M tourism). $219M in ARPA directed to housing production FY2023-FY2025. Federal Single Audit findings manageable.

RI Single Audit Reports; Rhode Island Rebounds Reports

Anti-fraud controls — federal programs

RI DLT pandemic UI fraud proportional to small state (~1.1M population). State not among worst offenders per DOL OIG. Overpayment recovery efforts pursued. RI addressed fraud rings targeting PUA/PEUC programs. System controls improved post-pandemic.

DOL OIG Pandemic UI Reports; RI DLT Fraud Prevention Records

Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment

Revenue and expenditures aligned through FY2024 with surpluses from ARPA stimulus. FY2025 faced modest structural deficit addressed without broad-based tax increases. State general revenue grew 2.6% ($135.8M) from FY2024 to FY2025 as pandemic windfalls faded. Medicaid spending rose $107.5M (6.7%) in FY2025.

RI OBM Revenue Reports; Revenue Estimating Conference

Capital budget execution rate

Voters approved $343M in bond questions Nov 2024 including $120M housing bond (65.5% approval). RIDOT spent $5.95B fixing 352 bridges over 11 years through RhodeWorks. $250M ARPA earmarked for housing capital projects. Washington Bridge replacement estimated at $300M+.

RI OBM Capital Budget Status Reports

Vendor/contractor oversight

AG Neronha found McKee steered $5.2M ILO Group education contract in 'manipulated process' bypassing procurement rules (state paid $1.8M before cancellation). FBI and US Attorney joined investigation but no criminal charges filed (Oct 2024). ARPA spending faced legislative scrutiny for donor-connected contracts.

RI Auditor General; Legislative Oversight Committee; ARPA Spending Records

Federal funding maximization

Captured $1.13B ARPA allocation fully deployed. IIJA infrastructure funds secured for bridge/road projects. Defense sector generates $7.6B economic output (10.7% of state GDP) with $600M+ annual Navy contracts through Naval Station Newport and Quonset/Electric Boat. RI receives ~$3B+ annual federal aid.

USASpending.gov — Rhode Island; ARPA Allocation Records

Program eligibility verification systems

RIBridges (formerly UHIP) system manages eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, HealthSource RI, and RI Works covering ~1 in 3 Rhode Islanders. Dec 2024 ransomware attack exposed 650,000+ records but verification systems restored by early 2025. Deloitte $99M maintenance contract renewed despite troubled history.

RI DHS Program Integrity Reports; CMS Reviews — Rhode Island

Legislative Relations — 28/39 (72%) 13 metrics

Signature legislation enacted

Signed Act on Climate (April 2021) mandating 45% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. Signed Rhode Island Cannabis Act (May 2022) legalizing recreational marijuana with 20% tax rate and automatic expungement. Created Department of Housing (June 2022). Limited transformative legislation beyond these.

RI General Assembly Bill Tracking; Governor's Signing Records

Veto override rate

Issued few vetoes given Democratic supermajorities in both chambers (Senate 33-5 D, House 65-10 D). No veto overrides during tenure. Legislature could override at will but relationship functional enough to avoid confrontation.

RI General Assembly Journal; Governor's Veto Records

Bipartisan bills signed

Cannabis Act drew some bipartisan support. $120M housing bond (2024) had broad bipartisan backing at 65.5% voter approval. R caucus too small (10 House, 5 Senate) for meaningful bipartisan negotiation. Most legislation passes along D-majority lines.

RI General Assembly Vote Records 2021-2025

Special sessions called

No special sessions called during tenure. RI General Assembly operates year-round January-June, reducing need for special sessions. All major legislation (cannabis, housing, ARPA spending) handled within regular session calendar.

RI Governor's Office; General Assembly Session Records

Executive orders — legal challenges

No successful legal challenges to executive orders. Signed EO 23-07 (Lead by Example) directing state agencies to reduce energy consumption. Maintained COVID emergency orders during transition. Sanctuary-related EOs not challenged in state court.

Court Records — Rhode Island; Governor's Executive Orders

Line-item veto usage

RI governor has line-item veto on appropriations (Art. IX Sec. 14 of RI Constitution). McKee used sparingly given D supermajority. Any veto overridable by 3/5 majority, which D holds comfortably in both chambers.

RI Constitution; Governor's Veto Records

Regulatory burden change

Signed six housing regulatory reform bills (2024) to streamline permitting and expand ADU development. Created Cannabis Control Commission as new regulatory body. Signed Lead by Example EO (2023) adding state agency energy mandates. RI historically heavy regulatory state for its size, ranking low on economic freedom indices.

RI DBAR Annual Reports; Administrative Code

Budget negotiation success

All budgets passed by June 30 deadline: FY2022 $12.8B, FY2023 $13.6B (included $250M ARPA housing), FY2024 $13.6B, FY2025 $13.96B. No shutdowns or impasses. Speaker Shekarchi and Senate President Ruggerio cooperative on spending priorities. Legislature added $271M to FY2025 above McKee proposal.

RI OBM Budget Timeline; General Assembly Calendar

Bill signing rate on popular legislation

Signed RI Cannabis Act (May 2022, 19th state to legalize) with 20% combined tax rate, automatic expungement of prior possession charges, and social equity licensing. Signed Act on Climate (2021). Signed $120M housing bond referral and six housing reform bills (2024).

RI General Assembly Records; Governor's Signing Statements

Legislative relationship

Functional relationship with Speaker Shekarchi and Senate President Ruggerio. Jointly announced RI Rebounds ARPA plan. Not a dominant legislative leader but avoids confrontation. Former Cumberland mayor (12 years) brings local government experience to state-level negotiations.

RI General Assembly Records; Leadership Communications

Implementation of voter-approved measures

All four Nov 2024 bond questions ($343M total) approved by voters: $120M housing bond (65.5%), plus education, environment, and infrastructure bonds. First wave of $81M in housing bond programs launched 2025 ($66M via RIHousing, $9M infrastructure, $6M home repair).

RI Secretary of State; Bond Implementation Records

Task force follow-through

Created Housing 2030 statewide plan with public input. Appointed Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard (confirmed March 2025). $250M ARPA earmarked for housing, $120M bond launched, $80M RIHousing investment announced. ADU reform bills signed but adoption slow. ARPA spending committees reported quarterly.

Governor's Housing Task Force Reports; Rhode Island Rebounds

Policy reversals under pressure

No major policy reversals. Maintained Act on Climate targets despite implementation challenges. Continued Providence school takeover (inherited from Raimondo 2019) rather than reversing. ILO contract cancellation was forced by investigation, not voluntary reversal.

Governor's Office Records

Appointments & Staffing — 28/36 (78%) 12 metrics

Appointee criminal/ethics issues

No appointees charged with crimes. Ethics Commission dismissed GOP complaint against McKee. RIDE Commissioner Infante-Green (Raimondo holdover) served through Providence school turnaround. Housing Secretary Goddard confirmed Mar 2025 with 40+ years experience.

RI Ethics Commission; Court Records

Agency head vacancy rate

Inherited all agency heads from Raimondo upon sudden March 2021 succession (Raimondo became Commerce Secretary). Created new Department of Housing (June 2022) and appointed first Secretary. RIDOT Director Alviti served until Washington Bridge crisis. Retained RIDE Commissioner Infante-Green for school takeover continuity.

Governor's Office Appointment Records — Rhode Island

State employee turnover

State workforce of ~15,000 employees experienced standard post-COVID turnover. No mass exodus or unusual agency-level departures. Public sector unions (NEARI, AFSCME Council 94) maintained cooperative bargaining relationship. ERSRI COLA improvements (2024) aided retention.

RI DOA HR Reports; State Employee Data

Diversity of appointments

Moderate diversity in appointments. Retained Infante-Green (Latina RIDE commissioner). Appointed Goddard (woman) as Housing Secretary. RI demographics ~71% white, ~16% Hispanic — appointments roughly reflect state diversity. Former Cumberland mayor with 12 years local government experience.

Governor's Office Appointment Records

Judicial appointment quality

Judicial appointments vetted through RI Judicial Nominating Commission process. RI Supreme Court has 5 justices (life tenure). No controversial or unqualified judicial appointments during McKee tenure. Bar Association evaluations generally positive.

RI Bar Association Judicial Evaluations

State workforce pay competitiveness

State employee pay competitive for RI cost of living (BEA RPP ~100-103). Negotiated COLA improvements through 2024 pension changes (25% annual COLA vs prior 4-year cycle). AFSCME Council 94 and NEARI contracts renewed without major disputes. Per-pupil education funding raised to $12,335 (FY2025).

RI DOA Compensation Reports; BLS OES Rhode Island Data

Whistleblower protection

No documented whistleblower retaliation. RI Whistleblowers' Protection Act (R.I.G.L. 28-50) in place. ILO Group contract concerns surfaced through media/legislative inquiry, not whistleblower suppression. Ethics Commission complaint process functioned independently.

RI Ethics Commission; Inspector General Reports

Inspector General independence

Auditor General Dennis Hoyle operated independently, publishing critical ARPA spending reviews without interference. AG Neronha conducted ILO investigation (2021-2024) with full independence including FBI cooperation. No attempts to undermine oversight institutions.

RI Auditor General Annual Reports

State employee morale

No systemic morale crisis. ERSRI COLA changes (2024) improved retirement benefit outlook for state employees. State workforce ~15,000; Dec 2024 RIBridges cyberattack created stress for DHS/EOHHS staff managing manual benefits processing for weeks. Overall morale stable.

RI DOA Employee Data

Nepotism/cronyism

AG Neronha found McKee steered $5.2M ILO Group contract to entity connected to political adviser, bypassing procurement rules. FBI investigated (2022-2024). Ethics Commission investigated lobbyist lunch at $55M redevelopment project meeting but found no violation. Cumberland (McKee's hometown) received disproportionate ARPA attention per capita per media analysis.

RI Ethics Commission; ARPA Spending Records; Investigative Reporting

Senior staff criminal charges

No senior staff charged with crimes. McKee adviser connected to ILO Group contract was investigated by FBI/AG but not charged. Former adviser found exempt from lobbying rules per Secretary of State office (Sept 2025). No indictments of cabinet or senior staff.

Court Records — Rhode Island

Agency performance accountability

Agencies report through standard performance framework. RIDOT publishes quarterly accountability reports tracking bridge repairs, project milestones, and spending. DCYF preparing for ACF Round 4 CFSR review (Oct 2025). CPS investigations improved to 85%+ completed within 45 days (Jan 2024).

RI Auditor General Reports; Agency Performance Reviews

Emergency Management — 30/36 (83%) 12 metrics

Disaster declaration timeliness

Declared emergency for Washington Bridge closure (Dec 2023, I-195 westbound shut for 96,000 daily vehicles). Timely COVID emergency extensions through 2021-2022 transition. Declared emergencies for coastal storms and Narragansett Bay flooding events promptly.

RI EMA Emergency Declaration Records

FEMA Public Assistance secured

Secured FEMA Public Assistance for coastal storm damage and inland flooding. Washington Bridge closure (Dec 2023) prompted federal infrastructure emergency coordination. State filed lawsuit against 13 companies over bridge failures to recover costs. FEMA DR declarations processed within standard timelines.

FEMA PA Records — Rhode Island 2021-2025

Emergency reserve adequacy

Budget Reserve Fund at constitutional 5% cap (~$300M). Pew analysis: RI has 19.2 days of operating costs in reserves (below national median). Washington Bridge replacement ($300M+) strains emergency capacity. State lacks dedicated infrastructure emergency fund beyond general reserves.

RI State Treasury Reserve Reports

Lives lost — preventable from state failure

No major preventable death events from state failure. Washington Bridge closure (Dec 2023) detected before collapse, preventing potential casualties on span carrying 96,000 daily vehicles. COVID transition managed without spike in preventable deaths.

RI EMA Reports; CDC Data — Rhode Island

Post-disaster recovery

Post-storm recovery adequate for coastal weather events. Washington Bridge bypass established with 4-lane configuration on eastbound span within 2 months. Full bridge replacement expected Nov 2028 at $300M+. Coastal resilience investments continue through Act on Climate framework.

FEMA PA Records — Rhode Island

Public health emergency response

RI became #1 nationally for percentage fully vaccinated under McKee (2021). Adult partial vaccination reached 91.3%, full vaccination 83%. Ranked #3 for booster rates among 65+ (76%). Set and exceeded goal of 90% adult vaccination by May 2021. Inherited strong infrastructure from Raimondo but expanded it effectively.

CDC COVID Data — Rhode Island; Vaccination Data

Infrastructure failure prevention

Washington Bridge closure (Dec 2023) was major infrastructure failure but pre-dated McKee — bridge opened 1968, deficiencies accumulated over decades. Failure detected before collapse, preventing casualties. No utility grid failures or dam breaches. Water/sewer systems maintained. Score reflects prevention of new failures vs inherited decay.

RI DOT Reports; Utility Commission Records

National Guard deployment appropriateness

RI National Guard (~3,000 members) deployed appropriately for COVID vaccination support (2021), coastal storm response, and standard federal mobilizations. No controversial domestic deployments. Guard supported vaccination sites reaching 91%+ adult coverage.

RI Military Department Records

Emergency communication

Washington Bridge closure communications prompt — public alerted same day (Dec 8, 2023). COVID vaccination messaging drove state to #1 nationally. Dec 2024 RIBridges cyberattack communications included dedicated hotline and website (admin.ri.gov/ribridges-alert) within 48 hours of discovery.

Governor's Office Press Records; EMA Communications

Interagency coordination

Small state (1.1M population, 1,214 sq mi) facilitates interagency coordination. Washington Bridge response involved RIDOT, EMA, State Police, and local transit (RIPTA) within hours. COVID vaccination effort coordinated across RIDOH, Guard, and local health depts to achieve national-leading rates.

RI EMA Reports

Pandemic response metrics

RI achieved #1 national vaccination rate (2021): 91.3% adults partially vaccinated, 83% fully vaccinated. Ranked #3 for 65+ booster rate (76%). COVID death rate declined significantly during McKee's tenure. Managed successful transition from emergency to endemic phase including school reopenings and business recovery.

CDC COVID Data Tracker — Rhode Island; Vaccination Data

Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure

RI has 400+ miles of coastline vulnerable to hurricanes, storm surge, and sea-level rise. Act on Climate (2021) includes climate adaptation mandates. EC4 (Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council) convened to update Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (Dec 2022). Coastal erosion monitoring active along Narragansett Bay.

RI EMA

Transparency & Ethics — 27/39 (69%) 13 metrics

FOIA/open records compliance

RI Access to Public Records Act (APRA, R.I.G.L. 38-2) compliance standard. AG issues advisory opinions on APRA disputes. ILO investigation records eventually released after media APRA requests. Some delays in ARPA spending documentation requests noted by journalists.

RI AG APRA Opinions; Court Records

Governor's schedule availability

Governor's public schedule posted on governor.ri.gov. Press releases and event schedules regularly updated. Small state allows media access — McKee does regular press conferences and local TV appearances (WPRI, NBC 10, WJAR).

Governor's Office Website — Rhode Island

Campaign finance compliance

Board of Elections investigated campaign finance concerns during 2022 race. Ethics Commission probed lobbyist lunch at $55M redevelopment meeting but found McKee 'acted reasonably and in good faith.' Overlap documented between campaign donors and entities receiving ARPA-funded contracts or state business per media investigations.

RI Board of Elections Records; Campaign Finance Filings

Financial disclosure

Financial disclosures filed annually with RI Ethics Commission as required by R.I.G.L. 36-14. Former Cumberland mayor (2004-2014), Lt. Governor (2015-2021). No unreported conflicts identified in filings. Real estate holdings disclosed.

RI Ethics Commission Financial Disclosure Records

Open meetings compliance

Compliance with RI Open Meetings Act (R.I.G.L. 42-46). AG issues advisory opinions on OMA violations. No major OMA violations attributed to governor's office. EC4 (climate council) and Housing task force meetings held publicly with proper notice.

RI AG Open Meetings Decisions

Open data portal

data.ri.gov open data portal maintained with datasets across agencies. transparency.ri.gov provides UHIP/RIBridges system status. OBM publishes full budget documents online. RI Rebounds ARPA spending tracking available but criticized for insufficient granularity on individual contracts.

data.ri.gov

Budget transparency

OBM publishes full budget proposals online (omb.ri.gov). FY2025 $13.7B proposal included 13 detailed breakdowns per Rhode Island Current. Senate Fiscal Office publishes independent 'First Look' budget analysis. Revenue Estimating Conference reports public. RIPEC (RI Public Expenditure Council) provides nonpartisan fiscal analysis.

RI OBM Budget Publications

Lobbying disclosure

Lobbying disclosure through Secretary of State per R.I.G.L. 22-10. Registered lobbyists file quarterly reports. Former McKee adviser tied to ILO scandal found exempt from lobbying rules per Secretary of State determination (Sept 2025), raising questions about disclosure gaps.

RI Secretary of State Lobbying Records

IG report publication

Auditor General Dennis Hoyle publishes reports on oag.ri.gov. ARPA spending audits, RIDOT quarterly accountability reports, and DCYF reviews all publicly available. RIBridges cyberattack third-party investigation findings released publicly (2025).

RI Auditor General Website

Legislative audit cooperation

Cooperated with Auditor General and AG investigations including ILO Group probe. Senate Fiscal Office publishes independent budget analyses without interference. Legislative Oversight Committee received ARPA spending documentation. No documented obstruction of legislative audits.

RI Auditor General Records

Press conference accessibility

Regular press conferences at State House. Answered NBC 10 I-Team questions on FBI/ILO investigation on camera. Small state (1.1M population) means governor accessible to local media (WPRI, WJAR, Providence Journal, Rhode Island Current). Morning Consult polls track approval quarterly.

Governor's Office Media Schedule

State contract transparency

AG found McKee steered $5.2M ILO Group contract bypassing procurement rules — 'evidence is plain and cannot be seriously disputed' (Oct 2024). ILO incorporated just 2 days after McKee took office (March 2021). State paid $1.8M before contract cancelled. ARPA spending lacked granular public tracking per WPRI/NBC 10 investigations.

RI DOA Procurement Records; ARPA Spending Oversight; Auditor General Reviews

Court order compliance

No documented defiance of court orders. State filed lawsuit against 13 companies over Washington Bridge failures. ACI (corrections) operating under consent decrees from prior decades. Complied with judicial review requirements for emergency declarations.

Court Records — Rhode Island

Ethics & Integrity — 31/39 (79%) 13 metrics

Personal criminal charges

No criminal charges despite FBI/AG investigation into ILO Group contract (2021-2024). AG Neronha found insufficient evidence to prosecute. US Attorney's Office closed investigation. Ethics Commission dismissed GOP-filed complaint. No indictments.

Court Records; DOJ

Ethics complaints — substantiated

RI Ethics Commission dismissed complaint filed by state GOP against McKee. Lobbyist lunch ethics probe found McKee 'acted reasonably and in good faith' — no probable cause of Code of Ethics violation. AG found procurement rule violations in ILO case but not criminal ethics breaches.

RI Ethics Commission Records

Gift/travel disclosure

Gift/travel disclosures filed with Ethics Commission per R.I.G.L. 36-14. Lobbyist lunch at $55M redevelopment project meeting investigated but found not to constitute prohibited gift. No unreported travel or gift violations substantiated.

RI Ethics Commission Records

Conflict of interest

AG Neronha found McKee directed $5.2M ILO Group contract to entity connected to his political adviser, with text messages showing McKee questioned WestEd award and influenced outcome. ILO incorporated 2 days after McKee took office. No criminal charges but 'manipulated process' finding creates serious perception problem.

RI Ethics Commission; Campaign Finance vs ARPA Spending Cross-Reference

State resources for political purposes

No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes. Ethics Commission found no violations in lobbyist-lunch investigation. No state vehicle, staff, or facility misuse allegations substantiated. Campaign and official activities properly separated.

RI Ethics Commission Records

Truthfulness in official statements

Generally truthful but AG found procurement claims misleading in ILO case — McKee denied influencing contract despite text evidence showing otherwise. RIDOT bridge reporting methodology changed to exclude 700+ smaller bridges from RhodeWorks metrics, enabling claims of meeting repair goals. No major fabrications.

Governor's Office Public Statements

Protection of ethics infrastructure

RI Ethics Commission (established by 1986 voter referendum) maintained full authority and funding. Commission dismissed GOP complaint against McKee, demonstrating independent judgment. AG office conducted multi-year ILO investigation with FBI cooperation without executive interference.

RI Ethics Commission Budget Records

Emoluments/self-dealing

No formal emoluments or self-dealing findings. ILO Group benefited McKee's political adviser, not McKee personally — AG found no personal financial benefit to governor. Financial disclosures show no direct conflict. Former Cumberland mayor real estate interests disclosed per Ethics Commission filings.

RI Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures

Campaign donor to state contract pipeline

AG found McKee steered $5.2M ILO contract to entity tied to adviser — ILO incorporated 2 days after McKee took office. FBI/US Attorney investigated (2022-2024). WPRI Target 12 and NBC 10 I-Team documented donor-to-ARPA-contract overlap. University Club subpoenaed. No criminal charges but procurement manipulation confirmed.

RI Ethics Commission; Campaign Finance Records; ARPA Spending Records

Foreign influence

No foreign influence concerns. No FARA registrations connected to McKee or staff. RI defense sector (Naval Station Newport, NUWC, Electric Boat) maintains strict security clearance requirements. No foreign government contacts of concern.

DOJ FARA Database

Sexual harassment claims

No sexual harassment claims filed against governor or governor's office staff. RI state workplace harassment policies maintained. No Me Too-era allegations. Clean record in this category.

RI DOA HR Records

Records preservation

No documented records destruction. Text messages between McKee and adviser in ILO case preserved and produced for AG investigation. State Archives records retention policies followed. No allegations of evidence spoliation.

RI State Archives Records Retention

Revolving door

Former McKee adviser connected to ILO scandal found exempt from state lobbying rules per Secretary of State determination (Sept 2025), raising revolving door concerns about advisory-to-contractor pathway. No formal revolving door statute violations found.

RI Ethics Commission Records

Program Management — 27/36 (75%) 12 metrics

Fraud losses in state programs

No major fraud losses unique to McKee era. Dec 2024 RIBridges ransomware attack (Brain Cipher) exposed 650,000+ records but was cybercrime, not internal fraud. Deloitte paid $5M settlement; $6.3M class action resolved. ILO contract ($1.8M paid of $5.2M before cancellation) was procurement irregularity, not fraud conviction.

RI Auditor General Reports; DOL OIG

Program integrity — eligibility verification

RIBridges system (formerly UHIP) manages eligibility for Medicaid, SNAP, HealthSource RI, RI Works — covering ~1 in 3 Rhode Islanders. Deloitte-built system cost ballooned from $119M to $647M+. Dec 2024 ransomware attack forced manual processing for weeks. CPS investigation completion rate improved to 85%+ within 45 days (Jan 2024).

RI DHS Program Integrity; CMS Reviews — Rhode Island

IT system modernization

UHIP/RIBridges system inherited from Raimondo — Deloitte costs ballooned from $119M to $647M+. Dec 2024 Brain Cipher ransomware attack compromised 650,000+ records (SSN, banking info). System shut down for weeks. State renewed Deloitte $99M maintenance contract despite troubled history. Major IT governance failure.

RI DOA IT Reports; UHIP Performance Data

Permit processing timeliness

Signed six housing reform bills (2024) to streamline permitting and expand ADU development statewide. Cannabis Control Commission established licensing framework for retail cannabis (first sales Dec 2022). Building permits data tracked through Census Bureau; RI housing production still lags demand despite reform efforts.

RI DBAR; Census Building Permits — Rhode Island

Child welfare system

DCYF scheduled for ACF Round 4 CFSR (Oct 2025-March 2026). CPS investigations improved to 85%+ completed within 45 days (Jan 2024). Out-of-state residential facility spending nearly doubled to $1.98M in FY2024. Small system (~3,000 children in care) allows direct oversight but resource challenges persist.

ACF CFSR Results — Rhode Island; RI DCYF Data

Medicaid program management

Medicaid managed care serves ~300,000+ enrollees (~30% of state population). FY2025 general revenue Medicaid spending increased $107.5M (6.7%) over FY2024. Uninsured rate ~3.5% (among lowest nationally due to Medicaid expansion). Medicaid unwinding from COVID continuous enrollment handled without mass disenrollment crisis.

CMS Medicaid Reviews — Rhode Island; RI EOHHS Enrollment Data

Environmental program

Signed Act on Climate (April 2021) mandating 45% emissions cut by 2030, 80% by 2040, net-zero by 2050 — enforceable targets. EC4 updated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan (Dec 2022). RI DEM monitors Narragansett Bay (400+ miles coastline). Lead by Example EO (2023) requires 15+ employee agencies to cut energy use.

EPA State Program Evaluations — Rhode Island; RI DEM Reports

Transportation project delivery

RIDOT fixed 352 bridges over 11 years ($5.95B) through RhodeWorks, reducing poor-condition rate from 25% (2016) to 12.4% (Dec 2024). But RIDOT excluded 700+ smaller bridges from count to meet targets. Still worst nationally for structurally deficient bridge deck area per ARTBA. Washington Bridge replacement ($300M+, Nov 2028 target).

RI DOT Annual Reports; FHWA NBI — Rhode Island

Unemployment insurance system

DLT unemployment system recovered from pandemic surge (RI unemployment peaked ~17% April 2020, fell to ~3.5% by 2024). UI trust fund rebuilt. Fraud controls improved post-pandemic. System handling normal claim volumes. State unemployment rate near historic lows under McKee.

RI DLT Reports; DOL UI Performance Data — Rhode Island

Veterans services

RI Office of Veterans Affairs serves ~64,000 veterans (~6% of population). Naval Station Newport (largest employer in Newport County, ~5,000 employees, 9,300 annual students) anchors veteran community. RI Veterans Home in Bristol maintained. VA healthcare access through Providence VAMC.

RI OVA Annual Reports; VA State Grant Data

Housing program effectiveness

Despite $250M ARPA housing investment, $120M voter-approved bond (2024), and new Department of Housing, median home price surged to ~$430K (~40% since 2020). McKee's Housing 2030 plan and $80M RIHousing investment announced. ADU reforms passed but adoption slow. Homelessness increasing — $1.4M emergency shelter funding for 75 beds. Smallest state geographically limits supply.

HUD Annual Homeless Assessment — Rhode Island; Census ACS Housing Data; Zillow ZHVI Rhode Island

Corrections system

ACI (Adult Correctional Institutions) in Cranston operates as RI's sole state prison facility — unique unified system for all inmates. Prison population ~2,500 (manageable for state size). No federal consent decree or DOJ intervention during McKee tenure. Recidivism reduction programs maintained.

RI DOC Population Reports; BJS NPS — Rhode Island

Federal Relations — 11/15 (73%) 5 metrics

Federal funding captured

Captured $1.13B ARPA allocation (fully deployed). IIJA funds secured for bridge repairs and broadband. Defense sector generates $7.6B economic output (10.7% of GDP) with $600M+ annual Navy contracts. Naval Station Newport, NUWC Division Newport, Naval War College, and Electric Boat (Quonset, 11,000+ jobs) anchor federal spending.

USASpending.gov — Rhode Island; ARPA Allocation Records

Federal corrective action plans

No major federal corrective actions outstanding. DCYF CFSR Performance Improvement Plan approved by ACF. Medicaid unwinding proceeded without CMS sanctions. Single Audit findings manageable. EPA state program evaluations satisfactory. FHWA NBI reviews ongoing re: bridge deficiency.

Federal Program Reviews — Rhode Island

Interstate cooperation

Active in Coalition of New England Governors. Participates in regional climate initiatives (RGGI member state). Interstate compact with MA on Narragansett Bay water quality. Washington Bridge closure required coordination with MA on I-195 traffic rerouting. NGA member.

Interstate Compact Records; New England Governors' Conference

Local government relations

RI has 39 cities and towns — small enough for direct gubernatorial engagement. Former Cumberland mayor (12 years, 2004-2014) brings local government perspective. Providence school takeover (state-controlled since 2019) conditions for return outlined Feb 2025 with 9 benchmarks. RI League of Cities and Towns relationship functional.

RI League of Cities and Towns Records

Federal litigation costs

Minimal federal litigation costs. No major 10th Amendment challenges or state sovereignty lawsuits. Filed federal lawsuit against 13 companies over Washington Bridge failures to recover $300M+ replacement costs. AG office handles federal court appearances within normal budget allocation.

RI AG Litigation Records; Budget Legal Line Items

Constituent Service — 12/15 (80%) 5 metrics

Constituent inquiry response

Small state (1.1M population, 39 municipalities) allows more personal constituent engagement than larger states. Governor's office responds to constituent inquiries through governor.ri.gov portal. Dec 2024 RIBridges cyberattack required dedicated constituent hotline for 650,000+ affected residents.

Governor's Office Internal Metrics

Town halls held

Regular public events including Housing 2030 community forums, RIBridges cyberattack town halls, and Washington Bridge briefings. Former Cumberland mayor (12 years) accustomed to direct constituent contact. Launched Housing Bond program applications with public outreach. Small state geography enables same-day multi-town appearances.

Governor's Office Schedule

Constituent satisfaction

Morning Consult: approval ranged from 40% (Q3 2025, lowest governor nationally) to 49% (Q4 2025 rebound). Q4 2024: 44% approval/40% disapproval. Least popular governor in New England for most of 2024-2025. Won 2022 general 57.6% but faced tough primary (beat Foulkes by 3 points). Perceived as capable caretaker, not visionary.

Morning Consult Governor Approval — Rhode Island; RI Poll Data

ADA compliance

RI Governor's Commission on Disabilities operates independently. State buildings ADA-compliant. governor.ri.gov meets web accessibility standards. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions during McKee tenure. Providence school facilities (under state control) include ADA improvement projects.

RI Governor's Commission on Disabilities; DOJ ADA Reviews

Electoral accountability

Won Nov 2022 general with 57.6% (highest margin since 1992) defeating Republican Ashley Kalus by 19+ points. Nearly lost Sept 2022 Democratic primary — beat former CVS Health exec Helena Foulkes by only 3 points (36,229-33,190). Succeeded Raimondo March 2021 as Lt. Governor after she became US Commerce Secretary.

RI Board of Elections — 2022 General Election Results

Section B — State Outcomes 413/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

Economic Performance — 38/75 (51%)

BEA SAGDP: RI GDP ~$70B (2024), ranking 45th nationally. BLS LAUS: unemployment ~3.5% (2024), a historic improvement from RI's chronic 10-11% peak during Great Recession — major turnaround. Census ACS median household income ~$74,489 (2023), near national median. Economy diversified from legacy manufacturing (textiles, jewelry) to education/healthcare (23% of employment), defense ($7.6B economic output, 10.7% of GDP), and life sciences. Naval Station Newport, NUWC, Electric Boat (Quonset, 11,000+ jobs) anchor defense sector. Job growth moderate at ~1.2% annually. Per capita GDP ~$63,800, above national average.

Population & Demographics — 28/75 (37%)

Census 2025 estimate: RI population 1,098,082, growing by ~4,100 (0.4%) in 2024-2025 — slightly below national 0.5% rate. Growth driven entirely by international migration (+5,900 net) offsetting negative natural change (deaths exceeded births by 304) and net domestic outmigration (-1,600). Median age 40.1. Demographics: 74.6% white, 6.2% Black, 16.3% Hispanic. Senior population 17.0% creates pension/Medicare pressure. Smallest state geographically (1,545 sq mi) severely limits physical growth capacity.

Budget & Fiscal Health — 35/75 (47%)

S&P AA (stable)/Moody's Aa2 credit rating maintained — no upgrades during tenure. Budget reserve at statutory 5% target (~$250M). Pension funded ratio ~58-60% (ERSRI) despite Raimondo-era 2011 reforms that shifted to hybrid DB/DC plan — unfunded liability ~$5.5B. Debt per capita ~$3,200 (among highest nationally, ranking 5th). ARPA $1.13B fully deployed — provided one-time fiscal relief. FY2025 general revenue budget $5.15B. Structural balance adequate but pension liability and high per-capita debt remain chronic concerns.

Public Safety — 38/75 (51%)

FBI UCR/NIBRS 2024: RI violent crime rate 154/100K — 57.2% below national average, ranking 47th (4th lowest). Violent crime fell 8.3% from 2023 to 2024 (vs 5.4% national decline). Property crime 1,032/100K — 41.3% below national average, ranking 48th. Providence has 517 officers (2.9 per 1,000 residents, 12.9% above state average). Fentanyl-driven overdose crisis: RI overdose death rate ~35/100K (above national 32.4/100K). FBI data: 65% of violent crimes are aggravated assaults, 19.2% rapes, 14.5% robberies, 1.3% murders.

Education Outcomes — 35/75 (47%)

NAEP 2022: 4th grade math 233 (below national 235), 8th grade reading 256 (below national 260). Graduation rate ~85%. Providence schools under state control (takeover 2019, pre-McKee). Education funding formula updated. Achievement gaps persistent particularly in urban areas.

Healthcare Access — 40/75 (53%)

Census ACS uninsured rate ~3.5% (among lowest nationally — Medicaid expansion effective). CDC: life expectancy ~78.5 (near national avg). Infant mortality 5.8/1K (near national). Healthcare access good for small state. Opioid crisis present but managed.

Infrastructure Quality — 30/75 (40%)

FHWA NBI: RI had 23% bridges structurally deficient (worst in nation). RhodeWorks program addressing backlog — improving but still poor. Roads in fair condition. Washington Bridge emergency closure (2024) highlighted infrastructure crisis. Broadband coverage good for small state.

Cost of Living — 28/75 (37%)

BEA RPP: ~100-103 (prices near or slightly above national). Housing costs surging — median home price ~$430K (high for state income levels). Rent increases significant. Property taxes high. Energy costs high (New England rates). Affordability deteriorating.

Transparency & Accountability — 30/75 (40%)

RI Access to Public Records Act (APRA) requires 10-business-day response. AG office receives APRA complaints. ARPA $1.13B spending transparency criticized — WPRI Target 12 and NBC 10 I-Team documented donor-to-ARPA-contract overlap. Open data portal (data.ri.gov) functional with budget, spending, and environmental datasets. Dec 2024 RIBridges ransomware breach (650,000+ records) exposed IT governance weaknesses. ILO Group $5.2M contract procurement manipulation found by AG — undermined ARPA transparency. Secretary of State open government center active. RI ranks below average on transparency measures among New England states.

Controversy & Scandal — 30/75 (40%)

ARPA spending transparency concerns — donor-to-contract overlap scrutinized. Washington Bridge emergency closure embarrassment. Campaign finance scrutiny during 2022 race. Cumberland favoritism questions. Not major national scandals but persistent local concerns about pay-to-play.

Historical Context — 30/75 (40%)

Against RI governors historically: competent caretaker but uninspiring. Predecessor Raimondo (2015-2021) was polarizing — implemented controversial pension reform (2011 as Treasurer), drove unemployment from 11%+ to 3.6%, but approval collapsed during COVID. McKee inherited Raimondo's pension reforms and ARPA-era fiscal cushion. Delivered one of nation's best vaccine rollouts. Unemployment at historic lows (~3.5%). But: worst-in-nation bridge deficiency (23% to 12.4% with RhodeWorks, still worst nationally), housing costs surged 40% since 2020, RIBridges cyberattack exposed IT decay. Approval collapsed from mid-50s to 19-25% by 2025 — among most vulnerable incumbents nationally. First RI governor since 1992 to win general by 19+ points yet may lose reelection.

Constituent Verdict — 32/75 (43%)

Won with 57.6% in general but faced tough primary. Approval mid-40s to low 50s. Not a galvanizing leader. Perceived as capable caretaker rather than visionary. Small state means personal connections matter — McKee benefits from long local political career.

Immigration & Law Compliance — 19/75 (25%)

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Section C — Oath Fidelity -39 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments

Score: 5 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31

Violent crime rate trend

RI violent crime rate ~220 per 100K (2023), below national average of 364. Rate relatively stable during McKee tenure with modest fluctuations. Not a significant decrease but consistently below national norms.

FBI UCR/NIBRS 2021-2023; RI State Police UCR

Homicide rate relative to national average

RI homicide rate ~2.5 per 100K (2023), well below national average of ~6.3. Providence accounts for majority of homicides. Rate is roughly 60% below national average but small population creates volatility.

FBI UCR; CDC WONDER

Homicide clearance rate

RI homicide clearance rate approximately 45-50% based on available data, near national average. Small caseload creates statistical noise.

FBI UCR Supplementary Homicide Reports

Law enforcement staffing adequacy

RI law enforcement staffing approximately 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Below IACP guideline of 2.5 but within normal range. Some recruitment challenges common to New England.

FBI LEOKA; BJS Census of Law Enforcement

Drug overdose death rate trend

RI has one of highest overdose death rates in nation at ~38 per 100K (2023). Rate has remained elevated during McKee tenure. Fentanyl crisis particularly severe in RI.

CDC WONDER; NCHS provisional data

-2

Emergency management preparedness

RI Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) meets most FEMA capability targets. State has EMAP accreditation pending. Adequate coastal storm preparedness given hurricane/nor'easter risk.

FEMA SPR; RIEMA reports

Preventable mass-casualty event response

Washington Bridge closure (Dec 2023) highlighted catastrophic infrastructure neglect. Bridge found structurally compromised with risk of collapse; emergency closure displaced 90,000 daily vehicle trips. State response was adequate post-discovery but failure was preventable with proper inspection.

RIDOT; Providence Journal; FHWA emergency inspection

-2

Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions

RI has worst bridge infrastructure in the nation — 23% structurally deficient (2024), far above the national average of ~7%. Washington Bridge emergency closure exposed systemic neglect. Roads also in poor condition with ~25% rated poor.

FHWA National Bridge Inventory; ASCE RI Infrastructure Report Card

-3

Water and dam safety compliance

RI water systems generally compliant with SDWA. Some aging infrastructure concerns in Providence metro area. Dam safety program adequate but limited given small state size. No major contamination events.

EPA SDWIS; RI DEM Dam Safety

Healthcare access — uninsured rate

RI uninsured rate approximately 3.5% (2023 ACS), among lowest in nation. Well below 4% threshold. Medicaid expansion and HealthSource RI exchange contribute to high coverage.

Census ACS 2023; KFF State Health Facts

Maternal mortality rate

RI maternal mortality rate approximately 10-14 per 100K live births, below national average of ~22. Small sample size creates year-to-year variation but consistently lower than US average.

CDC WONDER; NCHS maternal mortality data

Infant mortality rate

RI infant mortality rate approximately 4.5 per 1,000 live births, below national average of ~5.4. Consistent with strong healthcare access.

CDC WONDER; NCHS linked birth/infant death

Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground

RI has Castle Doctrine (no duty to retreat in home) but imposes duty to retreat outside the home. No Stand Your Ground law. No civil immunity for lawful self-defense. Self-defense rights are restricted compared to most states.

RI General Laws; NRA-ILA state database

-1

Death penalty procedural safeguards

RI abolished death penalty in 1984. Has LWOP and victim restitution programs. Victim services adequately funded through AG's office. Innocence Project access available.

RI General Laws; Death Penalty Information Center

Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes

RI suicide rate approximately 11 per 100K, near national average (~14). 988 integration in progress. Funded behavioral health programs but no standout statewide suicide prevention initiative.

CDC WISQARS; AFSP RI fact sheet

911/emergency response time adequacy

Small state geography aids response times. Most urban areas achieve under 8-minute EMS response. NFPA compliance adequate for state size. Providence Fire Department meets most standards.

NFPA; RI EMS registry

Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding

RI has a Task Force on Overdose Prevention and a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Governor's Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force active. However, overdose death rate remains among highest in nation — strategy has not produced measurable improvement.

SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; RI PDMP data

Veteran suicide and healthcare access

RI Veterans Affairs office provides state-supplemented services. Veteran homelessness relatively low. Some state-funded veteran mental health programs. Average outcomes overall.

VA SAIL; HUD PIT count; NASDVA

Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement

RI Department of Health food safety program meets most FDA conformance standards. No major outbreak events linked to inspection failures during McKee tenure.

FDA Conformance; RI DOH inspection records

Workplace fatality rate

RI workplace fatality rate approximately 2.5-3.0 per 100K FTE, below national average. Service-economy orientation reduces industrial risk.

BLS CFOI; OSHA state data

Domestic violence fatality rate and funding

RI has DV fatality review committee. DV Coalition receives state funding. Shelter capacity generally meets demand in small state. DV homicide rate near average.

RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence; NNEDV

Correctional facility death rate and conditions

ACI (Adult Correctional Institutions) has faced staffing challenges and some overcrowding concerns. In-custody death rate near national average. No active DOJ CRIPA investigation.

BJS Mortality in State Prisons; RI DOC

Pollution-related mortality and environmental health

RI has some nonattainment areas for ozone in Providence metro. Superfund sites (12 active) on track for cleanup. No major pollution health crises. Average environmental health performance.

EPA Green Book; EPA Superfund; RI DEM

Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate

RI traffic fatality rate approximately 0.9-1.0 per 100M VMT, below national average of ~1.3. Urban density and lower speed limits contribute to relatively safe outcomes.

NHTSA FARS; RI DOT crash data

Sanctity of life legislative framework

RI codified abortion access through fetal viability (~24 weeks) via Reproductive Privacy Act (2019, signed by Raimondo). McKee maintains and supports the framework. No gestational limit reforms post-Dobbs. No clinic safety regulation requirements beyond standard licensing. No pregnancy resource center funding.

Guttmacher; RI Gen. Laws 23-4.13; Dobbs v. Jackson (2022)

-2

Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence

Proposed $31M for homelessness but 618 unsheltered (15.7% increase). Record 2,442 homeless in 2024.

RI Current; Brown Daily Herald

Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion

RI net domestic migration -1,551. Population grew only via international migration.

Yahoo News; Census 2025

-1

Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement

Signed LEOBOR reform increasing police misconduct transparency. Mixed record.

RI Governor's Office

Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail

Signed Let RI Vote Act. RI Supreme Court upheld emerging adult sentencing reform.

RI Current; Sentencing Project

-1

Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities

No biological sex protections in prisons or DV shelters.

General RI policy

-1

Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention

No major involuntary commitment reform or mental health court expansion found.

General research

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation

Score: -23 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29

Second Amendment — right to carry status

RI is shall-issue for concealed carry permits but with discretionary elements (AG or local licensing authority). Requirements include safety course, background check, and demonstrated need in some jurisdictions. Not fully Bruen-compliant in practice.

RI Gen. Laws 11-47; USCCA reciprocity

-1

Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions

RI enacted assault weapons ban (HB 6614, signed June 2022 by McKee) banning sale of semi-automatic rifles with certain features. Comprehensive feature-based ban on common firearms.

RI HB 6614 (2022); RI Gen. Laws 11-47.1

-2

Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions

RI enacted 10-round magazine capacity limit (HB 6615, June 2022). Grandfathered existing magazines. Criminal penalties for possession of new magazines over 10 rounds.

RI HB 6615 (2022); RI Gen. Laws 11-47.1

-1

Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process

RI enacted red flag law (2018, before McKee). ERPO allows ex parte initial order with judicial hearing within 14 days. Preponderance of evidence standard, no appointed counsel guaranteed. Limited due process protections.

RI Gen. Laws 8-8.3; ERPO data

-1

First Amendment — campus free speech protections

RI has no campus free speech statute. URI and other public universities have standard speech policies. No major documented suppression incidents. FIRE gives URI mixed ratings.

FIRE campus rankings; RI legislation

First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections

RI has a narrow anti-SLAPP statute that applies to petitioning activity. Limited scope compared to comprehensive statutes in other states. Provides basic protections.

RI Gen. Laws 9-33; Public Participation Project

First Amendment — religious liberty protections

RI has no state RFRA. Strong religious liberty tradition (founded by Roger Williams on religious freedom). No major documented restrictions on religious exercise during McKee tenure. General respect for religious exercise.

RI Constitution Art. I; Becket Fund

Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance

RI relies primarily on federal Carpenter standard. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute. No documented mass surveillance programs.

EFF; ACLU RI

Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform

RI has moderate civil asset forfeiture protections. Requires criminal arrest (not conviction) for forfeiture proceedings. Some reform enacted but conviction not strictly required for property seizure.

Institute for Justice; RI forfeiture statutes

Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo

RI enacted modest Kelo reform limiting economic development takings. Some protections in place but with blight designation loopholes that could be exploited.

RI eminent domain statutes; Castle Coalition

Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines

RI has significant regulatory burden relative to state size. Permitting timelines frequently missed for construction and environmental permits. CRMC (Coastal Resources Management Council) known for slow processing.

State auditor reports; CRMC data

-1

Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance

McKee has generally acquiesced to federal mandates without pushback. No multistate litigation defending state sovereignty. Cooperative posture on all federal programs including those potentially exceeding enumerated powers.

Governor's executive orders; litigation dockets

-1

Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination

RI maintains some race-conscious programs. State MBE/WBE procurement goals in place. No specific SFFA compliance review completed. Transitioning slowly.

RI Office of Diversity, Equity & Opportunity; state procurement data

Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws

RI has partial preemption but has allowed local authorities to impose additional restrictions. No penalties for noncompliant localities. Preemption weakened in practice.

RI Gen. Laws; NRA-ILA preemption data

-1

First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance

RI has documented FOIA compliance issues. APRA (Access to Public Records Act) response times frequently exceed statutory deadlines. Multiple news organizations have documented delays and obstruction in records requests from McKee administration.

RI APRA; RCFP; Providence Journal FOIA audits

-1

Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy

RI public defender caseloads exceed recommended maximums. Office of the Public Defender has reported chronic underfunding. Some improvement in recent budgets but still below ABA/NACDL standards.

Sixth Amendment Center; RI Public Defender reports

-1

Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention

RI has moderate bail system with some risk-based pretrial services. Cash bail still used but with some indigency protections. No extreme position either direction.

Pretrial Justice Institute; RI court records

Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom

RI ranks in top quartile for regulatory burden nationally. High cost of doing business. Limited regulatory reform efforts under McKee.

Mercatus RegData; Pacific Research Institute

-1

Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases

RI AG Peter Neronha (aligned with McKee) has filed anti-2A amicus briefs and pursues firearms restrictions. AG joined multistate effort supporting assault weapons bans. Active anti-2A litigation posture.

AG amicus filings; state litigation dockets

-2

First Amendment — compelled speech protections

RI has some compelled speech elements in professional licensing (DEI training requirements for certain healthcare professionals). No broad anti-compelled-speech protections.

RI professional licensing requirements; FIRE

-1

Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers

RI has average interstate commerce environment. Some licensing barriers but no documented unconstitutional interstate trade restrictions. Limited reciprocity agreements.

IJ licensing data; court rulings

Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform

RI has enacted some occupational licensing reform including military spouse expedited licensing. Licensing burden remains above average but some progress made.

IJ License to Work; NCSL; RI DLT

Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations

RI pension system (ERSRI) approximately 57% funded overall. Major pension reform enacted in 2011 (before McKee) helped but system remains underfunded. McKee has maintained required ARC payments.

Pew state pension data; ERSRI CAFR

-1

Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access

RI has standard jury trial access. Small court system means reasonable access statewide. No documented jury access crisis or major case diversion to administrative tribunals.

RI Judiciary annual reports; NCSC

Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence

RI is a sanctuary state via executive order. On DOJ sanctuary jurisdiction list. McKee maintains EO-based sanctuary policies blocking ICE cooperation. Zero ICE detainer compliance. Driver's licenses issued to illegal aliens. In-state tuition for illegal aliens (2024) violates 8 USC 1623. Providence declared ICE-free zones. Active obstruction of federal immigration enforcement.

8 USC 1373; FAIR sanctuary database; DOJ sanctuary list; RI EO

-3

Qualified immunity / due process for officers

Signed LEOBOR reform reducing officer protections and increasing transparency.

RI Governor's Office 2024

-1

Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody

Signed Let RI Vote Act eliminating witness/notary for absentee ballots, codified unsecured drop boxes.

RI Current

-2

Non-citizen voting prevention

No non-citizen voting prevention measures. No strong citizenship verification.

General RI policy

-1

Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics

No women's sports protection legislation signed.

Movement Advancement Project

-1

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska; Pierce v. Society of Sisters; Troxel v. Granville; 14th Amendment

Score: -5 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25

Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition

RI has no Parental Bill of Rights statute. Common law parental rights protections weakened by administrative policies facilitating minor access to medical procedures without parental notification in some categories.

RI legislation; Parental Rights Foundation

-1

Education choice — school choice programs

RI has very limited school choice. No ESA/voucher programs. Charter school cap limits expansion. Providence schools under state control since 2019. No meaningful choice alternatives offered during McKee tenure.

EdChoice RI guide; NAPCS rankings

-2

Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors

RI allows minors to consent to certain medical procedures without parental notification including reproductive health services and mental health counseling. Parental consent not required for some significant categories.

RI minor consent statutes; Guttmacher

-1

Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions

RI enacted shield law (2023) protecting providers of gender-transition procedures for minors from other states' enforcement. No restrictions on puberty blockers, hormones, or surgery for minors. State Medicaid covers transition procedures. McKee signed the shield law.

RI shield law 2023; CMS Medicaid data

-2

Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend

RI child maltreatment rate near national average. DCYF investigations improved to 85%+ completed within 45 days. No significant trend change during McKee tenure.

ACF NCANDS; RI DCYF data

Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment

RI DCYF scheduled for ACF Round 4 CFSR (Oct 2025-March 2026). Previous rounds showed mixed results. Out-of-state residential facility spending nearly doubled to $1.98M in FY2024, indicating placement challenges.

ACF CFSR; RI DCYF

Foster care — permanency outcomes

RI foster care permanency outcomes are below average with median time to permanency exceeding 20 months. Percentage of children in care 2+ years above national average. Improvement plan in place.

ACF AFCARS; RI DCYF annual report

-1

Child trafficking prevention and prosecution

RI has basic child trafficking statute and ICAC task force participation. Safe harbor provisions exist. Prosecution levels adequate for state size. No standout prevention programs.

Polaris Project; Shared Hope International; RI AG data

Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency

RI 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency approximately 30% at or above proficient (2022), near national average of 32%. Providence schools under state control performing below state average.

NCES NAEP 2022

Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency

RI 8th grade NAEP math proficiency approximately 27% at or above proficient (2022), near national average of 26%. Adequate but not strong performance.

NCES NAEP 2022

Parental curriculum transparency

RI has no statutory parental curriculum transparency law. Access to curriculum materials available on request but no online posting requirement. Limited opt-out provisions.

RI Education Code; RIDE policies

-1

Social media — minor protections

RI relies primarily on federal COPPA baseline. No state social media minor protection legislation enacted during McKee tenure.

NCSL social media tracker; RI legislation

Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment

RI raised juvenile jurisdiction age to 18. Training School reforms ongoing. Rehabilitation programs funded. Juvenile incarceration rates declining. Generally positive juvenile justice framework.

JJDPA; OJJDP RI profile

Child poverty rate and state response

RI child poverty rate approximately 13% (2023 ACS), near national average of 16% but below it. Improved from higher rates during COVID period.

Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT

Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support

RI has standard adoption subsidy programs. Processing times average. No notable barriers or enhancements during McKee tenure. Faith-based agencies not excluded but also not specifically protected.

ACF AFCARS; RI DCYF adoption program

Homeschool rights and protections

RI requires notification to school committee and provides for assessment via standardized testing or portfolio review. Moderate regulatory framework. Not onerous but not permissive.

HSLDA RI; RI Gen. Laws 16-19

Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement

RI AG office participates in ICAC task force with adequate enforcement. Mandatory reporting compliance generally good. No documented enforcement failures.

ICAC; NCMEC; RI AG prosecution data

School safety — violence prevention and incident response

RI has basic school safety framework. Some SRO presence in larger districts. Threat assessment protocols in place. No funded statewide school safety grant program under McKee.

NASRO; RI education safety data

Children's mental health services access

RI school counselor ratio approximately 400:1, near average. Some funded children's mental health programs. Behavioral health access gaps in rural areas of state.

ASCA ratio data; SAMHSA RI profile

Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections

RI has medical exemptions only for school immunization requirements. Religious exemptions removed in 2015. No philosophical exemptions. Relatively restrictive parental choice environment.

NCSL vaccination data; CDC; RI immunization statutes

-1

Child care affordability and access

RI child care subsidy at approximately 180% FPL. Moderate waitlist. Quality rating system (BrightStars) in place. Child care costs remain high relative to income but programs exist.

ACF CCDF; NWLC; RI DHS

Education — teacher quality and retention

RI teacher vacancy rates moderate (~5-7%). Salary near regional average for New England. Retention approximately 87%. No crisis-level shortages but no exemplary performance either.

NCES; RIDE workforce data; NEA salary rankings

Child nutrition — food insecurity rate

RI child food insecurity approximately 11% (2023), below national average. School meal participation above 80% for eligible students. Adequate nutrition programs.

USDA ERS; Feeding America; USDA FNS

Custody and family court — due process in child removal

RI Family Court has standard due process framework. Appointed counsel available for indigent parents in TPR proceedings. No class action litigation or federal oversight.

RI Family Court; ABA

Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance

RI rated 'Needs Assistance' by OSEP with improvement plan on track. Most districts compliant. Special education services generally adequate.

OSEP annual determinations; IDEA Part B data

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Art. IV Sec. 4; state constitutional requirements

Score: -16 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41

Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit

RI has maintained generally balanced budgets under McKee with minor use of one-time revenues. No chronic structural deficits. Federal ARPA funds padded recent budgets.

RI CAFR; NASBO Fiscal Survey

State credit rating stability

RI holds Aa2 (Moody's), AA (S&P), AA (Fitch) ratings — stable outlook. Not AAA but solid investment grade. No downgrades under McKee.

S&P; Moody's; Fitch

Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy

RI Budget Reserve Fund approximately 7-8% of general fund. Adequate but not exceptional. Growing modestly during tenure.

NASBO; Pew rainy day data; RI CAFR

Pension system funding responsibility

ERSRI aggregate funded ratio approximately 57%. Below 60% threshold. Major reform enacted in 2011 helped stabilize but system remains significantly underfunded. McKee maintaining required ARC payments.

Pew pension data; ERSRI CAFR

-1

State debt burden

RI debt per capita above national median. Debt-to-GDP approximately 9-10%. Moderate debt load relative to small economy.

Census; Moody's; RI Treasury

-1

Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita

RI state employee headcount per capita near national median. No significant efficiency reforms or notable expansion during McKee tenure.

Census Public Employment Survey; BLS

Inspector General / state auditor independence

RI Auditor General is independent and adequately funded. McKee generally responsive to audit findings. Mixed implementation of recommendations.

RI Auditor General reports

Ethics violations and personal scandals

ARPA donor-to-contract concerns documented. ILO Group received $5.2M contract after political connections raised questions. Ethics complaints investigated but not fully resolved. Not criminal but perception issues.

RI Ethics Commission; Providence Journal; GoLocalProv investigations

-1

Executive order restraint

McKee's EO usage within historical norms. No EOs struck down by courts. Standard executive function.

RI Governor's executive orders; court records

Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits

McKee inherited COVID emergency from Raimondo. Extended some emergency measures but generally within statutory limits. Emergency powers relinquished in reasonable timeframe.

RI emergency statutes; legislative records

Legislative cooperation — veto override rate

McKee has very few vetoes overridden. Works cooperatively with Democratic-majority legislature. Override rate well below 5%. Productive legislative relationship.

RI General Assembly records

Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity

McKee follows Judicial Nominating Commission process for appointments. Appointees generally meet qualification standards. No documented patronage or removal for cause.

RI Judicial Nominating Commission; state bar records

Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation

Generally adequate implementation but sanctuary policies constitute deliberate non-enforcement of federal immigration law. Some rulemaking delays reported by agencies. Refusal to enforce federal immigration detainers constitutes selective non-enforcement.

State agency rulemaking; ICE detainer data

-1

Federal fund utilization — grant management

RI federal grant management generally adequate. ARPA fund utilization drew scrutiny for contractor selection process but no material audit findings or clawbacks.

Federal Audit Clearinghouse; RI CAFR

Public approval as competence indicator

McKee approval ratings approximately 40-45% (Morning Consult). Not deeply unpopular but not highly regarded. Won 2022 election with 58% of vote.

Morning Consult; in-state polls

State IT security and data protection

RI has CISO appointed and basic cybersecurity framework. No major data breaches during McKee tenure. Budget adequate but not exceptional.

NASCIO; RI DoIT

Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution

Capital budget execution hampered by worst-in-nation bridge conditions. RhodeWorks infrastructure program behind schedule. Washington Bridge closure highlighted execution gaps. ASCE grade of D for infrastructure.

ASCE RI report card; RI DOT capital data

-1

Disaster fund readiness

RI has basic emergency appropriations capacity. FEMA cost-share obligations generally met. No dedicated disaster fund but adequate emergency response for state size.

FEMA data; RI emergency fund records

Workforce development — unemployment system integrity

RI UI trust fund adequate after pandemic rebuilding. Fraud rates moderate. Processing times improved from pandemic backlogs. Standard performance.

DOL UI Data Summary; RI DLT

Medicaid program integrity

RI Medicaid (EOHHS) error rates near national average. No federal sanctions. Budget compliance adequate. No major integrity issues.

CMS PERM; RI EOHHS

Election administration — constitutional compliance

RI does not require photo voter ID (accepted but not required). Paper ballot audit trail exists. Post-election audit procedures adequate. Voter roll maintenance has been questioned. No major administration failures but gaps in integrity measures.

EAC EAVS; Verified Voting; RI Board of Elections

-1

Transparency — state budget accessibility

RI has an online transparency portal with some spending data. Budget documents available online. Not checkbook-level but reasonable access for state size.

U.S. PIRG; RI transparency portal

Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty

Sanctuary policies constitute systematic non-compliance with federal immigration enforcement. Active obstruction of ICE operations. Providence ICE-free zones. Non-compliance with 8 USC 1373. Otherwise cooperative on non-immigration federal programs.

DOJ sanctuary list; ICE detainer compliance data; federal court records

-2

Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning

Lt. Governor Sabina Matos confirmed. RI has clear succession statute. McKee himself successfully executed succession from Raimondo to governorship. COOP plan exists.

RI Constitution; FEMA COOP

Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity

ARPA contractor selection concerns documented. ILO Group $5.2M contract raised donor-to-contract questions. Competitive bidding below 80% for some categories. Ethics perception issues.

RI procurement data; state auditor reports; Providence Journal

-1

Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade

RI gas tax 40 cents/gallon, among highest nationally.

RI Division of Taxation 2025

-1

Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy

RI electricity 29-31 cents/kWh, 4th highest nationally. 22.6% rate increase in one year.

RI Current; Electric Choice 2025-2026

-2

Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness

Had 100% renewable by 2033 target but McKee pushed it to 2050 citing $1B savings. Partial course correction.

Brown Daily Herald Feb 2026

-1

Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median

RI effective property tax 1.05-1.07%, high. 13th highest nationally.

Tax Foundation; RIPEC

-1

Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business

High overall tax and regulatory burden. Business property faces higher rates.

RIPEC 2024

-1

Unfunded mandates on municipalities

No evidence of reducing unfunded mandates.

General RI policy

-1

Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend

4th highest electricity in nation. High gas taxes. Net domestic outmigration.

RI Current 2026

-1

Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies

Declined to answer DOJ on sanctuary jurisdiction status.

RI Current Aug 2025

-1

Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes

$31M budget amendment but record homelessness suggests limited accountability.

RI Current April 2024

Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling

Police raid encampments but no systematic policy. Encampments persist.

RI Current; Brown Daily Herald

-1

Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving

Net domestic migration -1,551. People leaving RI for lower-cost states.

Census 2025

-1

Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy

High taxes, energy costs, regulation driving net outmigration. Not competitive business climate.

RIPEC; Tax Foundation

-1

DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors

No specific action on DA accountability.

General research

Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency

Let RI Vote Act codified unsecured drop boxes, eliminated witness requirements.

RI Current

-2

Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents

No evidence of weaponizing state agencies.

General research

Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes

No TikTok ban. No Chinese land restrictions. Passive approach.

General research

-1

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