McKee is promoting his RI 2030 Plan on highway billboards. Here's who pays for them.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has allocated $31,622 for billboards promoting Governor Dan McKee's Rhode Island 2030 Plan, which aims to shape the state's future by focusing on education, workforce development, and infrastructure. The billboards, located at prominent sites along Interstate 195, Route 10, and Interstate 95, feature messages like "RI 2030: Your Future. Our Mission," while notably excluding McKee's name or image. This strategic choice complies with state laws that restrict the use of state funds for political campaigning close to elections. Critics, including John Marion of Common Cause Rhode Island, have raised concerns about whether this expenditure is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars, emphasizing that the Commerce Corporation should prioritize promoting the state and its businesses.

Despite the controversies, McKee's administration argues that these efforts are crucial for engaging the public and soliciting feedback on the 2030 Plan. The initiative coincides with McKee's reelection campaign, raising questions about the intersection of state funding and political messaging. As the billboards remain on display until April 20, they will be evaluated for effectiveness and community response. This case highlights the ongoing debate regarding the use of government resources for political purposes in Rhode Island.