(Providence, RI) -- Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo delivered a farewell State of the State address on Wednesday, on the same day her nomination for U.S. Commerce Secretary was pushed through to the full Senate. A vote to confirm Raimondo for the cabinet position in the Biden administration could happen as soon as today. Raimondo said she will be forever grateful for the trust placed in her in the last decade during which she has served as Rhode Island governor and treasurer. She pointed to the highlights of her administration, including a turnaround on jobs and record education investments. She thanked the RI House Speaker and Senate President, the only members of the General Assembly present for her speech, for introducing legislation to make her free community college program permanent.
Raimondo said Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee is prepared to lead Rhode Island. Prior to the transition, McKee had been notably absent from Raimondo's public appearances, including her coronavirus briefings. McKee criticized Raimondo last year for not directing enough pandemic stimulus relief for small businesses. But Raimondo last night had warm words for McKee, calling him passionate, experienced and committed to public service.
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