The Lt. Governor of Rhode Island, Sabina Matos, spent a significant portion of her time gallivanting around the country on the campaign trails of presidential hopefuls Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. In comparison, Governor Dan McKee was out of state a mere 55 days, significantly less than the 90-day globetrotting that former Governor Gina Raimondo enjoyed in 2017. Rhode Island’s representatives also marked international territories such as Portugal, Israel, Belgium, Canada, and Taiwan – all in the name of public service, presumably.
It’s interesting to note how many opportunities for ‘civic duty’ arose with the presidential campaign and the endless fundraising banquets. In fact, Raimondo had spent a staggering 90 days out of state in 2017! Was she on a working holiday? Tiananmen. Leiria. Tel Aviv. Perhaps these exotic destinations are unintentionally diverting the focus away from local matters.
Sabina Matos, however, topped the list as the most frequent jet-setter in state government last year, surpassing even General Treasurer James Diossa. Matos was out of state for 58 days last year, and a considerable part of this whirlwind tour was spent at presidential election events in Philadelphia and Las Vegas. Of course, the trip to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was obligatory, and the White House, well, who hasn’t dreamt of a selfie there?
Other pitstops on Matos’ 23-trip itinerary last year were tourism meetings in San Juan, Puerto Rico; a gala by the National Supermarket Association in Atlantic City; and a Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association event in Sacramento, California. While these trips indeed sound intriguing, one can’t help but question how they directly serve the constituents back in Rhode Island.
Governor Dan McKee, too, didn’t let the opportunity for travel pass him by. A quick jaunt to Taiwan saw its fair share of controversy. The price tag for Matos’s combined tours fell on state taxpayers, amounting to a sweet $6,586. Coincidentally, Diossa scaled back his flights after spending 74 days out of state in 2023. He reported no state spending on his travels, exhibiting a pinch of fiscal conservatism amidst the extravagant escapades.
In the previous year, McKee took 14 out-of-state trips, totalling 55 days. This keen adventurer preferred to explore destinations on the taxpayers’ dime, the combined expenses for his trips totalled a no-so-modest $12,949. Interesting allocation of public funds, wouldn’t you agree?
Not one to be left behind, Attorney General Peter Neronha clocked 45 days beyond state lines, with 16 dedicated to business. Neronha’s 2024 adventures included a visit to irrefutably enchanting Normandy region in France, and for a dose of American vibes — a conference in Seattle and another one in Deadwood, South Dakota.
Gregg Amore, Rhode Island’s Secretary of State, also had an impressive tally of out-of-state days — 37 to be exact. His 15 travels included a trip to Baltimore to participate as a panelist in an assembly of leftist political activists. It sparks curiosity about the extent and impact of such ideologically skewed discussions on the state administration.
Rhode Island’s leaders seem to have forged ties with certain foreign governments and economic development organizations. Could this be a savvy diplomatic move or an excuse for frequent global escapades? The jury’s still out.
Consider Portugal, Rhode Island lawmakers’ favourite international pitstop – a spot secured perhaps by the hospitality of a Portuguese economic development group that continually hosts them in Lisbon. Even the ongoing conflict in Gaza didn’t halt these politicians from visiting Israel. Other global jaunts included Brussels (Belgium), Greece, and Toronto.
It seems domestic locations also held charm for these elected officials. Rep. Karen Alzate championed individual trips in this category, with an impressive score of 16 domestic getaways. Wild thought, could these travels be as productive for the state as they appear on Instagram?
These trips are often sponsored by organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Posing as a non-profit, ALEC boost these ‘delegations’ with model legislation for application in state governments. Within the realms of its operations, it raises questions regarding the influence and power such organizations wield over government officials.
New Senate President Valarie Lawson, not one to miss an adventure, also visited Taiwan last year. Surprisingly, this globetrotting extravaganza happened even before her majority leadership. The administration’s travel tales are as intriguing as the itineraries themselves, often raising more questions than those they answer.
Despite these captivating tales of international diplomacy and interstate camaraderie, it’s essential to question these officials’ dedication to their primary constituents — the people of Rhode Island. Here’s hoping that the coming months will see our leaders work to address local issues with as much enthusiasm as they display for their international exploits.
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