RI House rejects Gov. McKee’s cabinet raises amid $250M deficit

ContributorMay 14, 20251 Mins read392

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island House of Representatives has unanimously rejected Governor Dan McKee’s request to raise salaries for his cabinet members.

Most notably, Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti would have seen his salary increase from $188,164 to $192,000. In addition to his salary, Alviti receives health insurance, a pension, paid time off, and a state vehicle, used for commuting to work or, depending on the season, the marina.

Other proposed salary increases that were rejected include:
    •    Jonathan Womer, Director of the Department of Administration: $185,589 to $194,888
    •    Richard Leclerc, Director of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals: $175,344 to $184,111
    •    Elizabeth Dwyer, Director of the Department of Business Regulation: $162,737 to $170,874
    •    Wayne Salisbury, Superintendent of the Department of Corrections: $174,593 to $183,323
    •    Ashley Deckert, Director of the Department of Children, Youth & Families: $185,400 to $194,670
    •    Terrence Gray, Director of the Department of Environmental Management: $167,619 to $176,000
    •    Kimberly Merolla-Brito, Director of the Department of Human Services: $160,473 to $168,497
    •    Matthew Weldon, Director of the Department of Labor & Training: $173,512 to $182,188
    •    Thomas Verdi, Director of the Department of Revenue: $163,963 to $172,161
    •    Darnell Weaver, Director of Public Safety and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police: $195,000 to $196,000