U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Rhode Island to emphasize the importance of education and infrastructure in the state. Secretary Cardona visited the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) in Warwick on February 21, 2024, as part of President Biden's 'Investing in America' tour. He showcased the successes of CCRI's career and technical education (CTE) programs and highlighted the newly opened adult learner-focused information center. Secretary Cardona emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between K-12 and higher education and commended the collaboration between agencies in Rhode Island. However, concerns were raised about the preparation gap and the need for remedial education in the state. While specific funding numbers were not provided, Cardona reaffirmed the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to education as a vital investment for the country's growth [c387330f].
This visit by Secretary Cardona underscores the significance of CCRI's CTE offerings and the recognition of the importance of preparing students for careers in various industries. The adult learner-focused information center further supports the college's commitment to providing accessible education and training opportunities for individuals seeking to enter or advance in the workforce. The collaboration between agencies in Rhode Island highlights the collective effort to address the challenges in education and ensure a seamless transition from K-12 to higher education [c387330f].
On Tuesday, March 19, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Rhode Island to promote the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure law and discuss its impact on job opportunities in the state [f68485ca]. The visit included stops at transportation and infrastructure projects, although specific locations were not announced. This visit comes shortly after Governor Dan McKee announced that the western Washington Bridge over I-195 will need to be fully replaced, with completion expected in 2026 at a cost of $250 million to $300 million. State officials are considering various funding options for the project, including federal grants and changes to the state's 10-year strategic transportation improvement plan [f68485ca].