Lowering the Cost of Living for Rhode Island Families

By Fred McLin

Rhode Islanders are working hard — but it’s getting harder to get ahead.

Everywhere I go, I hear the same concerns: rent is rising, everyday expenses are stretching budgets thin, and too many families are wondering how long they can afford to stay in the communities they call home.

That’s not sustainable — and it’s not acceptable.

I’m running for Lieutenant Governor to focus on real, practical solutions that lower the cost of living and create stability for working families across Rhode Island.

A vibrant local farmer's market with fresh produce and community engagement.

Making Housing More Affordable

Housing is the biggest pressure point for most families right now.

Whether you're renting or trying to buy your first home, prices have outpaced what people can realistically afford. We need to increase housing supply, support responsible development, and remove barriers that slow down projects that create affordable and workforce housing.

At the same time, we must protect residents from being priced out of their own neighborhoods.

My focus:

• Expand affordable and workforce housing options

• Streamline approvals to accelerate development

• Support first-time homebuyers with accessible programs

  
  

Reducing Everyday Costs for Families

The cost of living isn’t just about housing — it’s groceries, utilities, transportation, and childcare.

Families are doing everything right — working, budgeting, planning — but still falling behind.

We need to take a serious look at how state policies impact everyday costs and identify where we can provide relief.

That means:

• Supporting policies that lower energy and utility costs

• Expanding access to affordable childcare

• Creating smarter tax and cost-saving initiatives for working families

  
  

Strengthening Local Economies to Lower Costs

When local economies are strong, costs become more manageable.

Small businesses play a direct role in keeping communities affordable and vibrant. When we support them, we create jobs, reduce economic strain, and keep money circulating locally.

But when small businesses struggle, communities feel it — through higher costs, fewer options, and lost opportunities.

My approach:

• Support small business growth to stabilize local economies

• Encourage local investment that keeps dollars in Rhode Island

• Promote job creation that increases earning potential

  
  

Keeping Rhode Islanders in Rhode Island

One of the biggest concerns I hear is this:

“Can I afford to stay here?”

No one should feel forced to leave Rhode Island because the cost of living is too high. Our goal should be simple — make it possible for people to build their lives here, raise their families here, and retire here.

This isn’t just about economics — it’s about preserving our communities.

A Clear Path Forward

Lowering the cost of living isn’t one policy — it’s a coordinated effort across housing, economic development, and everyday affordability.

It requires leadership that understands the challenges and is willing to act with urgency and accountability.

That’s exactly what I’m committed to.

Because Rhode Islanders shouldn’t have to struggle just to stay afloat — they should have a real path to get ahead.