Ethics Commission fines Lt. Gov. McKee, votes to investigate Sen. Lawson

PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Ethics Commission on Tuesday imposed a “civil fine” of $250 on Lt. Gov. Daniel McKee, finding that McKee violated ethics codes when he failed to list his 2017 trip to Taiwan as required.

After reaching a settlement agreement with McKee, the commission also announced its decision to launch an investigation into the case of state Sen. Valarie Lawson, D-East Providence.

The state senator, who is also a high-school teacher and union leader, cosponsored, advocated for and then voted multiple times for legislation promoted by her union. The legislation, which was signed by Gov. Gina Raimondo, locks in wages and benefits in expired teacher contracts.

McKee emerged from the closed meeting room to declare his satisfaction with the outcome of his case.

Read more: https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20190522/ethics-commission-fines-lt-gov-mckee-votes-to-investigate-sen-lawson