Rhode Island governor floats charity donation as vaccination incentive

Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee (D) wants to use charity donations to incentivize citizens to get the coronavirus vaccine.

“Would you rather give $1 million to one person or spread $1 million out over thousands of people and to help them? And we know that many of the charities have suffered a great deal,” McKee said Thursday, The Associated Press reported.  “I think the idea is to help as many people as we can.”

The plan is still in development but would include a total of around $1 million donated to different charities at vaccination milestones such as 75 percent, 80 percent, 85 percent and 95 percent vaccinated.

McKee said 75 percent of those above the age of 18 in the state have at least one dose of the vaccine, surpassing President Biden’s goal of having 70 percent of the country with at least one dose by the Fourth of July.

The state currently has 56 percent fully vaccinated, with most of its pandemic restrictions lifted, the AP noted. 

Rhode Island’s incentive plan differs from other states that have been offering cash, scholarships and even gun raffles to those who receive their vaccine. 

Louisiana announced on Thursday a plan to give away cash prizes ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. 

There are still five states that have failed to give one dose to 50 percent of their population, with Alabama saying it would not reach Biden’s goal of 70 percent by July 4. 

Biden and health officials around the country are now tasked with focusing on convincing individuals who might be hesitant about the vaccine to get the shot, as daily vaccinations have gone down in recent weeks.