State Budget Toolbox

State Budget Toolbox - The Rhode Island State HouseThe state budget is the most important public policy document in Rhode Island. Decisions about how much to spend, what to spend it on and how to pay for these priorities have a significant impact on families and communities across the state. 

But the state budget process can be complicated. That is why The Economic Progress Institute is committed to making sure that all Rhode Islanders have a powerful voice in the debate over tax and spending decisions. We do this by providing guidance about how people and groups can influence the choices made by legislators and the governor and shape the budget for the betterment of the entire state. 

A centerpiece of The Institute's activities is hosting our yearly Budget Rhode Map conference where Rhode Islanders can learn more about timely budget issues.  Presentations from past conferences are available.

To ensure all Rhode Islanders, particularly low- and modest-income residents, have a voice in the state budget debate, we engage in:

Budget Analysis: Provide the community with analysis of budget proposals and their impact on low- and moderate-income households.  We use these analyses to educate and influence policymakers.

Public Education and Training: We host forums, like our annual state budget conference to educate the community about timely state fiscal issues. We also train individuals and groups about how to influence state budget decisions.

The Governor's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2013 is contained in House Bill 2012- H-7323 (PDF).

The Fiscal Year 2012 budget is contained in House Bill 2011-H-5894 (PDF).
Testimony on Article 24: 
March 15, 2012 - The Economic Progress Institute supports the Governor’s proposal to end the motion picture tax credits but believe that the expiration should be immediate, rather than in 2019.

Rhode Island's State Budget Process
March 23, 2012 - Have you ever wanted to weigh in on the state budget, but didn't know how or when? Would you like to train your community members, clients or constituents how to have a say in the state's spending plan? Our new online presentation gives you the basics about how Rhode Island's state budget is developed, with tips on how and when you can voice your opinion.

An Unbalanced Approach to Balancing the State Budget: A Recap of the FY2012 Budget
September 11, 2011 - Rhode Island policymakers were among those in 42 states charged with closing budget gaps for the 2012 Fiscal Year. Read about how lawmakers chose cuts over revenue increases to balance the state budget.