Newsroom

Newsroom - Latest News

The Economic Progress Institute is a go-to source for expert information on budget and policy issues impacting the economic well-being of Rhode Islanders.

Whether it’s commenting on a hot issue, contributing an op-ed, promoting a new report or helping a reporter with background information, we work with the media to give a voice to low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders in the news.

If you are a member of the media, and would like to set up an interview with someone from the Economic Progress Institute, contact:

Jennifer Leigh, Director of Communications
Office (401) 456-2752
Cell (401) 595-9885
jleigh@economicprogressri.org

Kate Brewster, Executive Director
Office (401) 456-8239
Cell (401) 486-9532
kbrewster@economicprogressri.org

In the NewsRSS

May. 17, 2012 - State residents living in poverty rising (Providence Journal)
The share of residents in Rhode Island living at or below the federal poverty level has risen to 14 percent or 142,000 residents, in 2010, up from 11.5 percent in 2009, Linda Katz .

May. 16, 2012 - RI forging ahead with overhaul (Providence Journal)
“There’s a nice confluence of things happening in Rhode Island,” Katz said.

May. 11, 2012 - Carcieri's welfare reform comes under fire (Providence Journal)
“People can’t find work in this economy. There is 11.1 percent unemployment” in Rhode Island, [Linda Katz] said. “Why not recognize that reality?”

May. 09, 2012 - Lawmaker: Tax breaks bear scrutiny (Providence Journal)
“We have been supporting tax-expenditure reforms for years,” Kate Brewster, executive director of the Economic Policy Institute, told the House Finance Committee. “It’s critical for both policymakers and taxpayers.”

May. 06, 2012 - Amazing Women Radio Show (Citadel)
Job skills, child care, and the ability to take care of your family are important to economic security. Kate Brewster, executive director of The Economic Progress Institute, discusses why the name changed from The Poverty Institute and how this advocacy organization promotes economic opportunity for...

May. 02, 2012 - House panel urged to boost training (Providence Journal)
According to figures from the Workforce Alliance, workforce-development money was cut by $2.3 million this year. Governor Chafee’s budget proposal for the coming year would restore $2 million, but advocates are also urging support for the additional $2 million provided in Ferri’s bill.

Apr. 01, 2012 - Access RI TV Show (Cox Cable Access)
Kate sits down with Brenda Clement of the Housing Action Coalition, to discuss the most pressing housing issues facing the Ocean State.

We are happy to provide you with any background information that will help you with your story. Here are some frequently-used resources:

MONEY FOR SOMETHING: Job creation and Job Quality Standards in State Economic Development Subsidy Programs (Good Jobs First, 12.11)
At a time when unemployment remains high and states are spending an estimated $70 Billion a year in the name of economic development, taxpayers are right to ask if such expenditures are creating a substantial number of good jobs.  Good Jobs First has done an analysis of major state economic development programs that finds many subsidy programs require little if any job creation.

Short description: “The Economic Progress Institute, a non-partisan research and policy organization,…”

Long description: “The Economic Progress Institute, a non-partisan research and policy organization that works to ensure the economic security of low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders…”

Sign up for our e-news to be the first to receive reports, statements and updates from The Economic Progress Institute.

Email us if you’d like to be added to our press distribution list, to receive press releases and other media materials.