March 11, 2011 Rhode Island must modernize its antiquated sales tax in order to maintain investments in public services that improve our quality of life, protect our families and businesses, and help grow our economy. Today, we have one of the most narrow sales tax bases in the country, and our collections from this important source of revenue are well …

July 11, 2010 Rhode Islanders understand that we make a collective investment in a safe, prosperous state by setting aside a portion of our income to pay for the kinds of public structures and services that enhance the quality of life for all of us. In order to get Rhode Islanders back on their feet, and to ensure that our …

March 27, 2010 Ocean State missing the boat by failing to enact combined reporting and decoupling from the federal “domestic production deduction” corporate tax break Over the past decade, Rhode Island has given up hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue through a variety of tax breaks and giveaways of questionable value to the economy.  Even before the economic downturn, …

February 03, 2010 Over the past decade, Rhode Island has given up hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue through a variety of tax breaks of questionable value to the economy. The “flat tax” is one example of a tax break enacted in recent years that is costing the state tens of millions of dollars in forgone revenue. It has …

Press Statement From Kate Brewster, Executive Director, The Poverty Institute The most recent census found that Rhode Island’s population grew over the past decade[1]. So too have the number of wealthy taxpayers, according to information taken directly from federal tax returns[2]. Despite these facts, a report released today marks yet another attempt to lay the groundwork for more tax cuts for …

May 03, 2009 This issue brief explains the importance of a sound tax system, with recommendations on improving the equity, adequacy and efficiency of Rhode Island tax structure. Read the full report.