Join EPI's 14th Annual Policy & Budget Conference: Monday, Sept. 29, 8:00-11:30 AM! Register here.
Providing Rhode Islanders with research, analysis, and advocacy on transformational and equitable fiscal and policy changes to advance racial and economic justice.
The Economic Progress Institute’s 14th Annual Policy & Budget Conference
📅 Monday, September 29, 2025
🕗 8:00-11:30 AM
📍 Crowne Plaza Warwick — Grand Ballroom
Join us for a morning of insightful discussion on key policy and budget issues impacting Rhode Island. Our theme this year is "We the People: The Rhode Forward!" It centers on the collective power of communities whose lived experiences and leadership are vital to moving our nation and the state of Rhode Island toward equity, justice, and true democracy.
Our Keynote Speaker
Our keynote speaker is Davante Lewis, who serves as Public Service Commissioner for Louisiana’s 3rd District, representing over one million residents from Baton Rouge to New Orleans and across the River Parishes. Davante is the youngest person ever elected to the Public Service Commission in Louisiana, the first Black openly LGBTQ+ person elected to any office in the state, and the first LGBTQ+ individual to hold a statewide position in Louisiana’s history. He was one of the plaintiffs in a landmark court case that successfully challenged Louisiana’s racially gerrymandered congressional map, resulting in the creation of two majority-Black congressional districts. Before his election, Davante served as the Chief Strategy Officer at Invest in Louisiana, where he led legislative strategy and coalition-building to advance policies that support low- and moderate-income families. A former elementary school teacher, he brings both grassroots experience and policy expertise to every facet of his public service. He is a nationally recognized advocate for energy reform, climate justice, racial equity, and economic fairness. Fearless, dynamic, and deeply committed to transparency, bold leadership, and justice, Davante is sure to challenge and inspire us on Sept. 29.
Be the Force That Powers the Rhode Forward!
Register for the conference today as we join forces to power the Rhode Forward. Early bird tickets are available for $75 until Aug. 29, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Your support will help advance economic and racial equity and shape a stronger, more inclusive future for Rhode Island, where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Explore our sponsorship opportunities and help EPI make a significant impact on the community by supporting initiatives that advance economic equity and drive meaningful change. Your partnership will play a vital role in shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for Rhode Island.
A light breakfast will be provided, and complimentary parking is available for all attendees. We look forward to seeing you there!
Many Rhode Islanders’ wages are too low to meet basic living costs such as housing, food, healthcare, and child care. For 25 years, EPI has documented how hard it is for many people to make ends meet in our organization’s signature research report, titled the Rhode Island Standard of Need. The 25th anniversary edition of this report delves into topics like economic security (or insecurity, as the case may be), household earnings, work support programs, and many others. For the first time, the Rhode Island Standard of Need report also explores the genuine geographical differences in the cost of a “basic needs” budget county by county. Through it and other research, EPI aims to give policymakers and the public objective information with which to pursue and achieve a shared prosperity.
Money awarded to 80K working Rhode islanders by increasing the EITC
RI workers with raised incomes by increasing the minimum wage
RI workers provided with access to earned sick time to care for themselves and loved ones
RI citizens with protected medicaid coverage and access to senior care
The Economic Progress Institute (EPI) is a leader in making important gains for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders. With your support, we are putting more Rhode Islanders on a path to economic progress.
Together, we can advance policy solutions for all Rhode Islanders that will create good job opportunities, a safe place to live, adequate food, and affordable health care.