EPI’s 2022 Candidate Briefing Book

Every election presents an opportunity for positive change. The question is: What type of change do you want to see in Rhode Island? We all share the common value of fair treatment and economic prosperity for ourselves and our families. We want to live in healthy and vibrant communities where we can thrive. Elections remind us that policies have significant …

The Uneven Path 2020

Economic insecurity is at the root cause of many problems women and girls face in Rhode Island. Work support programs such as subsidized child care, when well-funded, provide vital support for families not earning adequate income. In the 2020 Uneven Path, we review the status of these programs and provide information about two professions in which women comprise the majority …

Improving Access and Quality: Rhode Island’s Child Care Assistance Program

In March 2018, Congress approved legislation to almost double the amount of discretionary funds for the main federal-state program to assist low-income families with child care expenses. Rhode Island received $5.1 million of these funds and has used the money as a catalyst to improve access and quality. The state’s no waiting-list policy of accepting all those eligible has continued, …

Rhode Island Women of Color 2018

On January 2, the Institute co-released its latest infographic Rhode Island Women of Color 2018: A Snapshot with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island. Rhode Island women of color experience significant barriers to opportunity with respect to wages, education, and affordable housing. DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHICENGLISH / SPANISH

Improving a Common Sense Tax Credit for Working Rhode Islanders: Increase the Rhode Island Earned Income Tax Credit

Improving a Common Sense Tax Credit for Working Rhode Islanders: Increase the Rhode Island Earned Income Tax Credit All Rhode Islanders want to be able to support their families and live in thriving communities. Yet, far too many working Rhode Islanders are struggling to pay for housing, heat, food, and health care.  Increasing Rhode Island’s refundable Earned Income Tax Credit …

The Status of Working Women in Rhode Island 2017

This report examines the status of women in Rhode Island’s economy, documenting the economic challenges women continue to face and the ongoing disparities between women and men in terms of wages, earnings and poverty rates.  The report was done in partnership with The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, representing data collected in 2015 and 2016. READ THE REPORT READ THE …

RI Supports for Working Families Among Lowest in New England

Rhode Islanders who work full-time should be able to afford housing, food, and health care. Yet far too many jobs pay wages that are too low for families to meet their most basic needs. Many working families would not be able to get by if not for government funded work and income supports that help close the gap between earnings and expenses. Contrary …

2015 Legislative Outcomes

 July 07, 2015 This year the Institute informed and influenced the debate on a host of policy issues related to tax policy, child care, and health care. Here is a summary of several policy changes that will have an impact on the fiscal health of Rhode Island and its residents.  Click here to download the document. Earned Income Tax Credit …

Making Child Care Affordable for More Rhode Island Families

A majority of young Rhode Island children and their families need affordable, quality child care. Almost three-quarters of children under age six have their parent(s) working, meaning that these children spend some time in child care. Parents rely on child care so they can work and at the same time provide the early education experiences that can better prepare their children for school. …

Highlights from Governor Raimondo’s FY16 Budget

Governor Raimondo released her first budget last week. We have highlighted five areas that are important to the fiscal health of the state and its residents. Making work pay The Governor proposes to expand the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit which would allow working families to keep more of their paycheck. And while not a budget item, the Governor supports …