A state’s ability to provide services is directly linked to the soundness of its tax and revenue structure.
Rhode Islanders make a collective investment in a safe, prosperous state by setting aside some of our income to pay for the public assets that help create jobs and enhance our quality of life, from parks and beaches to roads and bridges, schools and public safety.
A state’s ability to deliver these necessities is directly linked to the soundness of its tax and revenue decisions. Local, state and federal governments need the resources to educate current and future workers, keep transportation humming, provide health care to seniors and people with disabilities, and protect our families, homes and businesses.
Making sure our businesses, communities, and families have what it takes to thrive requires a balanced approach to meeting our state’s needs. That means not only looking at how to be more mindful about our spending, but finding ways to make our tax system more fair and sustainable for the long-term so we can invest in future prosperity.
We are the only organization in Rhode Island that analyzes tax policies on behalf of low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders. Check out our most recent work on ensuring transparency and accountability for economic development tax incentives.
Research and Analysis: We provide research and analysis through our Tax Facts issue brief series to raise awareness about important tax policies and issues and offer recommendations for improvement. We are especially interested in raising awareness about – and reforming – tax expenditures, which are credits, deductions, exemptions and preferential rates that reduce individual and corporate tax payments.
Public Education and Trainings: Our Revenue Roundtable and Budget Rhode Map conference are intended to educate our colleagues in the legislature and the community about timely tax policy issues.
Legislative Tracking and Advocacy: We monitor legislative and budgetary proposals and their impact on low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders.
Research: We track, analyze and report data to gain a better understanding of the economic conditions facing Rhode Islanders.
Trainings on public benefits: Our team trains social service providers and community partners about eligibility for public benefit programs.
Legislative and regulatory advocacy: We speak before policymakers at both the legislative and administrative level to present testimony about legislative, budgetary, and regulatory proposals.
Streamlining Access, Strengthening Families Project: A project with the Department of Human Services to simplify the eligibility and renewal processes for work and income support programs.
Leading and participating in statewide committees. Our staff chair the state’s RI Works Advisory Committee and the state’s Child Support Advisory Committee. We are also members of the Permanent Legislative Committee on Child Care.