Statement from EPI in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement

The Economic Progress Institute mourns with and shares in the anger of the Black community following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and the many other victims of white supremist violence. Police brutality and other acts of violence are an integral part of a long and continuing legacy of American racism. As an organization committed to economic security for all Rhode Islanders, we stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Public policy has the power to serve as a tool for good, though oftentimes it serves racist purposes, harming marginalized communities, particularly Black communities. Whether it is:

• opposition to a living wage,
• underfunding cash assistance and child care programs,
• maintaining an upside-down tax structure that supports the wealthiest Rhode Islanders,
• failing to provide health insurance and financial support to all residents regardless of immigration status,

policy often serves as a tool of racism and white supremacy.

So as not to overstate our abilities to thoughtfully respond to the community, we commit to continuing to learn how to become the antiracist organization we aspire to be, knowing that this is critical to our goal of moving lawmakers to adopt antiracist and equitable policies and budgets.

Signed,

The Economic Progress Institute staff and board