2011 Economic Security Agenda
A vibrant economy requires a skilled workforce that is able to attract and retain jobs that enable Rhode Islanders to support themselves and their families. A healthy community needs access to a strong education system, affordable healthcare and a sound safety net. The Poverty Institute believes that we have a shared responsibility for ensuring that all Rhode Islanders, especially low-wage workers and those who cannot work, are able to meet their basic needs.
1. Strengthen the safety net by improving Rhode Island Works cash assistance
The Rhode Island Works program, the state’s cash assistance or “welfare” program, is an important government assistance program that provides minimal cash support and work readiness services to approximately 5,900 low-income families. Below are some basic facts about this program and the Rhode Islanders it serves.
Current Legislation
Currently, legislation has been introduced by Representative Cimini (H 5625) and Senator Pichardo (S 609) that proposes amendments to improve the current law.
• LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY: Read more about this proposed legislation that would improve the RI Works program.
Hearings on the bills have been heard in both House Finance (May 11) and Senate Finance (May 26) Committees, where many came out to testify in favor of this important legislation. Materials from the hearing include:
• Testimony from The Poverty Institute, RI National Organization for Women (NOW), RI Kids Count, Family Violence Option Advocacy Program, Basic Needs Network, Family Resources Community Action, Interfaith Coalition and The RI Foster Parents Association.
• A powerpoint presentation presented by Representative Maria Cimini, with an overview of the RI Works program and how it helps Rhode Island families.
The budget (H5894a) that will be voted on by the House of Representatives on June 24 includes improvements to the RI Works Program. Article 23, section 23, will allow parents to engage in the full range of allowable activities for their work plan, including vocational education, instead of the "work first" model of job search only. Also, there are funds allocated for DHS to hire 6 social case workers so that the agency will be able to better assess parents needs and help families get into appropriate programs.
ACCESS MORE INFORMATION ON THE RI WORKS PROGRAM HERE
2. Affordable, quality child care for families
The Child Care Assistance Program (“CCAP”) provides subsidies to working parents to help them pay for high quality and stable child care for their young children and for after school care. To qualify, the parent must be working at least 20 hours per week and have income less than 180% FPL ($32,958 for a family of 3, for example).
Current Legislation
Legislation has been introduced in the General Assembly [H5624 (Cimini)], which would allow parents to use subsidized child care during time spent in education/training leading to increased earnings capacity if the parent is working at least 25 hours/week. Click here for more information on the proposed legislation.
Additional legislation introduced in the General Assembly [H5206 (Diaz); S 323 (Lanzi)] would implement an “exit income eligibility limit” to allow working parents who are receiving child care assistance to remain eligible as long as their income does not exceed 225% FPL ($41,197 for a family of 3). This will address the “cliff effect” that occurs when a parent’s earnings increase slightly due to a raise or works overtime and the parent loses eligibility for the subsidy, causing the cost of child care to soar as much as 600%.
• LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY: Read more about the proposed legislation that would improve the Child Care Assistance Program.
A hearing was held on May 12, 2011 in House Finance, where many came out to testify in favor of this important legislation. Materials from the hearing include:
• Testimony from Rachel Weisz-Smith, a parent receiving child care assistance, RI Kids Count (H5264), RI Kids Count (H5206), Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children, Family Child Care Homes of Rhode Island and Young Voices.
COMMENTS: State Plan on the Child Care Development Block Grant (6.11)
The Poverty Institute provides written comments on the Department of Human Service’s draft state plan, including suggested goals for the next two years such as eliminating the asset test and increasing eligibility back to 225% for the child care assistance program.
ACCESS MORE INFORMATION ON THE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HERE
3. A Skilled and Educated Workforce
A skilled workforce is key to family economic security and the economic vitality of Rhode Island. Expanding the trained workforce helps businesses who need more skilled workers. A well-developed workforce system makes the state more economically competitive, and it increases the economic security of more Rhode Islanders, who then are better able to support their families.
• ISSUE BRIEF: Building a Skilled Workforce: Moving Forward
ACCESS MORE INFORMATION ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT HERE
4. MEDICAID
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