VICTORIES
Since 2003, One RI has been successful in protecting and securing more than $55 million dollars in state funds for policies and programs that help Rhode Islanders meet their basic needs in housing, food and income security, health care, child care, and education and training
Income
In 2003, Rhode Island implemented a refundable Earned Income Tax Credit making more than 42,000 Rhode Islanders eligible for a refund of up to $50 per year. In 2006, the Earned Income Tax Credit was expanded from 10% to 15% of the federal EITC, putting additional money in the pockets of low-wage working families.
Protected and wrote into law the "$50 pass through" that allows more than 3,100 very low-income households with children on cash assistance to receive $50 a month from child support paid by absent parents.
Expanded access to cash assistance and Food Stamps by exempting the value of one car per adult household member (maximum of 2 cars).
Supported the passage and victory of an increase in Rhode Islands minimum wage to $7.10/hour on March 1, 2006 and then an additional increase to $7.40/hour in January 2007.
Education and Training
Increased access to education and training for parents on cash assistance, by allowing parents to combine 20 hours of work with 10 hours of education/training after the first 24 months of their employment plan.
Food Security
Increased access to Food Stamps by securing funding for outreach to ensure eligible Rhode Islanders are enrolled in the Food Stamp program and have access to nutritious meals.
Health Care
Improved access to health care for first time pregnant women and infants by eliminating monthly premiums for RIte Care.
Maintained RIte Care coverage for almost 7,000 low-income parents who were at risk of losing their health care due to proposed budget cuts.
Maintained RIte Care coverage for non-citizen immigrant children who are currently enrolled or apply before December 31, 2006.
Improved access to dental care for residents in nursing facilities.
Affordable Housing
More than $25 million dollars has been appropriated to the Neighborhood Opportunities Program to create affordable housing units.
Improved access to supportive services to help people with special needs obtain and maintain permanent housing.
Child Care
Maintained the promise of Starting RIte by defeating child care eligibility "roll backs", protecting child care assistance for 800 families
Increased payments were maintained for over 1,000 certified family home care providers and more than 300 licensed child care centers.
Total investments in the One Rhode Island Platform $55.25 million (2003-2006)
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