Overview

Poverty, Income and Wages:  We track and report on these important economic indicators. 

Public Programs and Benefits:  We advocate for expansions and improvements in anti-poverty and income support programs like cash assistance, health care, child care, food stamps and affordable housing.  We also collaborate with state department officials and staff to improve the government systems that are responsible for helping low-income Rhode Islanders. 

Workforce Development:  We work with businesses, labor groups, adult education providers, and community-based groups to advocate for local, state and federal policies and investments that help Rhode Islander job seekers, workers, and businesses compete in today's economy.  

State Taxes and Budget: We promote tax and budget policies that are fair to low-income families and provide adequate revenue to fund essential public services that benefit all Rhode Islanders. We also hold policymakers accountable for ensuring that tax expenditures achieve their goals and are cost effective.

Federal Taxes and Budget:  We analyze proposed changes to federal laws and advocate for national budget priorities that protect entitlement programs that help lift families out of poverty.

Legislative and Regulatory Tracking:   Every year, we review every single bill introduced by the Rhode Island General Assembly.  We routinely ask questions that few others ask such as: Is the proposal fair to low and modest-income households?  Will it hinder the state’s ability to provide critical public services to its residents?  And when the existing rules that govern programs like welfare, child care, and food stamps, are subject to change, we notify the community and comments on the proposed changes.

For more information about the Poverty Institute, click here.

• Overview
• RI Poverty, Wages & Income Data
• Public Benefits & Programs
• Workforce Development
• State Tax & Budgets
• Federal Tax & Budgets