CONTACT:
Kate Brewter, Executive Director
Office (401) 456-8239
Cell (401) 486-9532
kbrewster@ric.edu

Jennifer Leigh, Director of Communications
Cell (401) 595-9885
jleigh@ric.edu

PRESS RELEASES

Press Release:  Major Reform to Welfare Leaves Rhode Islanders at Risk (6.08)
House of Representatives passes state budget that overhauls Rhode Island's welfare program, leaving thousdans of low-income families at risk.
For more informaton about the key provisions of the new welfare program - Rhode Island Works - click here.

State of Working RI 2007 Released
Report finds most workers continue to experience declining wages and benefits while income inequality has grown; state needs to invest in its workforce to meet demands of changing labor market and ensure economic competitiveness

UPCOMING EVENTS
More about the Institute's upcoming events and information about community meetings.

FACT SHEETS and RECENT REPORTS
State of Working RI 2007 (12.07)
The Poverty Institute's biennial study that documents trends in wages, occupations, unemployment, and the state's workforce. The report points out that the state’s labor force of 578,000 is more diverse, older and better educated than it was two decades ago but workers face a triple whammy – slowing job growth, eroding wages and benefits, and growing inequality.

Red Flags for RIte Care (11.07)
The RIte Care/ RIte Share program provides comprehensive health insurance for children under age 19, parents and pregnant women in low and modest-income families.  This report by The Poverty Institute illustrates that enrollment in the RIte Care program has been declining since 2004 with precipitous declines since January 2007.

Ten Facts About the Family Independence Program (11.07)
Read up to date information about who receives cash assistance in Rhode Island, what the program requires of its enrollees, and how much it costs the state.

Rhode Island's Welfare Time Limits
There is a great deal of confusion regarding how long states allow residents to receive cash assistance.  Contrary to popular belief, RI's welfare time limits are not longer than most other states.

Income Gains and Charitable Giving Among Wealthy Rhode Island Taxpayers Exceed Neighbors  (9.07)
This report by the Poverty Institue illustrates that income gains among the wealthiest Rhode Islander's are exceeding those of our New England neighbors.  Also, charitable contributions by the weathly have been stronger than neighboring states.