Publications

Improving economic security and opportunity for single mother households in Rhode Island
May 10, 2013 - A new report suggests a handful of state policy changes could improve the economic circumstances of single-mother households in Rhode Island. 

It is time to turn up volume on silent spending
April 23, 2013 - To ensure Rhode Island uses its available resources in the most effective way possible, it’s time to subject tax breaks, that cost the State over $1.7 billion a year, to the same scrutiny given to money spent through the state budget.

Enhancing the Economic Security of Low-Income Working Rhode Islanders by Increasing the State’s Earned Income Tax Credit Refund
April 11, 2013 - Rhode Island should enhance the effectiveness of its state EITC by increasing the refund available to low-wage workers.  This would put money in the pockets of low-income working households that could help provide for basic needs, pay for extra expenses such as a security deposit or car repair, and build assets for the future.

Testimony in support of eliminating the federal "domestic production deduccton"
April 05, 2013 - The Institute supports a bill that would disallow the federal domestic production deduction which is a costly tax giveaway that was never voted on by lawmakers in our state but rather carried down through the federal tax code.

Raising the minimum wage to $10.10: A win-win for Rhode Island workers and the economy
April 04, 2013 - The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 would put more money in the pockets of workers and local cash retailers, and thus help Rhode Island's economy.

Testimony in support of child care assistance during training
April 02, 2013 - The Economic Progress strongly supports S-250 which would provide child care assistance to parents participating in short term training leading to a job.

Testimony supporting legislation to improve tax expenditure accountability
April 02, 2013 - The two bills  would go a long way towards ensuring that tax breaks are receiving an appropriate and adequate level of scrutiny similar to that applied to direct spending.

Comments on the request to extend Rhode Island's Medicaid Waiver
March 05, 2013 - The Institute has written extensive comments on the proposed extension of the state's Medicaid waiver.

Corporate tax cuts should be offset with cuts in corporate tax expenditures
March 05, 2013 - A look at the Governor's proposal to cut the state's corporate tax rate.  The Institute suggests that the current proposal is too costly and needs to be made revenue neutral by reforming or eliminating tax expenditures. 

Testimony on FY14 Budget Article 15 related to workforce development
March 01, 2013 - The Institute spoke on behalf of itself and the RI Workforce Alliance in support of the Governor's proposed increase in funding dedicated to workforce training.

Testimony opposing the adoption of an insurance verification system
February 26, 2013 - The Economic Progress Institute is strongly opposed to the adoption of the insurance confirmation system outlined in House Bill 5533 and 5150.

Testimony supporting the Medicaid expansion
February 15, 2013 - The Institute offered testimony in support of the Medicaid  expansion to low-income adults who do not have children to ensure they have access to health care.

Testimony regarding the historic tax credit
February 08, 2013 - The Institute provided testimony about the state's historic tax credit program, highlighting several issues related to transparency and accountability.

Testimony in support of the minimum wage
February 05, 2013 - The Institute supports an increase in the minimum wage to $8.25. Read our testimony to the House Labor Committee.

Testimony opposing special capital gains tax breaks for certain investors
January 30, 2013 - The Institute opposes a bill to allow special tax breaks on capital gains for certain investors.

Response to Governor Chafee's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2014
January 26, 2013 - Learn what is and is not included in the Governor's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014 with respect to workforce development, tax policy, health care, and programs for low and modest-income Rhode Islanders.

Health Reform in Rhode Island: Countdown to Coverage
December 19, 2012 - View a presentation from recent forums that describes how the Affordable Care Act is helping Rhode Islanders and the changes that will go into effect in January 2014 .

Essential Health Benefits: Rhode Island's Choice Under the Affordable Care Act
December 19, 2012 - Read about the Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) that Rhode Island chose to include in its "benchmark" plan required under the Affordable Care Act.

Infographic: What it costs to live in Rhode Island
November 15, 2012 - Check out our infographic that shows what it costs to live in Rhode Island and how those costs compare to the federal poverty level.  

2012 Rhode Island Standard of Need
November 14, 2012 - Our study that documents what it costs to live and raise a family in Rhode Island and how work supports help families close the gap between income and expenses and meet their basic needs.