Inform. Advocate. Transform.
Providing Rhode Islanders with research, analysis, and advocacy on transformational and equitable fiscal and policy changes to advance racial and economic justice.
Providing Rhode Islanders with research, analysis, and advocacy on transformational and equitable fiscal and policy changes to advance racial and economic justice.
The Rhode Island Standard of Need provides a realistic picture of what it costs for individuals and families to afford a no-frills life in our state. The 2026 report calculates monthly and annual budgets for housing, food, transportation, health care, child care, and other essentials—and shows that nearly 40% of Rhode Island households may not have enough income to meet their basic needs.
Explore the report’s findings on the cost of living, economic disparities, and the policies that can help move Rhode Island from need to prosperity.
The Economic Progress Institute's 2026 Legislative Session Top 20 Wins highlights the most significant policy achievements of the year that advance economic security, opportunity, and equity for Rhode Islanders. The report also recognizes key defensive victories and the coalitions and legislative champions behind these successes.
More data on Rhode Island's Geographical Diversity in meeting basic needs.
Money awarded to 80K working Rhode islanders by increasing the EITC
RI workers with raised incomes by increasing the minimum wage
RI workers provided with access to earned sick time to care for themselves and loved ones
RI citizens with protected medicaid coverage and access to senior care
The Economic Progress Institute (EPI) is a leader in making important gains for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders. With your support, we are putting more Rhode Islanders on a path to economic progress.
Together, we can advance policy solutions for all Rhode Islanders that will create good job opportunities, a safe place to live, adequate food, and affordable health care.