The Economic Progress Institute

The Economic Progress Institute We advocate for policies that improve economic security and opportunity for Rhode Islanders! While the name changed, the mission did not.

The Economic Progress Institute - formerly The Poverty Institute - is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders. Since the organization was founded by Linda Katz and the late Nancy Gewirtz in 1999, it has become a respected authority on issues impacting the economic vitality of our residents and our state

. The Institute changed its name in 2012 to better reflect the reality that it has become an advocate not only for those living in poverty, but for the growing number of middle-income Rhode Islanders struggling to make ends meet. The Board and staff also wanted a name that is aspirational and speaks to what we stand for.....creating opportunities and economic progress for all Rhode Islanders. The Institute is still a powerful and informed voice for low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders.

On Consumer Advocacy Day on Tuesday, EPI’s Alan Krinsky met with Rhode Island’s Senator Jack Reed, a champion of consume...
06/03/2026

On Consumer Advocacy Day on Tuesday, EPI’s Alan Krinsky met with Rhode Island’s Senator Jack Reed, a champion of consumer protection in the fight against predatory lending. Senator Reed has proposed legislation to cap interest rates nationally at 36%, expanding to all Americans the protections of the Military Lending Act he introduced and got enacted 20 years ago.

No family should lose support because they have stable housing. Eliminating the $65 RI Works benefit reduction for famil...
06/02/2026

No family should lose support because they have stable housing.
 
Eliminating the $65 RI Works benefit reduction for families in subsidized housing would help parents cover essentials like baby formula, medication, transportation to work, and medical appointments.
 
Housing stability should be supported, not penalized. Send letter to your legislators: https://bit.ly/4o0Ky6h ( link also in stories and Link highlights on our timeline)
 

Thank you to the Rhode Island Senate for passing legislation to expand Paid Family Leave and move our state one step clo...
06/02/2026

Thank you to the Rhode Island Senate for passing legislation to expand Paid Family Leave and move our state one step closer to ensuring workers have the time they need to care for their loved ones when it matters most. Now, let’s keep the momentum going and work to get this critical legislation across the finish line for Rhode Island families. Send a letter of support to your legislators: paid leave: https://bit.ly/3Q28mdo (link also in stories and on our highlights)

Economic Progress Institute (EPI) and the Tax Justice Ambassadors from the Alliance for RI South East Asians (ARISE), Pr...
05/29/2026

Economic Progress Institute (EPI) and the Tax Justice Ambassadors from the Alliance for RI South East Asians (ARISE), Providence Student Union (PSU), and the RI for Community and Justice (RICJ) are hosting a Tax Ambassador Teach-In to inform youth about the current state of RI budget and tax policies, how it will affect them and what they can do to advocate for their needs. Join us on June 8th from 4-6pm at Providence Student Union (763R Westminster St)!

05/29/2026

No child should be left deeper in poverty because of outdated policies. Strengthening RI Works would help more Rhode Island families meet basic needs and build a more secure future. Send a letter to your legislator today: https://bit.ly/4wWzL0X (Link also in stories and Links Highlight)

Yesterday, Rhode Islanders showed up at the State House with a clear message: tax the top 1% and invest in Rhode Island....
05/29/2026

Yesterday, Rhode Islanders showed up at the State House with a clear message: tax the top 1% and invest in Rhode Island.

A tax on income above $640,000 would raise an estimated $203 million annually to support the things our communities need most — healthcare, public education, public transit, childcare, senior services, and more.

Thank you to everyone who rallied, raised their voices, made calls, and took action. The fight isn’t over. As lawmakers finalize the state budget, keep the pressure on by contacting legislative leaders and urging them to include a tax on the top 1% in the final budget.

When everyone pays their fair share, everyone wins.

05/28/2026

Expanding RI Works means more support for parents and kids working to make ends meet. Send a letter to your legislator now: https://bit.ly/4wX6mUz (Link also in stories and highlights)

More than 50 organizations and businesses across Rhode Island are calling on legislative leaders to include revenue from...
05/28/2026

More than 50 organizations and businesses across Rhode Island are calling on legislative leaders to include revenue from the wealthy — including taxing the top 1% — in the final state budget.
Working families cannot keep carrying the burden alone while the wealthiest continue receiving massive tax breaks.
Read the full press release and join the call for a fairer RI: https://bit.ly/4o54LYL

05/28/2026

Take Action.
Today is the day. Now is the time.

Join us at the rally today at 3PM and send a letter to your legislators calling on them to tax the top 1%: https://bit.ly/4dRCiAU (link also in stories)

When everyone pays their fair share, everyone wins.

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05/27/2026

Rhode Island families deserve strong schools, affordable homes, reliable public transit, and accessible healthcare.
 
Join us Thursday at the State House as we call on leaders to tax the top 1% and invest in the future of Rhode Island.
 
Where: RI State House (Smith St. Side)
When: Thursday, May 28 at 3 PM
 
Wear green. Bring your voice. 
 
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North Providence, RI

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