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.
Visit WebsiteIn the face of a rapidly evolving economy, Rhode Island’s education and workforce systems need to keep pace, to meet the dual needs of workers (who need to remain employable), […]
Our latest report provides details about key economic and social indicators for Black families in the Ocean State and documents the disparities with their White counterparts. Making sure all Rhode […]
Rhode Island’s minority workers were hit harder by the Great Recession than their white counterparts and historically have experienced higher rates of unemployment and lower median wages.
The Governor’s FY17 Budget Article 13 increases the minimum wage to $10.10 next year and expands the state earned income tax credit from 12.5 percent to 15 percent of the […]
Although Rhode Island’s overall economy continues to slowly but steadily recover from the Great Recession, workers of color—particularly Rhode Island’s Latino community— continue to bear the brunt of a vulnerable […]
Raising the minimum wage will improve the economic well-being of Rhode Islanders and strengthen the state’s economy. Giving the lowest paid workers a raise will improve their economic security and […]
We hope you will join us in New Orleans at the Loews New Orleans hotel from Wednesday, November 12 – Friday, November 14, 2025. Details to come!