Archive 2007
Child support helps families leave welfare (Pro Jo 12.31.07)
In this op-ed, The Poverty Institute's Rachel Flum illustrates how important a roll the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) plays in decreasing welfare, improving financial security for poor familes and and increasing state revenue.
Census a "wake-up call" on economy (12.28.07)
"Interviews with several experts show a divergence of opinion on the dip in population." The Poverty Institute's Kate Brewster says "there's no reason to think that high taxes are driving the wealthy out."
Jobs study: Invest in Immigrant Workforce (Pro Jo 12.24.07)
In coverage of the Poverty Institute's State of Working RI 2007, Kate Brewster, Executive Director states “Until workers are able to earn sufficient wages to support their families and we come to a consensus on how to get to universal health care, Rhode Island must continue to provide RIte Care and subsidized child care to protect working families from falling further behind.”
Carcieri looks back at '07 and sees a lonely battle (12.16.07)
M. Charles Bakst looks back at 2007 with Governor Carcieri who says he feels he is "the only one looking out for Rhode Islanders."
New State Agency Proposed (Providence Journal 12.13.07)
Could the creation of one "mega-agency" by consolidating 5 separate state agencies (The Department of Health, The Department of Human Services, The Department of Elderly Affairs, The Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals, and The Department of Children, Youth and Families) save money and strengthen families?
How RI Ranks in Spending (Providence Journal 12.12.07)
A new RIPEC report, "How Rhode Island's State and Local Expenditures Compare, 2007 Edition" was recently released. The Poverty Institute's Kate Brewster adds, "reports like these do not always tell the whole story."
The pain of budget cuts (Providence Journal 12.8.07)
The Poverty Institute comments on budget cut proposals that originated out of the RI Dept of Human Services. The proposals include removing 18,000 Rhode Islanders from the RIte Care program and 3,000 children from cash assistance, among many other cuts.
For many, welfare help exceeds limits (Providence Journal 11.28.07)
The Poverty Institute's Policy Director, Linda Katz, explained that when drafting the legislation, lawmakers purposesfully exempted children and the working poor from the limits.
Yes, debate welfare issues, but fairly (Providence Journal 11.27.07)
In this article by M. Charles Bakst, Kate Brewster says "welfare parents have been put in a silo in a system that doesn't have the resources to give them the skills that they need to succeed in the workforce." She pleads to have the governor convene a task force to address such topics.
Tax credits for investing in local start-ups now getting a second look (Providence Journal 11.27.07)
Ellen Frank, senior economic analyst at the Poverty Institute at Rhode Island College, said the Innovation Tax Credit should also be subject to intense scrutiny to judge if it truly generates jobs and increases tax receipts.
Carcieri chastises welfare system (Providence Journal 11.20.07)
“I don’t think anyone wakes up and decides to become a single parent. That notion is absurd,” said Kate Brewster, director of Rhode Island College’s Poverty Institute. “He spoke yesterday of single mothers on cash assistance having multiple children and the facts are that 77 percent of the families on the Family Independence Program have only one or two children.
The worst of times? (Providence Journal 11.18.07)
Social-service advocates predict that a potentially disastrous confluence of events is going to make things worse, from record heating-oil costs and record foreclosures to spikes in gas prices, diminished childcare availability, lack of affordable housing, slashed state spending, a soaring state budget deficit and a squeeze on philanthropic giving.
Rhode Island will trim state workforce (New York Times 11.17.07)
“Rhode Island has structural deficit problems, meaning that this is not simply due to an unusual drop in revenue. This is a deeper problem that has to do with shifts in the state’s economy and a lot of tax cutting." (Ellen Frank, senior economic analyst at the Poverty Institute)
Potential Carcieri staff cuts up to 536 (Providence Journal 11.15.07)
"Churches cannot replace the role of government in providing training and supports like childcare that low-skilled and low-wage families need to succeed in the workforce," says Kate Brewster (in response to the governor's comment that churches and philanthropic groups need to "step up their efforts to support where the needs the are greatest.")
Carcieri won't expand layoffs (Providence Journal 11.14.07)
The governor says he will not expand his plan to cut the state's workforce to help reduce the budget deficit but will look at the "structure of entitlements" (cash assistance, RIte Care, childcare, medical spending). Kate Brewster calls on the governor to sit down and "hear our ideas" before making any major policy changes.
RI Governor: Budget deficit next year twice what was expected (Boston Globe 11.11.07)
The state must do more than cut spending, said Ellen Frank, chief economist at the Poverty Institute. She calls on lawmakers to reconsider tax cuts to high-income Rhode Islanders, such as the recently instituted flat tax and the phase-out of the capital gains tax.
Proposal to drop adult SCHIP coverage sooner draws ire. (Globe 11.10.07)
"The children's health insurance bill was designed to focus attention on the most vulnerable, the kids," Linda Katz said. "But there's lots of research that when parents are covered, it's more likely kids will be covered too."
Financial Forecast: Gloomy (Providence Journal 11.10.07)
"RI is facing a budget shortfall of at least $150 million in the current fiscal year and the deficit for the following year...is now estimated between $400 million and $450 million."
RI Taxing itself out of business? (Providence Journal 11.7.07)
"Slashing funding for critical public systems and services while not addressing our antiquated revenue system will undermine the quality of life for all Rhode Islander's", says the Poverty Institute's Kate Brewster. See what RI business leaders have to say.
Sagging economy worries forecasters (Providence Journal 11.1.07)
"To think there may be a slowdown in the RI economy...it's the last thing we need," says Ellen Frank, Chief Economist at the Poverty Institute.
RI needs balanced approach to budget crisis (Providence Journal 10.24.07)
"Rhode Islanders deserve a more balanced and reasonable appraoch to addressing the state's fiscal challanges than that recently announced by Governor Carcieri." Read the full Op-Ed by Kate Brewster.
Governor Carcieri wages high-profile campaign to sell you his ideas on cuts (Providence Journal 10.21.07)
A Providence Journal article by M. Charles Bakst in response to "Governor Carcieri's plan to cut state spending and avert a budget deficit."
State's small size equals high taxes (Providence Journal 10.16.07)
In his op-ed, Naval War College Professor Dr Anthony J. Di Bella states that "smallness and quality of place come at a price". He refers to data collected from "prominent sources such as..., The Poverty Institute among others."
Significant' Coverage Crisis Predicted for the State (Providence Business News 9.07)
Although recent Census Bureau figures show a small decline in the number of uninsured Rhode Islanders between 2005 and 2006, the Health Insurance Commissioner is "convinced that the long term outlook remains pretty dire".
RIte Care rolls drop, losing poorest (Providence Journal 9.4.07)
The Poverty Institute's Linda Katz comments on the effects of the stricter standards that now apply to new RIte Care enrollments.
1,900 to lose childcare aid tomorrow (Providence Journal 8.31.07)
The Poverty Institute's Heidi Collins has heard from many frantic parents who are about to lose subsidized childcare benefits.
Poverty rate declines for RI children (Providence Journal 8.29.07)
Providence Journal coverage of data released showing poverty rates among children down, number of all Rhode Islanders remained unchanged in 2006. The Institute points to flaws with using the federal poverty level as a measure of economic need.
Press Release: Poverty Remains Unchanged in RI
The Poverty Institute issues a statement about recent data showing the overall poverty rate in RI remained unchanged from 2005-2006. According to the Institute, the federal poverty level is an inadequate measure of the actual number of Rhode Islanders in economic need.
Who'll watch the children? (8.10.07)
This Providence Journal article introduces you to one of the many families who are affected by the reduction in childcare eligibility from 225 percent of the poverty level to 180 percent. The Poverty Institute's Kate Brewster comments.
"Clip Job" (7.07)
"The states budget's in shambles and and seems doomed to remain so. Here are ten ways to fix it". Read the Rhode Island Monthly article which includes comments from the The Poverty Institute
"Rhode Island ranks sixth in assistance to low income families" (7.22.07)
This Providence Journal article reveals the results of a recently released study by the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C. based research group.
"How screwed are we?" (6.28.07)
Elected officials and pundits offer their take on Rhode Island's budget predicament.
The Poverty Institute's Kate Brewster answers questions about the budget situation in this Providence Phoenix article.
"Businesses may be hit by R.I. budget" (6.18.07)
The Providence Journal article reagarding the elimination of corporate tax shelters worth tens of millions of dollars each year.
"New minumin wage law stirs debate" (6.10.07)
Read the Providence Journal article in response to the first increase in the federally mandated minimum wage which will take place over a three year period. The article includes comments from the Poverty Institute's Ellen Frank.
"Bills seek minimum wage hike" (6.07)
The Providence Business News article regarding an increase in the minimum wage.
"Lawmakers unveil budget" (6.9.07)
The Providence Journal article which oulines the 2007-08 spending plan approved by the House Finance Committee. The plan "restores money to many social services, allows some of the governor's cuts to remain and goes even deeper in some places."
"Tax shelters under scrutiny" (6.1.07)
Click here to read the Providence Journal article which includes quotes from the Poverty Institute's Ellen Frank regarding closing corporate loopholes.
"Raise revenue to cut R.I. deficit" (5.30.07)
"This year policymakers' attention to both sides of the ledger is more essential than ever." Read the op-ed by Kate Brewster.
"Proposal to broaden RI sales tax" (5.26.07)
Read Providence Business News story about lawmakers attempts to include services in the items that are subject to sales tax and low the rate.
"State spending $2.5 billion more now than a decade ago" (5.19.07)
The Providence Journal article which includes comments from the Poverty Institute's Ellen Frank in reagard to budget cuts proposed by the governor.
"RI Workforce Alliance pushes for equality in adult education funding" (5.17.07)
The RI Workforce Alliance is working to boost the "Governor's Five Year Plan for Adult Education" from $1 million to $3 million. "Because many uneducated adults often end up utilizing state and tax-payer money down the road, the state has to make a choice between educating them immediately or dealing with the consequences".
"No last-minutes miracles on horizon to fix state budget" (Providence Journal 5.11.07)
Read comments by Ellen Frank in the Journal's coverage of the May Revenue Estimating Conference.
"Legislators target REIT tax" (Providence Business News 5.07.07)
Read comments by Ellen Frank in the Providence Business News coverage of legislation submitted to close an existing corporate loophole commonly used by large retailers.
Press Release: Poverty Institute says state's tax structure needs reform (5.11.07)
Read the Institute's press release that calls for action to address weaknesses in the state's revenue system in light of findings from the Revenue Estimating Conference that the state has an additional $90 million shortfall over and above the original $360 million projected last November.
"Measure would impose copays on Medicaid" (4.25.07)
"We are going to ask the poorest seniors now to chose between their medication and other basic needs...". Read the Providence Journal article.
"Rhode Island at a Crossroads" (4.25.07)
This year's budget could signal a major shift in the state's underlying principles. Read the article by Brian Jones which includes comments from the Poverty Institute.
"Tax Tricks: Corporate Income Tax Evasion in Rhode Island" (4.07)
A new report released by the Campaign for Rhode Island's Priorities is the subject of a recent Providence Business News article which also references reports released by the Poverty Institute relating to closing corporate loopholes in Rhode Island.
"Older workers expected to be a sought after commodity" (4.15.07)
This Providence Journal article, which includes quotes from the Poverty Institute's Linda Katz, explains why the need for older workers is expected to grow.
"Proposed child care cuts would hurt the work force" (3.19.07)
Guest columnist Kate Brewster writes about the importance of investing in Child Care.
"Keeping kids from losing health care" (3.19.07)
The Providence Business News article which includes quotes from the Poverty Institute's Linda Katz.
"Data lacking on whether RI is a welfare draw" (3.11.07)
"...the limited data we do have refutes the myth that RI is a welfare magnet". Read the Povidence Journal article which includes this and other quotes from the Poverty Institute.
"Coalition for poor trims its requests" (2.23.07)
The One RI coalition is asking the Governor to "Do no Harm" to the state's struggling families and children. Read Providence Journal Coverage of One RI Press conference (2.23.07)
"It can be a long road to independence" (2.11.07)
Read the Providence Journal article for a personal story that illustrates the reality of the Rhode Island Standard of Need 2006.
"Budget Math, Who gets the short end in RI's politics of the rich and poor?"(2.7.07)
"Here is an example of Bad Robin Hood robbing the poor and giving to the rich". Read the Brian Jones' article
"Carcieri focuses resources on education for '08" (2.07)
"Its going to be impossible for these families", Kate Brewster says of the proposed cuts to the child care assistance program. Read the Providence Business News Article.
"Study: Women's wages still lag behind men's" (2.07)
This Providence Business News article on the release of the Status of Women Report and the RI Standard of Need.
"Local firms try to cash in on state's film tax credit" (2.07)
Read the Providence Business News article as The Poverty Institute's Ellen Frank weighs in on the state's movie tax credit.
"Words and money: Carcieri faces financial storm" (2.4.07)
This Providence Journal article about the Governor's State of the State address features comments from The Poverty Institute's Kate Brewster on the impact that childcare cuts will have on families. Read the article written by M. Charles Bakst.
"Businesses disagree on cutting sales tax" (2.07)
Read Poverty Institute comments in a Providence Business News Article
"Basic Needs Strain Families" (1.31.07)
Read Providence Journal coverage on The Poverty Institute's newly released 2006 Standard of Need.
"Setting the Agenda" (Providence Journal 1.31.07)
When asked her thoughts about the Governor's State of the State address, Kate Brewster, Executive Director, said "This is not a State of the State, but a state of denial". Read more of the Poverty Institute's comments about the address.
"RI's women are falling behind in state's economy, report shows" ( 1.30.07)
Read the Providence Journal article that outlines the newly released Status of Women report, authored by The Poverty Institute.
Press release: Study shows cost to raise a family in Rhode Island is $50,000 (1.30.07)
The Poverty Institue issued this press release today as they unveil findings from the 2006 Standard of Need Report.
"To close R.I.'s deficit, look at both sides of the ledger" (1.07)
Ellen Frank was the Guest Columnist in the Providence Business News January 29th edition. Read the column that describes recommendations in our issue brief "The Other Side of the Ledger".
"Poverty Institute urges new look at tax breaks" (1.9.07)
"This year we are asking the policymakers to apply the prove-it-or-lose-it test to the myriad of tax breaks and exemptions that result in Rhode Island losing million of dollars each year". Read this Providence Journal article which describes the Poverty Institute's suggestions to ease the state's budget problems.
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