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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

What does it cost to meet basic needs in Rhode Island? EPI’s 2026 #RISN2026 breaks down the cost of housing, food, child care, health care & more. People drive the economy, and when families can get beyond just making ends meet, Rhode Island thrives. 🔗 bit.ly/4rAb4Fm

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

💡 Free training for social workers, community health workers & organizations on navigating SNAP, Medicaid & other public benefits! 📅 Oct. 30 | 9 AM–12 PM 📍 Rhode Island College 3.0 CEUs available for social workers! Space is limited. Register: bit.ly/2026benefits...

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Today, Oct. 1, nearly 3,500 lawfully present immigrants in RI face losing Medicaid due to federal changes under OBBBA. Those affected include refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The Providence Journal covered EPI’s 2026 Rhode Island Standard of Need presentation at our 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference. Watch the full presentation: bit.ly/4rFRbgg Explore the newly released 2026 RISN: bit.ly/4rAb4Fm

youtube.com

RI Economic Progress Institute's presentation on the Rhode Island Standard of Need on Sept. 28, 2026

YouTube video by The Providence Journal

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Thank you for joining us for EPI’s 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference! Thanks to our MC, speakers, sponsors & everyone who joined us. September is EPI’s Giving Month, and there’s still time to support our work advancing economic security & opportunity for Rhode Islanders: bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Thank you to our People Power Partners for supporting EPI’s 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference! We appreciate your support and commitment to our work.

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Thank you to our Leadership, Impact, and Community Partners for supporting EPI’s 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference! We’re grateful for your partnership and support.

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Conference prep mode: ON!  We’re getting everything ready for EPI’s 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference.  See you Monday!

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

For 20 years, EPI’s Rhode Island Standard of Need (RISN) has measured what it actually costs Rhode Islanders to meet their basic needs. On Sept. 28, we’ll release the new 2026 RISN at EPI’s Annual Policy & Budget Conference. Register: bit.ly/4bwchqK

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

What will it really take for Rhode Island to respond to a changing federal landscape? In the final part of her conversation with @wpri12.bsky.social, EPI Executive Director @weayonnoh.bsky.social shares what to expect at our Sept. 28 Policy & Budget Conference. Register: bit.ly/4bwchqK

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

How are federal policy changes affecting Rhode Islanders? In Part 2 of her conversation with @wpri12.bsky.social, EPI Executive Director @weayonnoh.bsky.social discusses changes to SNAP and Medicaid and how RI can respond. RISN will be released Sept. 28 Get your tickets: bit.ly/4bwchqK

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

EPI in the News | Part 1 EPI Executive Director @weayonnoh.bsky.social joined 12 News to preview findings from the 2026 Rhode Island Standard of Need. RISN will be released at EPI’s Policy & Budget Conference on Sept. 28. Register: bit.ly/4bwchqK

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We’re excited to welcome Sara Monteiro, Acting Director of Rhode Island Black Storytellers, to EPI’s 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference! Sara will close the program with a piece you do not want to miss. Get your tickets: bit.ly/4bwchqK

A Providence native, artist, and entrepreneur, Sara is passionate about serving and collaborating with community partners to create spaces for diverse representation and preserve culture and history through community. Her work also uses art as a form of storytelling.

Sara will close the program with a piece you do not want to miss.
Join us for What Will It Really Take? Rhode Island’s Response to a Changing Federal Landscape.
📅 Monday, September 28
⏰ 8:00–11:30 AM
📍 Crowne Plaza Warwick

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

📣 Just 10 days until EPI’s 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference! Special guests include U.S. Sens. Jack Reed & Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Gabe Amo, RI Senate President Valarie Lawson & EPI Board Chair Linda Shaw. 📅 Sept. 28 | 8–11:30 AM 📍 Crowne Plaza Warwick Tickets: bit.ly/4bwchqK

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

On Sept. 28, Alan Krinsky & Nina Harrison will present findings from the new 2026 Rhode Island Standard of Need & discuss what federal policy changes mean for RIers. Then, Our “Why Does This Matter?” panel will explore what federal changes mean for RI families & communities. Register: bit.ly/4bwchqK

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The 2026 General Election is Nov. 3! Key RI dates: Oct. 4: Voter registration deadline Oct. 13: Mail ballot application deadline Oct. 14–Nov. 2: Early voting Nov. 3: General Election Make a plan with EPI’s Election Toolkit: bit.ly/3UC6ESc

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Rhode Island is ending traditional payday lending in 2027, but gaps remain with high-cost online loans. EPI’s Alan Krinsky spoke with Providence Business News about fintech lending and the need for stronger consumer protections. Read the full article: bit.ly/4h56MRA @alankrinsky.bsky.social

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

September is EPI’s Giving Month: Progress in Motion! ✨ We’re approaching $100K of our $150K goal! Support EPI by making a gift, sponsoring, purchasing a conference ticket, or joining us on Sept. 28. Help keep Progress in Motion: bit.ly/4bunuYM #rhodeIsland #ProgressInMotion

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

We’re closing out EPI’s Top 20 Wins with #18–20! 🎉 These wins help mothers, infants, and toddlers access healthcare and educational support. 20 wins. Countless voices. One stronger Rhode Island. #Top20Wins #RhodeIsland #Children #Families

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Wins #15–17 invest in children, families & child care providers. RI expanded eligibility for child care assistance, and increased childcare assistance and wages for child care providers. People drive the economy — and child care helps families thrive. #Top20Wins #ChildCare

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Wins #12–14: Investments in Healthcare. RI took action to lower healthcare costs for 20,000 Rhode Islanders, provide $26M for uncompensated hospital care & fund recommended Medicaid reimbursement rate increases. #Top20Wins #Healthcare #RhodeIsland

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Wins #9–11 are about Economic Opportunity — because people drive the economy. RI invested in multilingual teachers and learners, increased support for RI Works families & invested $2.95M in nutrition assistance. Investing in people strengthens our economy. #Top20Wins #RhodeIsland

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Next up in EPI’s Top 20 Wins: Equity & Democracy. ⚖️ Wins #5–8 protect immigrant communities, strengthen constitutional rights & secure critical funding for public transit. Progress means building systems that work for everyone. #Top20Wins #RhodeIsland

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

EPI’s Top 20 Legislative Wins start with Revenue & Tax Fairness! 🎉 Wins #1–4 include a Millionaires Tax, new state Child Tax Credit, decoupling & Social Security tax reform. Families and people are the true measure of economic success. #Top20Wins #RhodeIsland

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Meet our panelist, Khadija Lewis-Khan! For 25+ years, Khadija has led Beautiful Beginnings Child Care Center. She brings an on-the-ground perspective on how policy decisions affect RI children, families & educators. 📅 Sept. 28 Join us: bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Meet our panelist, Dr. Pablo Rodriguez! Founder & CEO of Nuestra Salud Productions, Dr. Rodriguez brings decades of experience in health, communications, and community leadership to our “Why Does This Matter?” panel. 🔗 bit.ly/4bunuYM @nuestrasalud.bsky.social

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Meet our panelist, Dr. Omar Bah! Founder & Co-Executive Director of the Refugee Dream Center, Dr. Bah brings lived experience and deep expertise in immigration, human rights, and community advocacy to our panel. 📅 Sept. 28 🔗 bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Meet our panelist, Kevin Love Hubbard! As Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island, Kevin brings a critical legal and civil rights perspective to our “Why Does This Matter?” panel. 📅 Sept. 28 🔗 bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Meet our panelist, Dr. Chanda Womack! As Founding Executive Director of ARISE, Dr. Womack brings lived experience and years of advocacy and community organizing to our “Why Does This Matter?” panel. 📅 Sept. 28 🔗 bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Rhode Island, tomorrow is Primary Election Day! Party Primaries are Wednesday, Sept. 9. Make your voice heard and cast your vote in the 2026 RI primaries. Make a plan to vote and encourage your friends, family, & neighbors to do the same! Get ready to vote with EPI’s Election Toolkit: bit.ly/3UC6ESc

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

A big thank you to the sponsors supporting EPI’s 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference so far! Your support makes this year’s conference possible and keeps Progress in Motion across Rhode Island. Register or support EPI: bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

3, 2, 1… EPI Giving Month is here! This September, we’re aiming high with a goal of $150,000 and we need your support to get there! Join Progress in Motion by making a gift to EPI and helping us continue moving Rhode Island forward. 🔗 Give today: bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

September is EPI’s Giving Month: Progress in Motion! EPI Board Member Linda Shaw calls EPI “the little engine that could” — working every day to move Rhode Island toward a more equitable future. Support EPI and keep Progress in Motion: bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

EPI’s @weayonnoh.bsky.social & @alankrinsky.bsky.social attended PolicyLink’s Summit 2026, joining leaders from across the country to explore what it will take to build a nation that truly governs for all. Read the image description for more about their experience at the Summit.

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We’re excited to announce Ellen Nissenbaum, Special Advisor at the @centeronbudget.bsky.social, as the Featured Speaker for EPI’s 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference! She’ll bring deep expertise as we explore: What Will It Really Take? RI’s Response to a Changing Federal Landscape. bit.ly/4bunuYM

For more than four decades, Ellen has worked with federal policymakers and national and state partners to advance policies that reduce poverty and inequality and expand opportunity.

On September 28, she’ll bring that deep expertise to Rhode Island as we explore this year’s central question:
What Will It Really Take? Rhode Island’s Response to a Changing Federal Landscape

📅 September 28, 2026
📍 Crowne Plaza Warwick

Join us for a timely conversation about what federal policy changes mean for Rhode Island — and what it will take to move our state forward.

Register Today: https://bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Big news to kick off EPI’s 2nd Annual Giving Month: Progress in Motion! We’re thrilled to welcome Joe Wilson Jr. as MC for EPI’s 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference on Sept. 28! We’re also working toward a bold $150K Giving Month goal. Support EPI. Keep Progress in Motion. bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Through the Tisch Summer Fellows Program, Leah spent this summer working at EPI, learning, connecting, & getting a behind-the-scenes look at how research and advocacy turn into real policy change. TY, Leah, for spending your summer with us! We’ll miss you and can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

EPI Policy Analyst @divyanair.bsky.social recently joined the inaugural Data Storytelling Leadership Residency in NYC, exploring how data can become powerful stories that inspire change. Her project highlights EPI’s upcoming 2026 RI Standard of Need Report: What does it really cost to get by in RI?

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

More than 20,000 Rhode Islanders have lost SNAP benefits due to One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changes. If you lost your benefits,reapplying may restore them if you now meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption. #SNAP #SNAPBenefits #FoodAssistance #RhodeIsland #RIFamilies

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

A $5,000 match in memory of EPI co-founder Nancy Gewirtz! Thanks to Steve Crosby and Helen Strieder, every gift through Sept. 30 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Your support will help relaunch EPI’s Policy & Research Learning Hub in Spring 2027. Give Today: bit.ly/4bunuYM

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

On July 24, EPI Executive Director @weayonnoh.bsky.social joined host Jim Hummel and fellow guest Joe Larisa on Ocean State Media Lively for an important conversation on voting rights, government accountability, and Rhode Island’s future. Watch the full episode on Ocean State Lively: bit.ly/4fUYzid

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Early Bird Registration is now open for our 15th Annual Policy & Budget Conference! Join us on September 28 as we explore WHAT WILL IT REALLY TAKE to build a stronger, more equitable RI. Featuring the release of EPI’s 2026 Rhode Island Standard of Need Report. Register by August 31: bit.ly/4bwchqK

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

🚨 Rhode Island SNAP Update Thousands of Rhode Islanders have recently lost SNAP benefits due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA or H.R.1). If your benefits were closed, you may still be able to get them reinstated by reapplying. #SNAP #FoodAssistance #RhodeIsland #EconomicSecurity

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Planning to vote in Rhode Island’s primary election? Be sure you’re registered by August 10. If you are not registered to vote, you can register online here: vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/Registe... Find everything you need to vote in EPI's 2026 Election Toolkit: bit.ly/3RMW7lR

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

We've all been there... searching everywhere for one simple election answer. That's why EPI created the 2026 Election Toolkit, a one stop resource with everything RI voters need to prepare for Election Day, all in one place. Explore the toolkit today: bit.ly/45Ehid7

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

New report: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and 2026 General Assembly Session in Review. The report reviews the enacted FY2027 budget and major legislative proposals, highlighting key progress, remaining challenges, & proposals that did not advance through the General Assembly. Full report: bit.ly/4pWIpK4

Our review of the 2026 session highlights progress and shortcomings in light of the Economic Progress Institute's legislative agenda and issues relevant to low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders.

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Today, Gov. McKee signed into law the 364-Day Misdemeanor Bill, Protect Our Courts Act, RI Constitutional Defense Act, & legislation prohibiting immigration enforcement officials from being within 200 ft of any polling place during early voting & on Election Day. #Win #protectimmigrantcommunities

The signing of these bills marks the culmination of years of advocacy. We especially recognize the Immigrant Coalition of RI for its unwavering commitment to making RI a safe and welcoming place for all who call our state home.

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Our 2024–2025 Annual Report is now available. Our 2024–2025 Annual Report highlights two years of advancing policies that support RIers, strengthening partnerships, producing impactful research, & building momentum for lasting change. Read the full report: bit.ly/4fuMq3v

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

As part of the summer staff retreat and team building activities last week, we debriefed the first half of 2026, began planning for the second half of the year and the next legislative session, and held conversations about our research, operations, communications, and organizational priorities.

As part of the summer staff retreat and team building activities last week, we at the EPI team spent the full week focused on learning, reflecting, and preparing for the months ahead.

Throughout the week, we debriefed the first half of 2026, began planning for the second half of the year and the next legislative session, and held conversations about our research, operations, strategic plan, communications, and organizational priorities.

At EPI, our work is collaborative by design. Bringing our team together to share ideas, learn from one another, and align our priorities helps ensure we're approaching our work thoughtfully and strategically.

Photo note: last day of team building retreat in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a rewarding day of team connection and so much fun!

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Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI @epi-ri.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Yesterday, EPI's Board and staff gathered for our annual retreat to reflect on our progress, strengthen our shared vision, and chart the path forward. Thank you to our Board members, staff, and facilitator for an engaging and inspiring day.

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