Economic Progress Institute — PVD, RI

On Tuesday, EPI’s @weayonnoh.bsky.social joined national partners for a virtual press call hosted by CBPP & ITEP on the urgent need for states to raise fair revenue amid federal funding cuts and rising state costs. Critical choices ahead for the 2026 legislative season.

Proud to celebrate our Executive Director, @weayonnoh.bsky.social on receiving the Cheryl Snead Servant Leadership Award at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon.

A powerful recognition of her advocacy, equity-driven leadership, and lasting impact on Rhode Island communities.

New guest article by EPI Executive Director, @weayonnoh.bsky.social: “Would You Open the Door? The Risk of Choosing Justice”

A deeply personal reflection on courage, lived experience, and choosing justice in moments of fear.

Read: richstreitfeld.substack.com

Have a 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 you’d love to share with us?
Email us at communications@economicprogressri.org and you might see it featured next!

RIC students — this one’s for you! 

🍕 Start the Spring Policy Institute with Policy & Pizza Night.

📅 Feb 17 | ⏰ 4:30–6 PM
📍 School of Social Work Atrium

Meet EPI, learn policy advocacy, and practice testimony writing.

Open to all RIC students.
Register here: bit.ly/PolicyPizza2...

Proud to bring together policymakers and community voices for the Revenue for Rhode Islanders Coalition kickoff advancing legislation to generate $200+ million annually from tax on the top 1%.
Program speakers highlighted the urgent need for equitable investment across RI.

This was January at EPI.
Swipe to see the impact.

Part 2
#EconomicJustice #Equity #Community #RhodeIsland #Follow

This was January at EPI.
Swipe to see the impact.

Part 1
#EconomicJustice #Equity #Community #RhodeIsland #Follow

Follow the Money: EPI’s new video series breaking down how tax and budget decisions shape life in Rhode Island.

In this first video, Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, Executive Director of Economic Progress Institute, explains what’s coming and why it matters.

Follow along. Share. Stay informed.

Join the Revenue for Rhode Islanders Coalition Kickoff & Lobby Day!

Support legislation to raise $200+ million annually by modestly taxing the top 1%—for healthcare, education, childcare, food assistance & RIPTA.

📅 Feb 5 | 🕒 3–4 PM + lobby day
📍 RI State House

#RevenueForRI #EconomicJustice

In solidarity with the ICE OUT! National Day of Action this Friday, EPI will be closing our offices to support dignity, rights, and justice for all.
👉 Full statement in the flyer.

Have a 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 you’d love to share with us?
Email us at communications@economicprogressri.org and you might see it featured next!

More from yesterday’s hearing on HB 7236. Equity Impact Statements help ensure policy decisions are informed by data, accountability, and equity from the start.

@commoncauseri.bsky.social

The RI General Assembly heard testimony on HB 7236, which would establish Equity Impact Statements—helping lawmakers ask before passing laws or budgets:
Will this increase equity—or deepen disparities?

@davidmoralespvd.bsky.social @kidscount.bsky.social @riaclu.bsky.social

More than 70 participants joined Equity Under Fire virtually!

Thank you to our speakers Amy Romero, @hperezaponte.bsky.social, @weayonnoh.bsky.social, Rose Albert, @davidmoralespvd.bsky.social, and Sen. @mackdistrict6.bsky.social—and to all participants whose engagement shaped the discussion.

Update: Event Now Virtual Due to Weather

Equity Under Fire: Legal Truths & Collective Action in RI
🗓 Tue, Jan. 27 | ⏰ 11–12:30
📍 Zoom

Due to severe weather, this event will now be held virtually.

No recording or notetaking apps permitted.

@weayonnoh.bsky.social joins Lively to discuss Gov. McKee’s proposed budget, the millionaire’s tax, and what it means for Rhode Island families.

📺 Sunday at noon on Ocean State Media
🔗 Watch the full show: www.pbs.org/video/lively...

Have a 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 you’d love to share with us?
Email us at communications@economicprogressri.org and you might see it featured next!

Join us for the Revenue for Rhode Islanders Coalition Kickoff!

Learn about a proposal championed by Rep. Karen Alzate and Sen. Melissa Murray to tax the top 1% and raise $200+ million each year for critical investments across Rhode Island.
 
When everyone pays their fair share, Rhode Island wins.

“A fourth tax bracket on incomes above $1 million is a good start toward tax fairness—but setting the cutoff at the top 1% would raise more revenue and better serve Rhode Islanders.”

Read more on our website: bit.ly/3Zdh0qy

Equity isn’t optional.
Civil rights aren’t negotiable.

Join us Jan 27 for Equity Under Fire — a community forum on legal truths and collective action in Rhode Island.

🕚 11–12:30 | 📍 United Way of RI
If you haven’t registered yet, use this link to register: bit.ly/4jGyjd3

A new Rhode Island child tax credit of $325 per child in the budget!!! Thank you @govdanmckee.bsky.social

The peoples’ lobbyists are back for the 2026 legislative session… so who’s your fighter?

U.S. @reed.senate.gov and @whitehouse.senate.gov
are urging the United States Senate to vote to extend ACA tax credits that help more than 40,000 Rhode Islanders afford coverage.

The House passed it. Now the Senate must pass it too.

Thank you for organizing and it was just amazing 👏

Thank you for sharing!

Thanks for amplifying this.

100%!!

Advocates, riders, and community leaders gathered at the State House to release the 2025 Service Cuts Impact Report, screen Bus Cuts, and announce the 2026 legislative package to save RIPTA.

Transit justice is economic justice. Rhode Island must invest in public transportation.

Faith leaders, advocates, and elected officials gathered for the 18th Fighting Poverty with Faith Vigil calling for compassion, justice, and action to end poverty in Rhode Island.