RIPEC is hiring a Public Policy Analyst! Join our small but mighty team and dive into meaningful public policy research. Application details are below. ripec.org/wp-content/u...

Snapshots from our annual meeting last Monday. Thank you to everyone who joined! 📸 vimeo.com/1135370756?f...

For 90+ years, RIPEC has been Rhode Island’s independent voice for responsible, data-driven government. Watch our new video on how we’re guiding policy & navigating change for a stronger state. vimeo.com/1133561342?f...

We’re just five days away from RIPEC’s Annual Meeting! Join us on Monday, November 3, to celebrate another year of advancing fiscally responsible government and expanding economic opportunity. There’s still time to register! Find tickets here: www.eventcreate.com/e/ripec-tick...

ICYMI: How does Rhode Island measure up? Our new report finds the Ocean State is among the top 10 nationwide for state & local spending in several categories, including government administration (5th). Explore the findings & our interactive 50-state map: ripec.org/2025-how-ri-...

We released How Rhode Island Compares yesterday—a look at how RI's revenues and expenditures measure up to other states in the region and across the U.S. Where RI stands across key categories ⬇️ Explore the full report and interactive 50-state map: ripec.org/2025-how-ri-...

The Ocean State spent the 14th most per capita on its correctional facilities and operations of any state nationwide in fiscal 2023, despite having the 3rd lowest number of incarcerated people, per new @ripec1.bsky.social analysis rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/10/20/h...

R.I. tops nation in government administration spending, @ripec1.bsky.social report finds -- Rhode Map by @danmcgowan.bsky.social www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/20/m...

Coming up this Wednesday, 10/22: RIPEC's Michael DiBiase will join Neighbors Welcome! for a panel discussion featuring Marc J. Dunkelman and other voices from government, design, and policy to exchange ideas about restoring public trust and collective capacity.

Our new report, How Rhode Island Compares, reveals how our state and local government revenues and expenditures stack up against the US and New England. Explore the full findings and check out our interactive 50-state rankings map: ripec.org/2025-how-ri-...

Join us Monday, Nov. 3 at our annual meeting for an insightful conversation on the local and regional economy, moderated by @nancyklavin.bsky.social : eventcreate.com/e/ripec-tick...

#1: "The General Assembly...recently approved a $14.3 billion budget...In August, RIPEC called out how...general revenue spending climbed by almost 11 percent since fiscal year 2024, about five points higher than...revenue. 'Rhode Island continues to have a spending problem'...Michael DiBiase said."

RIPEC is proud to announce this year’s public service awardees. We are looking forward to honoring Maureen and Ron at our annual meeting. Join us: www.eventcreate.com/e/ripec-tick...

What to make of the economy? "It's not going badly, but we're kind of running in place a bit right now," DiBiase said. "It's slowing down after a period of really significant growth." www.providencejournal.com/story/news/l...

Catch up on our September newsletter ⬇️ featuring highlights on the FY26 enacted budget, new taxes and fees, chronic absenteeism in K–12, and more — including how to submit a nomination for the 49th Annual Public Service Award. Deadline: September 15! ripec.org/newsletter/s...

Over the past two years, RI’s state budget has grown nearly 2x the rate of inflation – an 11% increase in spending. Michael DiBiase discussed why that isn’t sustainable and where RI’s tax dollars are going with @tednesi.bsky.social on this week's @wpri12.bsky.social Newsmakers. bit.ly/47vbntp

RIPEC’s new report breaks down how RI is using one-time surplus funds (4% of general revenues) and new taxes & fees to cover rising costs in the FY26 budget. It also explores how program evaluation tools can guide the state’s response. Find it here: ripec.org/2025-fy2026-...

[email protected] coverage of our new report on RI's FY26 budget ⬇️ Find the full report and executive summary here: ripec.org/2025-fy2026-...

“The tax burden has been going up, and people are paying for these things," Michael DiBiase said. "It’s time to reflect on what we are getting for that money.” Learn more about how the state is spending money via @nancyklavin.bsky.social

“We’ve gone through a period of extraordinary growth in spending," MichaelPDiBiase told @wpri12.bsky.social. “And we’re continuing that spending growth, despite the fact that revenues have cooled off and we have uncertainty at the federal level.”

Submit a nomination for our 49th Annual Public Service Awards by September 15 and help us honor the dedication, integrity, and impact of Rhode Island’s public service standouts. Details here: ripec.org/wp-content/u...

#1: Our Q2 KPI Briefing with Bryant University shows shows unemployment in RI continued to tick up as labor force particiaption fell. "Michael DiBiase said the news itsn't all bad ... [but the] broader trend ... suggests that we are entering a period of increased uncertainty."

Diverging employment trends in RI’s Q2 2025 economy: non-farm employment remains near historic highs, but employed residents fell quarter-over-quarter & year-over-year. More in our Q2 KPI Briefing w/ Bryant University: ripec.org/wp-content/u...

For six consecutive quarters now, unemployment in Rhode Island has remained higher than the New England and national rates, reports @chrisgavin.bsky.social.

The Q2 KPI Briefing from RIPEC and Bryant University shows mixed signals & growing concerns for RI’s economy: Unemployment ↑ or flat for 8th quarter Labor force participation ↓ for 4th quarter Employed RIers ↓ 3.3K but RI-based jobs flat Sales tax receipts ↑ Read more: ripec.org/2025-q1-kpi-...

Check out our June newsletter for the latest on RI’s FY26 enacted budget, trends in local K-12 education aid, major housing governance reforms, and more ripec.org/newsletter/j...

"The governor has a point," @ripec1.bsky.social CEO Michael DiBiase tells me He notes RI spending has gone up roughly 11% over the last two years, or 2x inflation "There's not a lot of austerity in this budget, despite the fact that state revenues are slowing down"

RIPEC President & CEO Michael DiBiase testified in opposition to a 50% tax hike on RI's top income tax rate last night in Senate Finance. The bill would "negatively affect RI's competitive position, which is already weak, and hurt our ability to attract and retain business activity and investments."

RIPEC's Housing Forum brought together public & private leaders to address RI’s housing challenges. From zoning reform to streamlining development, the focus was on real market- & government-driven solutions to drive needed housing production.

Today, Senate Housing & Municipal Government Committee Chairman Jacob Bissaillon (@jakebissaillon.bsky.social) took part in the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council's (@ripec1.bsky.social) 2025 Housing Forum. Watch here: capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/11339?s...

RIPEC finds RI’s Housing Resources Commission (HRC) in need of major reform. Overlapping roles, conflicts of interest, and unclear leadership hurt housing progress. Read the policy brief here: ripec.org/2025-housing...

RIPEC testified yesterday in strong support of Governor's Budget Amendment #12 to address major issues in housing governance. RI's current structure is ill-suited to address our critical housing affordability challenges. Written testimony ↓

RIPEC's latest policy brief analyzes a proposal to raise RI’s top income tax rate to 8.99%. We found the 50% hike would harm RI's tax competitiveness, threaten business growth, and drive away top earners—jeopardizing long-term revenue and development. bit.ly/4jKXWIZ

Our new analysis of a proposed income tax hike on top earners, Providence’s unbalanced property tax system, our upcoming Housing Forum, and more in our May Newsletter. Sign up to our mailing list to get future editions in your inbox. ripec.org/newsletter/m...

Raising RI’s income tax rate would risk negative long-term consequences for our local economy. Our new analysis finds that RI already has a progressive income tax and ranks poorly for its business and tax climate. The full analysis here: ripec.org/2025-taxing-...

We saw some cautionary signs last quarter, but the Q1 data provide stronger evidence of a weakening economy" - RIPEC President & CEO Michael DiBiase RIPEC's Q1 2025 KPI Brief with Bryant University signals growing concern for RI's economy: ripec.org/2025-q1-kpi-...

Save the Date for May 28! Join us for this half-day forum, convening private and public sector leaders exchanging ideas and exploring solutions that support increased housing development in the Ocean State.

Providence has an opportunity to write a new playbook that fosters economic growth and housing affordability, while also better protecting residents who need tax relief. Learn why RIPEC is calling for more balance in PVD property taxes. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/08/m...

RIPEC's April newsletter is here! Featuring RI policy news and insights, including our new report on state and local tax shifts, prior reports on education and housing, legislative advocacy, and more.

We're now on Bluesky! Looking forward to sharing research and insights, and fostering meaningful discussions on public policy and fiscal responsibility in the Ocean State.