Raising a family in Rhode Island is expensive. Many households do not earn enough to meet their needs. Government funded work support programs and child care assistance program help close the gap between income and expenses for low wage families. This report finds that increasing the minimum wage does more to close the gap than cash ssistance programs.

This report finds that minority workers in RI are less likely to get paid sick time. Occupations that require frequent contact tend to lack paid sick days and are often low paid. Paid sick time is rare for part time workers and low-paid workers. Paid sick time can make a stronger, safer work environments, support children and families and reduce health care costs.

This reports investigated the RI Works Program a cash assistance program which attempts to provide a path to employment. This report focuses on how it impacts single versus two parent families.

Rhode Island changed policies to help ensure that single mothers with low incomes are able to raise their children. Most single parent families are lead by women and half of them are living in poverty. This report finds that policy which help include support programs which give them cash support and work programs focused on training. Governments should provide childcare assistance, boosts the income of single mothers and provides affordable health care for them.

Latinos play a important role in the state's workforce and economic growth as the infographic shows. The population of Latinos will increase while the challenges facing Latino's will increase too.

The unemployment rates for African American and Latino workers were dramatically higher and their wages have remained flat over the years. Education attainment can be one way to boost employment and wage for minority groups.

Economic inequality remains a reality in MA. To balance the situation, improving working conditions, raising wages are needed.

Economic inequality remains a reality in MA. To balance the situation, improving working conditions, raising wages are needed.

Raising the minimum wage will improve the economic well-being of Rhode islanders and strengthen the state's economy. The current minimum wage cannot meet workers' basic needs. The key findings from Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D. C. has showed multiple advantages of improving minimum wage.

Coverage for childcare assistance and health care is low in Rhode Island. Low-wage families need support from the government to close this gap.