Resources
Economic Progress Institute
E-newsletter | November 2012
We all want
to live in a state where residents have the opportunity to achieve economic
security. Two reports released today provide important information about the
economic struggles facing many families, and the growth in income inequality in
our state. These issues should concern all Rhode Islanders who believe that the
benefits of hard work should be shared by everyone, and that all Rhode
Islanders should be able to meet their basic needs.
What does it costs to live in the
Ocean State?
Our 2012
Rhode Island Standard of Need finds that many families with children and single
adults do not earn enough to meet their basic needs without government work
supports like SNAP benefits, tax credits, RIte Care health insurance and child
care assistance.
Read our press release and the full report to learn more about what it takes to
make ends meet and the economic challenges faced by low-wage working families,
minimum wage earners, and Rhode Islanders who need to rely on cash
assistance. Also be sure to check out
today's Providence Journal story about the report.
Income Inequality Growing in Rhode
Island
A new national report documents how the gap
between the rich and the poor (and the middle class) has grown more in Rhode Island
than most states between the late 1970s and mid-2000s. Read our press release and the full report to learn more about this disturbing
trend and what policymakers should do in the coming legislative session to
narrow the gap. Also be sure to read
today's Providence Journal story about the report.
Contact Us:
600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue
Building #9
Providence, RI 02908
Telephone: (401) 456-8512
Fax: (401) 456-9550
Diabetes
Did you know that more than 8
percent of Americans have diabetes? November is Diabetes Awareness Month,
making it a good opportunity to learn about this increasingly prevalent
disease.
Risk
Factors - Family history, blood pressure, weight, and activity level
are a few of the factors that can affect your chances of developing diabetes.
Prevention
- The onset of Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be prevented or delayed through
moderate weight loss and exercise.
FREE
Toolkit for Managing Diabetes - Get practical advice about medications,
insulin, and glucose meters to help you manage your diabetes.
Statistics
- Get some basic facts, including the number of Americans with diabetes; the
prevalence of Type 1 versus Type 2 diabetes; deaths linked to diabetes; and
more.
Heating Assistance
If you can't afford to pay your winter
heating bill, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help with:
• Home
energy bills
• Energy
crisis
• Weatherization
and energy-related home repairs
Assistance is available to low-income
families who spend a large portion of income on home heating and cooling.
Contact your state or Indian tribe or tribal organization agency for eligibility requirements and to apply. For help
applying, you can also call 1.866.NRG.NEAR (674.6327).
