Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC)
@ripec1.bsky.social
RIPEC is a nonpartisan and nonprofit public policy research organization in Rhode Island
Just released: RIPEC’s brief on the Governor’s FY 2027 budget finds relatively restrained spending growth after recent surges, while relying on a proposed tax increase on high-earning individuals and businesses. Read the analysis: ripec.org/fy2027_budge...
January 29, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Just released: RIPEC’s brief on the Governor’s FY 2027 budget finds relatively restrained spending growth after recent surges, while relying on a proposed tax increase on high-earning individuals and businesses. Read the analysis: ripec.org/fy2027_budge...
New: RIPEC and Bryant have released the Q3 KPI Economic Briefing, issued later than usual due to federal data delays during the shutdown: ripec.org/2025-q3-kpi-...
The data show easing unemployment and modest gains in resident employment—signs of stability amid slower growth.
The data show easing unemployment and modest gains in resident employment—signs of stability amid slower growth.
December 18, 2025 at 3:18 PM
New: RIPEC and Bryant have released the Q3 KPI Economic Briefing, issued later than usual due to federal data delays during the shutdown: ripec.org/2025-q3-kpi-...
The data show easing unemployment and modest gains in resident employment—signs of stability amid slower growth.
The data show easing unemployment and modest gains in resident employment—signs of stability amid slower growth.
What to know about RI’s budget outlook:
💰 FY26 surplus of about $38M
⬇️But the state still faces a substantial deficit for FY27
Learn more in our latest briefing: ripec.org/2025-nov-rec...
💰 FY26 surplus of about $38M
⬇️But the state still faces a substantial deficit for FY27
Learn more in our latest briefing: ripec.org/2025-nov-rec...
December 3, 2025 at 6:25 PM
What to know about RI’s budget outlook:
💰 FY26 surplus of about $38M
⬇️But the state still faces a substantial deficit for FY27
Learn more in our latest briefing: ripec.org/2025-nov-rec...
💰 FY26 surplus of about $38M
⬇️But the state still faces a substantial deficit for FY27
Learn more in our latest briefing: ripec.org/2025-nov-rec...
What to know about Rhode Island’s budget outlook: despite steady revenue growth and a drop in Medicaid enrollment, a structural deficit still looms. Dive into our key takeaways: ripec.org/2025-nov-rec...
December 3, 2025 at 3:57 PM
What to know about Rhode Island’s budget outlook: despite steady revenue growth and a drop in Medicaid enrollment, a structural deficit still looms. Dive into our key takeaways: ripec.org/2025-nov-rec...
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...
October 29, 2025 at 1:04 PM
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-...
Explore the findings & our interactive 50-state map: ripec.org/2025-how-ri-...
October 27, 2025 at 2:25 PM
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-...
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-...
Where RI stands across key categories ⬇️
Explore the full report and interactive 50-state map: ripec.org/2025-how-ri-...
October 21, 2025 at 2:40 PM
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-...
Where RI stands across key categories ⬇️
Explore the full report and interactive 50-state map: ripec.org/2025-how-ri-...
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-...
Explore the full findings and check out our interactive 50-state rankings map: ripec.org/2025-how-ri-...
October 20, 2025 at 3:19 PM
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-...
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...
@nancyklavin.bsky.social : eventcreate.com/e/ripec-tick...
October 14, 2025 at 4:14 PM
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...
@nancyklavin.bsky.social : eventcreate.com/e/ripec-tick...
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...
October 9, 2025 at 7:22 PM
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...
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-...
Find it here: ripec.org/2025-fy2026-...
August 22, 2025 at 1:24 PM
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-...
Find it here: ripec.org/2025-fy2026-...
“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.”
August 20, 2025 at 1:16 PM
“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...
Details here: ripec.org/wp-content/u...
August 19, 2025 at 5:13 PM
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...
Details here: ripec.org/wp-content/u...
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...
More in our Q2 KPI Briefing w/ Bryant University: ripec.org/wp-content/u...
August 7, 2025 at 3:51 PM
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...
More in our Q2 KPI Briefing w/ Bryant University: ripec.org/wp-content/u...
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-...
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-...
August 6, 2025 at 3:28 PM
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-...
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-...
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."
May 30, 2025 at 1:06 PM
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.
May 29, 2025 at 12:43 PM
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.
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...
May 19, 2025 at 1:34 PM
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 ↓
May 8, 2025 at 1:32 PM
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
May 6, 2025 at 7:52 PM
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
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-...
The full analysis here: ripec.org/2025-taxing-...
April 29, 2025 at 1:44 PM
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-...
The full analysis here: ripec.org/2025-taxing-...
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.
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.
April 18, 2025 at 1:19 PM
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.
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.