By in Rhode Island’s Future
We already knew Rhode Island has the highest poverty rate in New
England. It turns out, according
to a new analysis from the Economic Progress Institute,
Rhode Island also has among the least generous public assistance benefits for those
in poverty.
EPI looked at six public assistance
functions and the Ocean State finished near the bottom in most and below the
regional average in all – including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Medicaid
eligibility, child care assistance and welfare benefits.
Rhode Island has the lowest income eligibility requirement for childcare assistance in New England, and is well below the regional average.
And
the Ocean State has the second lowest income eligibility requirement for enrolling
children in Medicaid.
With
a 10 percent Earned Income Tax Credit, Rhode Island is near the middle of the
pack but below the regional average.
Rhode
Island has the second lowest monthly welfare benefits in the region.
Bob Plain is the editor/publisher of
Rhode Island's Future. Previously, he's worked as a reporter for several
different news organizations both in Rhode Island and across the country.