Increase the RI Works Benefit. Support S-226 and H-5683
RI Works is the state’s cash assistance program for children and their parents or caregivers and a work preparation program for the adults. In 2021, there are 2,500 families receiving benefits including 6,000 people. Just over ¾ of RI Works recipients are children and 43% are under the age of 6. Families receiving RI Works live in every city and town in RI except on Block Island.
The Rhode Island Works benefit has not been increased in 30 years, while all other New England states have adjusted their benefit to help families’ purchasing power keep up with inflation. Rhode Island's benefit is the lowest in the region, $554 for a family of 3. Massachusetts increased the benefit last year. New Hampshire and Maine adjust the benefit annually.
Rhode Island’s elected officials are considering bills that would improve the health and well-being families receiving RI Works. The bills, [S-226 (Murray) and H-5683 (Handy)] would increase the RI Works benefit to 50% of the federal poverty level ($915 for a family of 3), provide a one-time clothing allowance for children, allow parents to attend community college for 2 years and ease the transition to work.
It is time to make changes to the program to support both the short-term economic security of families receiving benefits and to break the cycle of poverty by providing parents with opportunities for well-paying, secure jobs.
It is important for your lawmakers to know that they should make raising the RI works benefit a priority. Let them know that you support passing S-226 and H-5683.
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Providence, RI