5Q: Douglas J. Hall

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1 What were the findings in the report “State of Working Rhode Island: Workers of Color”?

This report gives an overview of the Rhode Island economy, showing how the Great Recession (and recovery) impacted Rhode Island’s working men and women. Workers of color have borne a larger share of the economic burden. Latino workers in Rhode Island experienced the highest levels of Latino unemployment in the country, outpacing white unemployment rates in Rhode Island by a margin of more than 2-1. Black workers experienced unemployment rates nearly double white unemployment.

2 What was the impetus behind creating the report?

We have produced several “State of Working Rhode Island” reports in the past. The disparities facing workers of color in Rhode Island are so glaring that we had to make that the unifying focus of this year’s report.

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3 What are some leading causes of economic disparity among racial and ethnic minorities?

We all know that “the more you learn, the more you earn.” Children of color are disproportionately living in low-income families. By the time many children of color start school, they have already fallen behind. We can help close that gap through quality child care and preschool efforts.

4 What has Rhode Island done to close these gaps since the Great Recession and how has it compared with other states?

The state earned income tax credit was made fully refundable and increased to 12.5 percent, putting more money in the pockets of low-wage workers. The child care assistance program was modestly expanded. Yet neighboring states provide higher EITCs and higher eligibility for child care assistance.

5 What recommendations will the EPI give to state lawmakers?

We need to do more to close persistent gaps in how workers of color experience the economy. Because workers of color have lower rates of both high school and college completion, we need to strengthen supports to close those gaps. We also need to keep our safety net strong. We recommend: increasing Rhode Island’s EITC to at least 20 percent of the federal credit; increasing the minimum and tipped minimum wages; ending the wait list for adult education services; and expanding eligibility for the child care assistance program. •

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