The state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes three expansions to the RI Works program that mark a major milestone in our state’s commitment to supporting vulnerable families. The budget includes an increase to the earned income disregard, allowing families to keep more of their income from wages without losing benefits. This supports working parents and provides a crucial incentive for them to pursue job opportunities and improve their financial situation while still receiving essential support. The budget also includes the repeal of full family sanctions, a punitive measure that has been proven to disproportionately harm children and push already struggling families deeper into poverty. A key highlight of this budget is the 20 percent increase to the monthly cash assistance payments, bringing the maximum monthly benefit for a family of three to $865 per month.

In 2021, the General Assembly passed the first increase in the cash benefit in 30 years, bringing the maximum monthly benefit for a family of three to $721 per month. This improved the economic well-being of more than 5,000 children. However, rampant inflation has since diminished the value of these benefits. This decrease in value has left too many children in deep poverty.

The FY25 budget’s 20 percent increase to monthly cash assistance payments effectively restores the benefit amount to 2021 levels.

The Raising RI Coalition will be advocating next year to protect this investment from inflation by indexing the benefit amount to at least 50 percent of the federal poverty level. This would help bridge the gap between deep poverty and a standard of living that allows families to meet their basic needs, and it would not cost the state any money thanks to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families federal block grant. This would give children a fair chance at a better future, and allow parents to pursue employment and educational opportunities without the constant, draining fear of financial insecurity.

The Raising RI Coalition commends the House and Senate finance committees, whose actions ensured that the improvements to the RI Works program were included in the FY25 budget. This work could not have been done without the unwavering dedication and hard work of state Senator Melissa Murray and state Representative Arthur Handy, lawmakers championing the RI Works program. The coalition is also thankful to both chambers and their leadership for recognizing the importance of these vital expansions, and for their continued support.

As we celebrate the progress made in the FY25 budget, let us also look ahead with determination. These improvements will make a substantial difference in the lives of our most vulnerable children by helping them achieve greater stability and security. As we move forward, it is imperative for all stakeholders — community members, advocacy groups, and policymakers — to rally behind protecting Rhode Island families and children from deep poverty and the effects of inflation. By doing so, we can ensure that Rhode Island not only protects its most vulnerable residents but also sets a precedent for compassionate and effective social policies. With collective effort, we can create a more equitable and supportive Rhode Island for all.

Paige Clausius-Parks is executive director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, and Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies is executive director of the Economic Progress Institute.