RIPEC In The News
RIPEC President and CEO on Higher Education Funding
Responding to the news that the University of Rhode Island, which has long been underfunded, now enrolls more out-of-state students than in-state students, RIPEC President
RIPEC President and CEO on Political Roundtable
Michael DiBiase appeared on The Public Radio’s Political Roundtable to discuss education and tax reform, the projected budget surplus, and more. “I was gratified to
RIPEC President and CEO Op-Ed on K-12 Education
In a Boston Globe Op-Ed, RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase urged “leadership to step up at every level” to fix Rhode Island’s K-12 school
“RI Falls to Bottom Ten States in Business Tax Climate Index” in the News
Boston Globe, “R.I. falls to bottom 10 for business tax competitiveness” Go Local Prov, “Double Trouble Economic News in RI – Slowing Economy and Less
RIPEC President and CEO Comments on Local ARPA Spending
Responding to the plans of some local governments to use some of their collective $537 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to subsidize nonprofits
RIPEC Research Manager on K-12 Reform
In articles focused on the school systems of Pawtucket and Central Falls as well as North Providence, RIPEC Research Manager Justine Oliva told The Valley
“Municipal Services: How Cities and Towns Spend Their Money” In The News
Go Local Prov, “RI Communities Spend ‘Much More’ Than Other Parts of the Country on Police and Fire” Providence Business News, “RIPEC: Local governments underinvesting
RIPEC is Hiring!
Job Announcement: Public Policy Analyst We are seeking an individual with strong research, writing, and communication skills who is committed to using critical analysis to
KPI Briefing for Q3 2022 In The News
The Boston Globe, “R.I. seeing ‘historically low unemployment’ but not growing jobs, RIPEC report finds” Providence Business News, “Report: R.I. economy shows improvement amid slower
RIPEC’s 2022 Annual Meeting
On October 24, 2022, RIPEC hosted its Annual Meeting for the first time in person since 2019. At the Meeting, RIPEC welcomed business, government, and
“Improving Rhode Island’s K-12 Schools” In The News
WPRI 12, “Report: Rhode Island’s K-12 education system is in crisis” The Boston Globe, “Rhode Map: How to fix Rhode Island’s education crisis, according to
RIPEC President and CEO Comments on Projected Surplus
Commenting on new estimates from fiscal year (FY) 2022 showing that state general revenues in Rhode Island continue to exceed estimates, RIPEC President and CEO Michael
RIPEC President and CEO “In the Arena”
Michael DiBiase joined Joe Paolino “In the Arena” to discuss the enacted state budget, Rhode Island’s labor market, and proposals for addressing Providence’s large unfunded
RIPEC President and CEO on Comments on ESSER Funds
Responding to a WPRI-12 analysis showing that many of the state’s largest school districts have not begun spending their allocations of the $333.1 million in
Q2 2022 KPI Briefing in the News
“RIPEC, Bryant report: R.I. economy shows improvement in Q2” Providence Business News “Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for July 29, 2022” The Public’s Radio
RIPEC Research Manager Remarks on May Jobs Report
RIPEC Manager of Research Justine Oliva told The Boston Globe that May economic data for Rhode Island gives a mixed perspective on the state’s recovery
RIPEC Comments on Property Revaluation Delays
RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase spoke with WJAR 10 about proposed delays in municipal property revaluations, which make property tax systems less equitable by
Michael DiBiase on Rhode Island’s FY 2023 Budget as Enacted
Commenting on the recently enacted $13.6 billion state tax and spending plan for fiscal year (FY) 2023 to the Providence Journal, RIPEC President and CEO
RIPEC President and CEO on WPRI 12’s Newsmakers
RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase appeared on WRPI 12’s Newsmakers to discuss the ongoing efforts of Rhode Island municipalities and school districts to effectively
Boston Globe Op-Ed on ARPA and Surplus Spending
RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase argued in an op-ed published in The Boston Globe that Rhode Island policymakers should use a portion of the windfall
RIPEC President and CEO Comments on Municipal ARPA Spending Plans
Municipalities are grappling with spending federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as they craft budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. Michael DiBiase spoke with
RIPEC Gubernatorial Forum
RIPEC hosted a gubernatorial candidate forum on May 5, 2022, moderated by WPRI Investigative Reporter Steph Machado. The forum featured candidates Matt Brown, Helena Buonanno
“Rhode Island’s Funding Formula After Ten Years” In the News
“Report says Rhode Island public schools ‘approaching state of crisis’” WJAR 10 “Report: Poor districts hurt by RI K-12 funding formula” WPRI 12 “Report: RIPEC
“The Governor’s FY 2023 Budget and the State’s Fiscal Outlook” In the News
“RIPEC report warns of increasing general revenue spending trend” Providence Business News “Eleanor Slater cost per patient balloons to $760k per year, report finds” WPRI
RIPEC President and CEO Comments on Providence Pension Obligation Bond Proposal
RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase testified before the Rhode Island House Finance Committee in support of the City of Providence’s proposed $515 million pension
RIPEC Hosting Forum with Gubernatorial Candidates
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council announced that it is hosting a gubernatorial forum on May 5th, 2022, with candidates (so far…)
RIPEC & Bryant Q4 KPI Briefing In The News
“Study: RI economy recovers from pandemic but slower than nation’s economy“ The Providence Journal “RIPEC, Bryant University release economic outlook for fourth quarter” ABC 6
RIPEC Property Tax Report In the News
“New report says R.I.’s property tax system is ‘out of balance,’ hindering affordable housing construction, economic development“ The Boston Globe “RIPEC: Municipal property tax system
RIPEC President and CEO Comments on Governor’s FY 2023 Budget Proposal
RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase commented to the Providence Business News that Governor Daniel J. McKee’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposal is relatively conservative
RIPEC Policy Brief on Business Tax Climate In The News
“RI Drops in Business Ranking – Now Ranked 40th“ GoLocalProv “RIPEC: R.I. backslid in tax rankings, but 2022 presents opportunity for reform” Providence Business News
Key Performance Indicators Quarterly Briefing for Q3 2021 In the News
“RIPEC, Bryant report shows improved state economic outlook in Q3“ Providence Business News “RI economy makes Q3 gains, but still 26K jobs below pre-pandemic levels“
Rhode Island Foundation Report Release
“RI Foundation panel sees housing, mental health, training as best uses of $1.1 billion federal windfall“ WPRI 12 “Housing is top priority in new recommendations
RIPEC & the RI Foundation’s Make It Happen Initiative
“The Rhode Island Foundation, RIPEC and the Economic Progress Institute plan to submit a handful of ideas to top lawmakers and the governor by the
RIPEC President and CEO To Serve on Providence Financial Working Group
Working group to make recommendations on Providence’s underfunded pension WPRI 12 Elorza’s working group frames Providence pension crisis as statewide issue The Public’s Radio Elorza
RIPEC President and CEO Comments on Providence Pension Obligation Bond Proposal
In response to a plan from the City of Providence to borrow up to $850 million in pension obligation bonds, Michael DiBiase submitted written testimony
An Analysis of Charter Public Schools in Rhode Island In the News
“RIPEC recommends expanding charters, opposes moratorium“ WPRI “Public policy group recommends that charter expansion continues but says local school districts need more aid“ Providence Journal
RIPEC Joins Business Community to Oppose Higher Earner Income Tax, PPP Loan Tax
“R.I. business community mobilizing against added income tax bracket, PPP tax“ Providence Business News “Coalition argues this isn’t time for new taxes“ Warwick Beacon “Business
Current Economic Indicator Briefing for Q1 2021 In the News
“R.I.’s economy grew in first quarter, but not as much as other New England states” Boston Globe “Report: RI economy recovering but trailing region, country”
RIPEC President & CEO Charter School Op-Ed
“Charter moratorium wrong for K-12 Education“ Providence Journal “RI must commit to improved student outcomes“ Warwick Beacon
RIPEC Report “An Introduction to Municipal Finance,” In the News
“RIPEC floats an interesting idea for improving school funding” Boston Globe “Report: ‘Property wealth’ gaps among R.I. municipalities causing education disparities“ Providence Business News
RIPEC Supports the RI Foundation’s Make It Happen Initiative
“How should RI spend $1 billion federal windfall? RI Foundation seeks to generate ideas” WPRI “R.I. Foundation launches initiative to develop recommendations for state on
RIPEC President and CEO Comments on American Rescue Plan Aid
In appearances on The Public’s Radio’s Political Round Table and WPRI’s Newsmakers, , RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase suggested that state policymakers use new
RIPEC Report “How Rhode Island Compares,” In the News
“Report: R.I. lags in higher education spending but overspends on K-12″ Boston Globe “RIPEC: R.I. comparatively underspends on higher education, but overspends on K-12“ Providence
RIPEC President and CEO Comments on how RI’s $500 million budget deficit could disappear if Biden plan passes
“Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, indicated Tuesday night he thinks his group’s $500 million deficit estimate from last month is
RIPEC President and CEO Weighs in on RhodeWorks’ Five-year Anniversary as Part of a WPRI Report on Truck Tolls
President and CEO Mike DeBiase noted that unlike many other states, Rhode Island has no general revenue appropriation for transportation, and has struggled to find
RIPEC and Center for Global and Regional Economic Studies “Current Economic Indicator Briefing,” In the News
“Report: RI economy fell further behind New England, US at the end of 2020“ Providence Journal “Report: R.I. GDP declines at 2% annual rate in
RIPEC President & CEO Speaks to Providence Journal About December Unemployment Figures
“Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, called the December DLT report “troubling” and said the continuing downturn has implications
RIPEC Report “R.I. FY 2021 Enacted Budget and the Fiscal Challenges Ahead,” In the News
“Rhode Island faces $513 million budget shortfall” Boston Globe “RIPEC advises ‘more urgency’ in addressing state FY22 budget deficit” Providence Business News “RI Potentially Facing
Newsweek cites RIPEC report in article ranking state investment in education
Rhode Island ranked 11th in a Newsweek ranking of education spending by state that reference’s RIPEC’s report on school reopening. Read the full article here.
Current Economic Indicator Briefing, In the News
‘RI economy sprang back this summer, but lags region, nation’ Providence Journal ‘Report: Despite job gains, R.I. economic activity ‘severely constrained’ in Q3‘ Providence Business
RIPEC’s Policy Brief on Business Tax Climate Index, In the News
‘RIPEC suggests steps to boost R.I. business tax climate’ Providence Business News ‘Group says better tax rankings are reason not to tax rich’ Providence Journal
RIPEC Welcomes Four New Directors to its Board
RIPEC welcomed four new Directors to its Board last week: Junior Jabbie, President & CEO of Banneker Supply Chain Solutions; Wade Knudson, Deputy Vice President,
RIPEC President and CEO Discusses Coronavirus Relief Fund Spending in Rhode Island with Providence Business News
Michael DiBiase commented on a Providence Business News article about Rhode Island’s $1.25 billion federal Coronavirus Relief Fund allocation, and the $900 million that remains
President and CEO Michael DiBiase Discusses “Green” Bond with the Boston Globe
In response to a question about the governor’s proposed $69 million “green” bond, RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase told the Boston Globe that green
RIPEC’s Latest Report “Elementary and Secondary Education in the Pandemic,” In the News
RIPEC’s report on school reopenings raises concerns about increased inequity across Rhode Island’s public K-12 system. The report analyzes key aspects of the education experience
Municipal Resilience Task Force Convenes for the First Time
Amid backlash from municipal leaders towards the news that the administration plans to cut state aid to distressed communities by half, the governor’s Municipal Resilience
RIPEC and Bryant University’s Center for Global and Regional Economic Studies’ CEI Cited by The Bond Buyer
In an article on the Rhode Island state budget and proposed bond initiatives, The Bond Buyer cited RIPEC and Bryant University’s Center for Global and
President and CEO Michael DiBiase on the Governor’s Interest in Merging the State’s Turnpike and Bridge Authority, Department of Transportation, and Public Transit Authority
Michael DiBiase told The Public’s Radio that the governor’s interest in merging the state’s Turnpike and Bridge Authority, Department of Transportation, and Public Transit Authority
RIPEC’s President and CEO Announced as Part of Governor Raimondo’s Municipal Resilience Task Force
RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase was appointed by Governor Gina Raimondo to an eight-member Municipal Resilience Task Force, charged with developing recommendations to “build
RIPEC’s President and CEO Responds to Proposal to Increase Rhode Island’s Rainy Day Fund
Responding to a proposal from House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello to ask voters to change the state constitution to increase Rhode Island’s rainy day fund from
RIPEC Jointly Hosts Interactive Webinar with Bryant’s Hassenfeld Institute
In a Providence Journal interview and the “Reinvesting in Rhode Island after COVID” interactive webinar jointly convened by RIPEC and Bryant University’s Hassenfeld Institute, Michael
RIPEC’s President and CEO Michael DiBiase on WPRI’s Newsmakers
Pointing out that the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund is “one time money,” RIPEC President and CEO Michael DiBiase said that Rhode Island needs to get
Current Economic Indicator Briefing; In the News
The Current Economic Indicator Briefing, jointly released by RIPEC and the Center for Global and Regional Economic Studies at Bryant University, estimated that the historic
RIPEC’s President and CEO Pens Op Ed in Providence Business News
In a Providence Business News op ed entitled “Pandemic offers R.I. leaders a chance to reassess priorities,” RIPEC’s President and CEO Michael DiBiase argued that
The Center for Global and Regional Economic Studies at Bryant University and RIPEC’s CEI, In the News
April jobs numbers for Rhode Island show a sharp decline, but the impact of the pandemic is uneven among Ocean State industries, according to the
RIPEC’s report “The Impacts of the COVID-19 Crisis on Rhode Island’s Unemployment and Temporary Disability Insurance Programs,” In the News
“The Impacts of the COVID-19 Crisis on Rhode Island’s Unemployment and Temporary Disability Insurance Programs,” analyzes the fiscal stability of the state’s unemployment and temporary
RIPEC’s President and CEO Michael DiBiase Speaks in Panel “Covid-19 and Public Finances in Rhode Island.”
RIPEC’s President and CEO Michael DiBiase laid out the budgetary challenges facing state policymakers and offered words of advice in “Covid-19 and Public Finances in
RIPEC’s Report “The COVID-19 Economic Crisis: Federal Assistance and Rhode Island’s Budget,” In the News
RIPEC’s newest report “The COVID-19 Economic Crisis: Federal Assistance and Rhode Island’s Budget,” analyzes the federal funding provided to Rhode Island under recent legislation. “The