From the Latino Policy Institute:

Our Vision for 2026: A More Equitable Rhode Island

The Latino Policy Institute is a leading voice for equity, opportunity, and dignity for Rhode Island’s Latino communities. In 2026, we are mobilizing around five strategic pillars to architect an inclusive future where every family has the tools to thrive.

This year, we are advancing legislative solutions that:

Strengthen Democracy: Expanding civic engagement and representation.

Protect and Ensure Healthcare Access: Closing the gap in access, affordability, and quality of care for all.

Advance Education: Ensuring every student has a pathway to success. Protect Families: Safeguarding the rights of our immigrant neighbors.

Build Economic Opportunity: Creating a resilient economy that works for all workers.

Check out our legislative goals and priorities:

DEMOCRACY & VOTING RIGHTS Same-Day Registration -- Eliminate the 30-day deadline to allow simultaneous registration and voting.

RI Voting Rights Act -- Codify protections against voter suppression and mandate statewide language accessibility.

HEALTH EQUITY & ACCESS Pathway to Coverage -- Create a state-funded safety net for residents excluded from federal aid (H.R. 1), regardless of status.

Marketplace Affordability -- Establish a State Premium Coverage Program to offset rising costs and lost federal tax credits.

Behavioral Health -- Increase reimbursement rates for bilingual providers to expand culturally responsive mental health care.

Medicaid Defense -- Protect current eligibility and funding from federal rollbacks.

EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

Support & Access to Bilingual Education (SABE) Act -- Invests $950,000 annually to expand high-quality PK–12 dual language programs, strengthen the bilingual and world language teacher pipeline, and target support to districts with high concentrations of multilingual learners.

Rhode Island Public Schools’ Funding Formula Reform -- Modernize the state funding formula by redefining “full funding” to account for essential cost drivers, including transportation and educator pension expenses.

IMMIGRATION

364 Day Bill -- Adjust misdemeanor sentencing to prevent minor offenses from triggering mandatory deportation.

Rhode Island Works -- Remove the 5-year wait for Legal Permanent Residents and adjust cash assistance.

Safe Court Access -- Prohibit civil immigration arrests in courthouses to protect due process for victims and witnesses.

ECONOMIC EQUITY

Paid Family Leave -- Work towards expanding access and increasing wage replacement rates so essential workers can afford to care for their families while making family definitions more inclusive.

We have a long and challenging year ahead, but our incredible partners and coalitions encourage us to remain strong and hopeful.

We hope you will remain connected to LPI throughout the work ahead. Your partnership and support are essential to our mission and work.

For more information, contact info@thelatinopolicy.org.

Edited 01-16-2026 01:01 PM