The Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity released a report on Thursday, criticizing the state’s policies for undermining the well-being of working-class families. Titled “The Government’s Assault On Ocean State Families,” the report presents a detailed argument that state policies have hindered residents’ ability to achieve the American Dream.

“Rhode Island families are disillusioned with state and local government, which continually hands out special favors to special interests, while working families and small businesses are forced to bear the burden,” said Mike Stenhouse, the Center’s CEO. “As most Rhode Islanders understand, this all-of-government corruption threatens the current and future security and prosperity of our families and young people. It’s time to restore policies that support traditional family needs, love of country, and trust in God.”

The report describes a series of tidal waves of policy decisions that it says have weakened family security and financial stability. The cover image features a Rhode Island family on the verge of being engulfed by a giant wave. The full report is available online at RIFreedom.org/Families.

Key areas of concern outlined in the report include the economic strain of rising inflation and high taxes, political influence in education leading to declining student performance, and the cultural impact of what the Center describes as “radical theories” disrupting societal norms. The report also points to growing intolerance toward religious groups, particularly Christians and Jews, an increase in mental health challenges among young people, and risks to public safety due to crime and drugs.

The Center argues that the state government’s priorities are skewed in favor of insider cronies and special interests at the expense of the broader public. It calls for state residents to support a November ballot measure that would initiate a Constitutional Convention, which the group refers to as a “People’s Convention” or a potential “4th Branch of Government.”

Stenhouse urged Rhode Islanders to rally behind the report’s findings and push for significant reforms.

The report, which the Center plans to update regularly, serves as a compilation of the organization’s research and policy recommendations since its founding in 2011.

The nonpartisan Center is Rhode Island’s premiere pro-family, pro-growth research and advocacy organization. The nonprofit Center is funded entirely by private tax-deductible donations. The mission of the 501-C-3 organization is to return government to the people by opposing special-interest politics and advancing proven market-based solutions that can transform lives by restoring economic competitiveness, increasing educational opportunities, and protecting individual freedoms.