Donate Now!  

*=Required Fields
  Name*
Email*
Street Address*
City*
State* Zip*
Phone*
   

Welcome to Ocean State Policy Research Institute. Our work is focused on crafting sound public policy based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, and traditional American values. We offer timely research and analysis on important issues to be shared with elected officials, the media, business leaders, community organizations and individual citizens.

What's New?

All Aboard the Transparency Train!

Transparency Train

The Transparency Train has a new depot and a few new stops!

Visit the site today to find:

RI Data - State, city, town and school district financial information
RI Votes - the General Assembly made easy
RI Donors - a searchable database of political donations
RI Schools - compare school districts using interactive graphs
Get Involved - providing information on how you can make your government more accountable

 

What else is new(s)?

October 6, 2008: Providence Journal LTE

October1, 2008: OCG Newsletter article on RI Data

October1, 2008: OCG Newsletter article on RI Votes

September 30, 2008: Industrial uses are not in official mix for Providence waterfront

September 23, 2008: PRESS RELEASE - OSPRI FILES 72 COMPLAINTS WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL

September 6, 2008: Article - WORLD Magazine - "Don't Google Me"

September 6, 2008: Response piece: Research on Social Work Practice
August 17, 2008: OPED - The RI Factor, Transparency overdue in RI
August 13, 2008: OPED - It takes a thief (lobbyist)
August 5, 2008: OPED - Immigrants should fend for themselves (or "The Great Society is Anti-Immigrant")

 

Article: Operation Clean Governement writes about OSPRI transparency project

"Rhode Island Votes gives users instant access to concise, plain language and objective descriptions of every single bill, amendment, and vote that takes place in the Rhode Island legislature. Unlike any other bill tracking
utility, Rhode Island Votes is unique because all legislative actions are described - not just those selected by a particular interest group. It is searchable by legislator, keyword, and 50 subject categories, so users can create their own custom ‘voting record guide.’"

"Additionally, you can post a public comment, view others' comments, and participate in citizen surveys on each bill. You can automatically e-mail legislators or others about a bill. You can sign up for e-mail notifications of action on any bill or subject area of interest, including new bill introductions."

Continue reading about RI Votes here...

"Getting information on your government in Rhode Island has been more painful than having a root canal. But that has come to an end. Finally, there is a new user friendly website, The Transparency Train, developed
by the Ocean State Policy Research Institute (OSPRI) that provides budgets, contracts, payrolls and more for cities, towns and school committees throughout Rhode Island. "

"Also included are brief contract analyses, school test scores, and even the check register - every check or bank transfer sent out each month. You can search the entire site for a topic or search the database by community. This information has never been available in one place, with one-stop-shopping. "

"Give it a try. Visit the site and type "Blue Cross" into the search window. This will provide you with a list of nearly 200 employee contracts that specifically identify this insurance carrier. Just having those documents
at hand will empower taxpayers with the knowledge needed to fight for change. "

Continue reading about RI Data here...

 

OPINION: Industrial uses are not in official mix for Providence Waterfront

Those interested in a resilient economy in Rhode Island should celebrate developers like Pat Conley who ignore the straitjackets that government places as the price of admission for doing business.
 
Flouting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and city fathers to create an exceptionally renovated social club, host the high-speed ferry terminal (all the while holding our noses to the subsidies that keep that fun but fuel-gulping carnival ride going) and present summer carnivals, Conley has added immeasurably to Providence city life.
 

But...

Continue reading...

 

     
<