In January, Rhode Island will swear in a new governor, a new legislature and new mayors in Providence, Pawtucket and Woonsocket. According to a new survey by Ocean State Media, these new leaders will be facing lingering concerns about affordability. The theme echoes the economic woes that drove a Democratic wave nationally last week.
About a year ago, Ocean State Media launched a community panel – a virtual panel of residents from Rhode Island and the South Coast. A sample of locals from different backgrounds and different communities, it gives Ocean State Media a regular line of sight into what people are doing, thinking and feeling.
In October, the panel focused on questions about affordability. What does the survey tell us about how Rhode Islanders feel about the high cost of living? Ocean State Media morning host Luis Hernandez delves into data with Ocean State Media president and CEO Pam Johnston.
Interview highlights
On what the community survey says about Rhode Islanders’ affordability concerns
Pam Johnston: (The results were) not only stark, but completely consistent and clear. People were hurting and really upset about affordability and the way in which the country is going when it comes to their economic outlook.
50% (of respondents) said that they're worse off than they were a year ago. Very few people said that they were better off. And virtually all of our panelists said that rising prices in all corners of the economy were having a really big impact on them. 86% of folks said that they were having to cut back on regular daily life stuff in order to make ends meet.
People are not going out to eat as often. They're cutting back on simple pleasures. They're changing the brands that they buy and maybe going for a less expensive option. They are cutting corners wherever they can. And furthermore, some folks are having to dip into their savings accounts and their retirement accounts in order just to pay the bills.
On the optimism of Rhode Islanders
Johnston: There was a surprising little outcome that speaks to the resilience of folks here in Rhode Island as well as Southeastern Massachusetts. Although people are struggling, they kind of were like, "But we're going to be okay." I just think that speaks to resilience.
I think, now that we've seen the results of the election, which were dramatic and historic, people are standing by and wanting to know what happens now. When is change coming? There is an urgency and an expectation to make that change, and I think people are feeling optimistic and hopeful, but also quite urgent.
On who panelists blame for the affordability crisis
Johnston: 80% (of respondents) say the federal government is the most to blame. Specifically, they pointed out problems such as U.S. tariffs, trade policy, the conflict with Iran, corruption, general corruption in the government, and the problem that they see with large corporations in America having so much power.
On the importance of seeking community feedback about important issues
Johnston: We've talked so much about how Ocean State Media is here to listen. We want to be a partner with and build a relationship with our community. We know that trust in the media has declined. How you rebuild that is something we talk about and think about a lot. The more voices we have, the better this content and this feedback is, and the more we get to hear from you.
We’re hoping that you will join us and add your voice to our community panel. We usually ask a big question once a month, and we'll come back and share what we've heard, but the answers are only as good as those who are participating. So please participate.
