Author Archives for Herb Weiss

Senior Agenda Coalition of RI pushes wealth tax to fund programs for older residents

Published in RINewsToday on June 2, 2025

With the recent passage of the House Republican budget—which cuts some programs and services for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and families with children—Sulma Arias, Executive Director of Chicago-based People’s Action (PA), is calling on billionaires and large corporations to finally pay their fair share of taxes.

Senator Bernie Sanders has echoed similar sentiments on the national stage, urging lawmakers to ensure that ultra-wealthy individuals and powerful corporations contribute more equitably to the nation’s economic well-being, rather than shifting the burden to everyday Americans by cutting essential services.

In Rhode Island, Democratic lawmakers are advancing legislation this session that would increase taxes on the state’s highest earners to generate vital revenue for public programs and services.

Proposed Legislation Targets Top Earners

HB 5473, introduced on February 12, 2025, by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls), was referred to the House Finance Committee. The bill proposes a 3% surtax on taxable income above $625,000—on top of the existing 5.99% rate—targeting the top 1% of Rhode Island tax filers. The surtax is projected to raise approximately $190 million annually and would affect about 5,700 of the state’s more than 500,000 filers. If enacted, the tax would apply to income earned in tax years beginning in 2026 and would not be retroactive.

As of the May 6 House Finance Committee hearing, about 140 pieces of written testimony had been submitted on HB 5473. The committee held the bill for further study, with no additional action yet taken. The proposal remains under consideration as part of ongoing budget negotiations.

A companion bill, S. 329, was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. A hearing on the measure was held last Thursday, and the bill was also held for further study.

As the volume of testimony indicates, the battle lines are clearly drawn. Progressive groups and unions support the legislation, while businesses and business organizations, such as the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, have voiced strong opposition. Governor Dan McKee has not yet taken a public position on the bills.

The Pros and Cons

Supporters argue that with Rhode Island facing a $220 million budget deficit, HB 5473 and S. 329 could raise nearly $190 million annually to fund critical services, including: K-12 and higher education; health care; housing; public transportation; affordable child care; infrastructure, and programs for older adults

They contend that the proposals would bolster the state’s safety net, particularly in light of uncertain federal funding. A more progressive tax structure, they argue, would make the system fairer by reducing the burden on middle- and lower-income residents. Currently, the top 1% of Rhode Island taxpayers control a disproportionate share of the state’s wealth but, when accounting for sales and property taxes, pay a smaller share of their income than lower-income households.

Opponents, however, warn of unintended consequences. They claim the bills would drive wealthy residents and businesses out of the state, eroding the tax base.Supporters dispute this, pointing to IRS and Stanford University studies indicating that wealthy individuals typically relocate for family or climate-related reasons—not for tax considerations. States like California and New Jersey, they note, have implemented similar surtaxes without experiencing significant outmigration.

Morally, proponents argue, those with more resources have a responsibility to help those with less—especially in a post-COVID era when many low-income families continue to struggle.

Yet critics, including the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) along with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce and businesses, warn that such a tax could signal to entrepreneurs and investors that Rhode Island is “business unfriendly.” They contend that higher income taxes might discourage business investment and hiring, harming the state’s long-term economic prospects.

Some opponents cite Connecticut’s experience in the early 2010s, when a handful of wealthy taxpayers reportedly relocated after tax hikes, resulting in noticeable revenue loss. Given that a small number of high earners contribute a significant share of state income tax revenue, even limited outmigration could have an outsized fiscal impact, critics argue.

Skeptics also question whether new revenue will be reliably dedicated to education, infrastructure, and social programs. They point out that in the past, even funds placed in restricted accounts were sometimes redirected to fill budget shortfalls.

Aging Programs and Services at a Crossroads

“Rhode Island stands at a crossroads,” warns Carol Anne Costa, Executive Director of the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island (SACRI). With a projected $220 million deficit and potential federal cuts to programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and services provided by the Office of Healthy Aging, Costa insists that passing HB 5473 and S. 329 is essential to preserve and expand supports for older adults and people with disabilities.

“Most of our state’s older residents are not wealthy,” Costa notes, citing Census data showing that one in four older households earns less than $25,000 annually, and 45% earn less than $50,000. Only about 8% of older households earn more than $200,000.

In FY 2023, 27,535 Rhode Islanders aged 65 and older were enrolled in Medicaid, which funds the majority of long-term services not covered by Medicare. In addition, 14% of older adults in the state relied on SNAP benefits to help cover food costs.

Costa argues that revenue from the proposed surtax could ensure continued funding for these essential programs and expand the Medicare Savings Program. Such an expansion could save low-income seniors and adults with disabilities up to $185 per month in Medicare Part B premiums—money they need for food, housing, and transportation.

While critics warn of wealthy residents fleeing Rhode Island if taxes increase, Costa cites a comprehensive report by the Economic Progress Institute refuting this claim. “In fact, the data suggests the opposite,” she says. “Higher-income tax filers are moving into Rhode Island more than they are leaving.”

Costa also points to Massachusetts as a real-world example. After voters approved a 4% surtax on income over $1 million in 2022, the number of Massachusetts residents with a net worth over $1 million increased from 441,610 to 612,109 by 2024, according to an April report from the Institute for Policy Studies and the State Revenue Alliance.

Business Community Pushes Back

At the House Finance Committee hearing, Laurie White, President of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, voiced strong opposition to the proposed tax.

“Our views reflect those of thousands of local businesses statewide,” she said. “Rhode Island is already in fierce competition with neighboring states to attract and retain businesses, residents, and talent.”

White warned that the surtax would send the wrong message, particularly as Rhode Island invests in high-wage sectors like life sciences and technology. “Tax burden is a key factor in business decisions, and an increase in personal income tax would significantly reduce Rhode Island’s appeal,” she stated.

House GOP Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale (R-Dist. 40, Coventry, Foster, Gloucester) echoed White’s sentiments: “Taxing people who have worked hard and become prosperous is an insult to the American dream. We shouldn’t be punishing success—we should be creating an economic environment where everyone can thrive. Driving away high-income residents with more taxes is backward thinking.”

Chief of Staff Sue Stenhouse confirmed that the entire 10-member House Republican caucus stands united in opposition to the surtax.

The Washington, DC-based Tax Foundation also weighed in. In written testimony on S. 329, Senior Policy & Research Manager Katherine Loughead stated that if the surtax were enacted, Rhode Island would move from having the 14th-highest to the 8th-highest top marginal state income tax rate in the nation—excluding the District of Columbia. She warned that this could make Rhode Island less attractive to high-income earners than even Massachusetts.

So What’s Next?

Costa maintains that taxing the wealthiest residents may be both a necessary and viable solution to protect the state’s safety net amid budget shortfalls and looming federal cuts.

However, with HB 5473 and S. 329 still being held for further study, it remains unclear whether they will be included in the final state budget.

“As we approach the final weeks of the session, there is no shortage of meritorious proposals that affect state resources,” said House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). “The uncertainty of the federal funding picture and the numerous holes in the Governor’s proposed budget complicate both balancing this year’s budget and planning for the unknown. I continue to keep many options on the table for this challenging task.”

Stay tuned—SACRI and other aging advocacy groups are watching closely to see what options will be considered by the House Speaker when he releases FY 2026 state budget to address funding for programs and services that support Rhode Island’s growing older population in this difficult fiscal year.

To read submitted emails and testimony on S. 329, go to https://www.rilegislature.gov/senators/SenateComDocs/Pages/Finance%202025.aspx.

To read written testimony submitted on HB 5473, go to https://www.rilegislature.gov/Special/comdoc/Pages/House%20Finance%202025.aspx.

Preparedness: Senate Aging Committee Preps for Impending 2025 Hurricane Season

Published in RINewsToday on May 26, 2025

Just days ago, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, predicted above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin for this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, estimates a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.

“In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we’ve never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,” said Ken Graham, Director of NOAA’s National Weather Service, in a May 22 statement. He warned that above-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures are setting the stage for increased hurricane activity. “This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you’re ready before a storm threatens,” he urged.

Over a week before NOAA released its 2025 outlook, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging held a full committee hearing on Wednesday, May 14, at 3:30 p.m. in room SD–106. Like Graham, the hearing underscored the urgent need for disaster preparedness—particularly for older Americans, who face unique challenges during emergencies. Scheduled ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season, the hearing emphasized the importance of having a clear, actionable emergency plan in place before disaster strikes.

There is No Alternative to Being Prepared for Disasters

Expert witnesses, at the one  hour and 31 minute hearing, shared firsthand insights and best practices for protecting older adults and people with disabilities during emergencies, aiming to raise awareness and inspire action among seniors, caregivers, and policymakers nationwide.

“I’m no stranger to disasters,” admitted Sen. Rick Scott, Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, in his opening statement. During his eight years as Florida’s governor and six years as a U.S. Senator, he has personally witnessed the devastation hurricanes can cause. “If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that preparedness saves lives. There is no alternative to getting prepared and having a disaster plan,” he said, stressing that possessions can be replaced—but lives cannot.

“We know the risks and we know the statistics, and it’s our responsibility to plan accordingly,” urged Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Ranking Member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, in her opening statement. While natural disasters are dangerous for everyone, they pose even greater risks to older adults and people with disabilities, noted the New York Senator.

According to Sen. Gillibrand, research shows that people with disabilities are up to four times more likely to die in a disaster than the general population, and older adults are more likely to die in a disaster than any other demographic group.

She called for the development of accessible shelters and transportation, alerts in multiple languages, and the requirement that long-term care facilities have disaster plans in place before—not after—a crisis occurs. Gillibrand also announced her intention to reintroduce legislation that would establish a nationwide grant program under the Older Americans Act. This program would incentivize and support states in creating strategic plans for aging populations, with disaster preparedness included as a core component.

“In addition to planning, we must also ensure that state and local governments are properly resourced to build accessibility into their disaster and recovery responses,” she said. Gillibrand also emphasized the need to safeguard federal resources provided through agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL).

Sheriff Chris Nocco of Pasco County, Florida—a county with 24 miles of coastline, located just north of Tampa Bay and home to roughly 750,000 residents, 22% of whom are age 65 and over—shared his insights and expertise on preparing for and recovering from natural disasters. He noted that federal and state partnerships, such as the National Guard and Coast Guard, are invaluable during rescue operations. He also urged law enforcement agencies to utilize evolving technologies such as drones for disaster preparedness and recovery.

“I witnessed individuals who had climbed onto roofs to avoid the rapidly rising storm surge. In one instance, a woman, her small child, and elderly relatives had climbed to the roof of their three-story multifamily housing unit and were awaiting rescue,” said Nocco. He stressed that this highlights the critical importance of following emergency management directives—especially evacuation orders—particularly for the most vulnerable in our communities.

With several days’ notice of an impending disaster, Nocco recommends that older adults request extra prescription medications from their pharmacies and remember to bring phone chargers, emergency contacts, credit cards or cash, and extra clothing when evacuating.

“When people are told to evacuate, they trust law enforcement and fire rescue personnel,” said Nocco. “But they also trust their churches to say, ‘Shelter here.” He suggested that churches can serve as effective emergency shelters and proposed that federal resources be used to equip them with generators and hurricane-resistant windows.

Costly Disasters Becoming “New Normal”

“Nearly 20 percent of Americans are in the 65-and-older age group, and the current growth of this population is unprecedented in U.S. history,” said Jennifer Pipa, Vice President of Disaster Programs for the American Red Cross, noting that this demographic shift comes at a time when more frequent and costly disasters are becoming the “new normal.”  Her Red Cross career began in 2004 when she joined the Disaster Action team in Raleigh, North Carolina as a volunteer

According to Pipa, The New York Times reported that following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, nearly half of those who died were age 65 or older. “Sadly, many drowned at home or died from storm-related injuries,” she said.

Pipa also cited other disasters that claimed the lives of older adults. “The 2018 Camp Fire, which burned for 18 days in Paradise, California, resulted in 85 deaths. Many victims were elderly or had disabilities—the average age was 72. In 2023, more than two-thirds of the 102 confirmed victims of the Maui fires were over the age of 60. And last year, Hurricane Helene caused at least 250 deaths in the United States, with many victims being elderly. In North Carolina alone, two out of every three deaths from Hurricane Helene were among adults aged 60 or older,” she added.

“The intersection of these trends—an aging population and significantly more disasters—should concern all of us,” Pipa told the Senators.

She emphasized that the impact of disasters on older Americans doesn’t end when the storm passes. “People over 65 make up nearly 10 percent of American Red Cross emergency shelter populations after evacuations are lifted,” she said.

“Our responders often encounter elderly disaster survivors living in severely damaged homes or in dwellings without power or water. These individuals frequently express fear of losing their homes and property if they leave. In some cases, we meet older adults who are physically or emotionally unable to get to a shelter or find safer housing,” Pipa added.

She highlighted several Red Cross programs tailored to help communities prepare for disasters:

·       Be Red Cross Ready: A free national preparedness education program for adults, taught by certified instructors.

·       Home Fire Campaign – Home Visits: Fire safety guidance tailored for older adults—such as keeping mobility aids, hearing devices, and medications near the bed, or relocating bedrooms to the ground floor. Includes installation of accessible smoke alarms.

·       Caregivers Preparedness Checklist: Developed with AARP to help caregivers ensure both they and their loved ones are prepared.

·       Building Your Support Network: Encourages older adults to develop a network of trusted individuals who can assist during emergencies.

·       Emergency App: Offers customized preparedness tips, particularly for households with older adults, focusing on hurricane and wildfire planning.

Disaster Planning with the Community  

Finally, Luis Vance Taylor, Chief of the Office of Access and Functional Needs at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services—who is disabled and uses a wheelchair—stressed the importance of inclusive emergency planning. “Forward-leaning emergency management agencies are ending the practice of planning for the community and are choosing to plan with the community,” he said. Taylor advocated for the creation of Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Advisory Committees at the state and local levels to ensure better outcomes.

“Inclusive planning leads to press conferences with American Sign Language interpreters, critical updates posted in accessible formats, and evacuation resources and shelters that are both physically and programmatically accessible,” he explained.

Taylor also warned that cutting or eliminating agencies like FEMA, ACL, or the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response would have devastating consequences—especially for older adults and people with disabilities. “These agencies need adequate funding to deliver the full range of federal resources required to respond to and recover from large-scale disasters that overwhelm local communities,” he said.

Training programs before disasters occur and crucial when there is no time to think of everything to take with you.  “People forget their chargers. You know what charger? They forget their wheelchair charger,” notes Taylor. “So we have to engage them beforehand. And that comes through training,” he says. 

To watch Senate Aging Committee Disaster Preparedness hearing, go to https://www.aging.senate.gov/hearings/preparing-for-disasters-unique-challenges-facing-older-americans.

Unlocking Life’s Lessons: A Commencement Message Drawn from the Cards

Published in RINewsToday on May 19, 2025

Throughout May, college and university campuses across the nation come alive with pomp, circumstance—and especially with words of wisdom. At these commencement ceremonies, a diverse array of speakers takes the stage: from prominent politicians, judges, media personalities, and Hollywood actors, to Fortune 500 CEOs, and even top students, themselves.

In speeches typically lasting around ten minutes and averaging 2,500 words, these individuals—some earnest, others lighthearted—share their personal stories and hard-earned insights gained through life’s challenges. Simply put, their goal? To inspire, inform, and equip graduating seniors with practical advice for navigating the twists and turns of both their professional and personal lives.

For the past twelve years as a columnist I’ve participated in this tradition, but in my very own personal way—by writing commencement-style articles offering my reflections and guidance to graduating classes. While I haven’t delivered these speeches in person, my essays serve as thoughtful addresses to students entering the next chapter of their lives.

Here are a few highlights:

  • 2013: Here’s My Advice to the Graduating Class of 2013 emphasized aging gracefully and embracing life’s journey, underscoring the importance of staying mentally and physically active.
  • 2014: Regular Folks Give Advice to Graduates offered tips for easing into professional life, highlighting the value of adaptability and learning from others in a competitive job market.
  • 2015: Sensible Advice from Seasoned Folk to the Class of 2015 compiled practical life lessons and words of encouragement from average everyday Rhode Islanders.
  • 2016: Regular Folks Give Sound Advice to the Class of 2016 for Future Success again reinforced the idea that meaningful guidance often comes from everyday individuals.
  • 2022: To the Class of 2022: Age Boldly, Enjoy Your Journey encouraged graduates to see aging as a lifelong, unpredictable  adventure—and to cherish good health as a vital asset.
  • 2023: Can AI Create an “Authentic” Commencement Address? explored how the newly emerging technology of artificial intelligence (AI) might shape future speeches.
  • 2024: Stoic Tips for the Class of 2024 drew on Stoic philosophy, originating in Athens around 300 BCE, today offers guidance on resilience, virtue, and perspective.  .

While these earlier Commencement Speeches blended my personal insight with broader philosophical reflections to support graduates on their new journeys, the Class of 2025 might also find them of interest, too. Today, I remain committed to the tradition of giving a fresh take on the classic commencement speech each May.

So, to the Class of 2025, I offer insights inspired by artificial intelligence (AI) and the collective wisdom of humanity. I know that this might sound a little over the top – but hear me out.  

A couple of years ago, Rhode Island hypnotist John Koenig gave the AI platform ChatGPT a unique assignment: “Comb through all human wisdom and identify the challenges each human being must face on their evolutionary journey.” This new technology also designed the images on the 64 cards, too. And AI delivered, notes Koenig, a Barrington resident who has practiced as a certified Hypnotist and past life facilitator for 27 years in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts.  

The AI-generated survey—free from individual bias—produced 64 principles essential for personal growth. Koenig expanded on these insights with his own commentary and turned them  into the Universal Mind Map Oracle Meditation System (UMMOMS), which he describes as “a personal curriculum for spiritual and personal growth.”

What makes the system personal is its use of random selection. Koenig explains that you can imagine the “universal mind” tutoring you with the right lesson at the right time—whether by shuffling a deck of cards or by using a random number generator. (go to chttps://www.gigacalculator.com/calculators/random-number-generator.php).

According to Koenig, it is worth noting that the doctrine of reincarnation is mentioned in the system (a belief shared by roughly half the world’s population), however, it is not essential to work the system. The system does not ask you to believe – or disbelieve anything but merely poses questions for your consideration.

This deck is meant to guide individuals in becoming their best selves, explains Koenig. From a random selection, I’ve drawn eight life lessons that I believe every 2025 graduate would do well to carry into their lives and careers:

• Card No. 16: Self-Control (Equanimity) – “Who is the boss of you? Is it your desire for short-term pleasures or your focus on deep and lasting satisfaction?” This card invites you to examine how many of your thoughts and behaviors are automatic. The challenge? To “wake up,” dehypnotize yourself, and live consciously—acknowledging that some habits may be so deeply ingrained that outside help is needed to change them. Self-mastery doesn’t mean you have to do it alone, the card reminds us.

• Card No. 30: The Mask – This card is a call to live authentically. Most of us wear three faces: the public persona, the self we fear, and the self we tell ourselves we are. This card invites you to discover a fourth—the whole self, complete with both flaws and strengths. “Own your flaws as well as what is fabulous about you.” Perfection is not the goal. Wholeness is.

• Card No. 46: Purposeful Action – “When you take purposeful action, you break from the trance of ‘the same old, same old.’ You become the author of your life,” says the card, stressing that “there is always only now.” This card emphasizes living fully in the present. “Squeeze the most life out of each moment—starting right now.”

• Card No. 7: Generosity – “Start adopting the habit of generosity today. Your reward will be a feeling of profound peace and deep satisfaction,” says the card. It reminds us that generosity is more than giving material things. It can also mean offering your time and energy to improve the lives of those you encounter. Remember: God helps those who are there to help others.

• Card No. 9: Mindfulness (Present Moment Awareness) – While it’s wise to stop and smell the roses, the thorns are just as real. This card urges you to be fully present with whatever is happening—not only the joys but also the challenges of life. Mindfulness is the art of observing without judgment. “It is what it is” becomes a mantra of acceptance. Quieting the mind opens the door to the fullness of life—and is, as the card says, mindfulness is “the ultimate self-development tool since it gives you access to the whole of you and all your experiences.”

• Card No. 23: Graciousness (Loving-Kindness) – Focus on love—not just as a feeling, but as action. The greatest gifts aren’t material but emotional: a kind word, a warm hug, a caring gesture. These can brighten someone’s day—or even change someone’s life.  And don’t forget self-love. “Self-talk that is kind and supportive is one way to love yourself,” observes the card. Treat yourself to comforts, pursue long-term goals, and practice “tough love” when needed. Look around—someone may need your love today. 

• Card No. 36: Life Map (Discernment) – On your journey, define your highest priorities and align your actions with those values. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you stray—life detours are inevitable. What matters most is recognizing when you’re off course and returning to the path that reflects your deepest truths.

And finally…

• Card No. 50: Creativity (Expressing Originality) – Successful creation involves breaking through the walls of fear—especially the fear of being wrong. It means letting go of perfectionism and simply striving to do your best. It also requires patience and a commitment to the often mundane tasks that come with the creative process. This card stresses how you choose to express your creativity is entirely up to you. And it doesn’t have to be a traditional work of art. It might be a beautifully hosted dinner party or a small act that brightens someone’s day when they need encouragement. Define your highest priorities and let your actions align with them. The card urges you to “embrace and share your creativity fully in your world.”

To the graduates of 2025:

May the messages of these cards, randomly selected by universal mind, guide you to embrace your journey with clarity, courage, and curiosity. Let timeless wisdom—whether drawn from ancient philosophy or modern technology—help you become your truest self.

To learn more about Koenig’s oracle meditation system, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_gZ0MAeyBc.

To purchase the guidebook and the deck, go to: https://hypnosiscoaching.online

For the guidebook only (you can use a random number generator to select the cards’ messages), visit: https://a.co/d/4rG7oUB 

Links to my past speeches: 

2013   — https://herbweiss.blog/2013/05/31/heres-my-advice-to-the-graduating-class-of-2013/

2014 — https://herbweiss.blog/2014/05/23/regular-folks-give-advice-to-graduates/

2015 — https://herbweiss.blog/2015/05/17/sensible-advice-from-seasoned-folk-to-the-class-of-2015/

2016 — https://herbweiss.blog/2016/06/06/regular-folks-give-sound-advice-to-class-of-2016-for-future-success/

2022 — https://herbweiss.blog/2022/05/16/to-the-class-of-2022-age-boldly-enjoy-your-journey/

2023 — https://herbweiss.blog/2023/05/15/can-ai-create-an-authentic-commencement-address/

2024 — https://herbweiss.blog/2024/05/27/stoic-tips-for-the-class-of-2024/