Tag Archives for Bipartisan Policy Center

AARP Rhode Island pushes its 2024 legislative agenda

Published in RINewsToday on February 12, 2024

Standing in front of an AARP backdrop in the Rhode Island State Room at the State House, last week AARP Rhode Island hosted a 34 plus minute press conference plugging the “aging” group’s 2024 legislative agenda. The nonprofit organization, representing 125,000 members, unveiled its four priority issues: to increase temporary care giver insurance to caregivers, to boost the availability of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs); to create a program to allow employees to save for retirement; and to eliminate the state’s income tax on Social Security. 

Gov. Dan McKee, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 13, Warwick), Senate Majority Leader Ryan W. Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln), State Treasurer James Diossa, came to support AARPs efforts advocacy efforts, backing its four priority legislative issues. 

“AARP’s mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age,” said State Director Catherine Taylor, in her opening remarks.  At the event, she called on lawmakers to pass AARP Rhode Island’s legislative agenda. 

Taylor took this opportunity to share the results of the 2023 AARP Rhode Island Vital Voices survey that reveals that Rhode Island residents age 45+ overwhelmingly would choose to remain in their own communities and own homes as they grow older. “In order for this to be a reality, Rhode Islanders must have financial security in retirement, affordable and accessible housing options, and access to resources that enable them to take care of those they love,” she said. 

Let us take a look at AARP Rhode Island’s legislative priorities for this year.

Boosting the State’s Housing Production 

With the strong support of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 13, Warwick), one of nine Democratic cosponsors of H. 7062, it is expected that House leadership will send the approved committee bill to the floor this week for a vote. The legislative proposal would boost the state’s housing production by allowing a homeowner to develop Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their property.

ADUs, sometimes referred to as in-law apartments or granny flats, backyard cottages, or secondary units, allow seniors to downsize enabling them to live independently and age in place in their communities. The bill was written in collaboration with AARP Rhode Island, and is one of the aging group’s primary legislative policy goals. 

H. 7062, introduced by Rep. June S. Speakman (D -Dist. 68, Bristol/Warren), chairwoman of the House Commission on Housing Affordability, would boost the state’s housing production by making it easier for homeowners to develop ADUs on their property. It would give the property owner the right to develop an ADU within the existing footprint of their structures or on any lot larger than 20,000 square feet, provided that the design complies with local building code, size limits and infrastructure requirements. 

Sen. Victoria Gu (D-District 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) will shortly submit a Senate ADU companion proposal but has yet to drop it into the legislative hopper. One Senator noted that there will be technical differences between the House and Senate ADU proposals which will have to be ironed out. 

Assisting employees to save for retirement – Secure Choice

Rep. Evan P. Shanley (D-Dist. 24, Warwick, East Greenwich), throws H 7121, The Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program, into the legislative hopper. The bill would establish a convenient, low-cost voluntary retirement savings plan for working Rhode Islanders.

According to AARP Rhode Island, about 40 percent of Rhode Island private sector workers, about 172,000, ages 18 to 64 in 2020 were employed by businesses that do not offer any type of retirement plan.

The retirement savings program, administered by the office of the General Treasurer, would see retirement savings accumulated in individual accounts for the exclusive benefit of the participants or their beneficiaries. The bill would see no fiscal impact on the state’s budget.

H 7121 has been referred to the House Finance Committee for consideration. A companion measure (S 2045) has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence).

Under Shanley’s legislative proposal, the General Treasurer, who serves as the custodian of state funds for the Rhode Island government, would be charged with collecting contributions through payroll deductions and investing these funds in accordance with accounting best practices for retirement saving vehicles. The elected official would also be responsible for setting minimum and maximum contribution levels in accordance with contribution limits set for IRAs by the Internal Revenue Code. The law would become effective for ALL eligible employers within 3 months of the opening of the program enrollment following a phased implementation period. 

Caring for Caregivers

Senate Majority Whip Valarie Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) and Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls) have introduced identical bills in their chambers that would expand Rhode Island’s Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) program from six weeks to 12. It also increases weekly dependent’s allowances from $10 to $ 20 or 7% increase of benefit rate whichever is greater. That would bring the Ocean State in line with other states and allow new parents more time for parental leave and caregivers more time to care for a critically ill family member.

S 2121 and its House companion measure, H 7171, would also expand the definition of critically ill family to include grandchildren, siblings and “care  recipients,” defined as individuals for whom the employee is a primary caregiver.

According to AARP Rhode Island, the state’s unpaid family caregiver labor force totals 121,000, providing 113 million care hours per year.

The United States is one of only six countries in the world, and the only wealthy country, without guaranteed parental leave, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. In recent years some states, like Rhode Island, have stepped up to offer their own programs.

According to a statement released announcing the introduction of S 2121, Rhode Island became the third state in the nation to offer paid parental leave in 2013 when legislators created the TCI program. TCI, which is paid for through payroll deductions, allows new parents to take six weeks of paid leave to bond with and care for their child. It also allows individuals to take this time to care for a seriously family member. That can prove vital for a working adult who needs to care for their spouse after a surgery or a terminally ill parent.

Since 2013, however, many other states have surpassed Rhode Island’s leave offerings. Currently, 11 states and the District of Columbia offer paid parental leave, with two additional states set to offer it beginning in 2026. Most offer 12 weeks, while Rhode Island offers the least amount of time at just six weeks, says the statement.

Finally, it was noted that individuals on TCI in Rhode Island receive 60% of their normal salary. Of the ten states that offer similar programs, most workers receive at least 80%. In Massachusetts, workers receive 80% of their salary for 12 weeks. Workers in nearby Connecticut receive 95% of their salary for 12 weeks.

Cutting Taxes 

According to AARP Rhode Island, more than one in five Rhode Island residents, that’s 230,018, receive Social Security benefits.  These payments inject more than $ 4 billion into the state’s economy every year.

But Rhode Island is one of 9 states that tax Social Security beneficiaries, says AARP Rhode Island. The state tax on Social Security undermines the purpose of the retirement program, charges the state’s largest aging group, estimating that this program has lifted 50,000 Rhode Islanders 65 or older out of poverty from 2018 through 2020.

Three Senate bills and one House bill have been introduced so far.   

S 2061, introduced by Deputy Minority Whip Sen. Elaine J. Morgan (R-Dist. 34, Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond, West Greenwich), identical to a bill introduced last year, aside from the effective date would allow a modification to federal adjusted gross income for all Social Security income for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Sen. Mark P. McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) has introduced S 2158 and House Deputy Majority Whip Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) just submitted H 7588. These identical bills would gradually phase in modifications to the federal adjusted gross income over a four-year period for Social Security income, from 25% up to 100%, beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

And, Sen. Walter S. Felag, Jr. (D-Dist. 30, Bristol Tiverton Warren) legislation, S 2058, would increase the federal adjusted gross income threshold for modification for taxable social security income. This act would also amend references to the federal adjusted gross income as it pertains to modification of taxable retirement income from certain pension plans or annuities.

To watch AARP RI’s legislation reception, held Feb. 8, 2024l, go to https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/214?site=1.

For obtain the results of the 2023 AARP Rhode Island Vital Voices survey, go to:

https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/life/info-2022/aarp-vital-voices-surveys-older-adults-2022-2024.html – and scroll down to “Rhode Island”

Senate Aging Committee tackles AI generated scams

Published in RINewsToday on January 8, 2024

Over two months ago, U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman, Bob Casey (D-PA), put the spotlight on Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven fraud and scams. During the Nov. 16 hearing held in SD-106, “Modern Scams: How Scammers Are Using Artificial Intelligence & How We Can Fight Back,” the Senate panel highlighted the most common scams targeting seniors in 2023 with a focus on how scammers are using AI to create voice-clones and deep fakes to deploy scams and convince targets of their veracity. The hearing also explored how AI is being used to enhance fraud detection technology.

During the Senate panel hearing, lasting one hour and a half, Chairman Casey announced the Senate Aging Committee’s release of its annual Fraud Book, and brochure on AI-powered  scams and a bookmark featuring tips to avoid scams. Chairman Casey also noted he would approach the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to request information about the agency’s work to track the use of AI scams targeted to older Americans.  On Dec. 5, Casey sent a letter to the FTC urging the agency to track AI scams.

Senate Panel Takes a Look at AI’s Good and Bad

“Today, we heard disturbing testimony about scammers using artificial intelligence to make their ploys more life-like and convincing,” said Chairman Casey in his opening remarks. “Any consumer, no matter their age, gender, or background, can fall victim  to these ultra-convincing scams, and the stories we heard today from individuals across the country are heartbreaking. As a parent and grandparent, I relate to the fear and concern these victims must feel. Federal action is needed to put up guardrails to protect consumers from AI—while also empowering those that can use it for good,” he said.

At the Senate Panel hearing, Ranking Member Mike Braun of Indiana warned that an increasing number of sophisticated fraudsters are carrying out AI attacks on seniors by utilizing voice-cloning and deepfakes to create images nearly identical to a real-live  person to dupe consumers into giving away valuable information and money.

“In context of frauds and scams, AI can be leverage negatively – but it can also be part of the solution,” says Braun.

According to Braun, the private sector has used AI and machine learning since the 1990s to combat fraud.  He called on the federal government to embrace similar technology by testing promising solutions to systems that suffer the most fraud, like Medicare.

Gary Schildhorn, a Philadelphia attorney told the Senate panel about his story of an attempted scam against him where his son’s voice was cloned by AI.  When he received a call that sounded like his son Brett, saying he had been in a car accident and needed $9,000 to post bail, he almost fell for the scam.

“There was no doubt in my mind that it was his voice on the phone—it was the exact cadence with which he speaks.  I sat motionless in my car just trying to process these events. How did they get my son’s voice? The only conclusion I can come up with is that they used artificial intelligence, or AI, to clone his voice…it is manifestly apparent that this technology… provide a risk-less avenue for fraudsters to prey on us,” says Schildhorn.

In his testimony, Steve Weisman, an Amherst attorney with Margolis, Bloom & D’Agostino who teaches white-collar crime at Bentley College in Waltham, pointed to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel report for 2022, revealing that seniors reported more than $1.6 billion in losses to frauds and scams. But the actual amount could be as high as $48.4 billion, he says, because many were afraid to report losing money due to embarrassment or sham.

Seniors Tempting Target to AI Scammers

Seniors are the target of scammers because “that is where the money is,” notes Weisman, because they may have a “life time of accumulated savings that make them a tempting target for scammers.”

According to Weisman, AI has created additional opportunities for phone call scams,  because it can be used to remove foreign accents from scammers voices, making them appear more reliable.  AI created Robocall scripts can enable conversations with the scammer’s targeted victims, too.  Finally, AI cloning technology can make the targeted victim below they are talking to a loved one.

Weisman says that AI can be used by scammers to set up social media bots that appear to come from “real” people.  This allows them to create large numbers of believable bots to promote numerous scams, particularly involving cryptocurrency.

Scammers are now using AI technology more effectively in romance and family emergency scams, too, warns Weisman. 

AI can create fake profiles on multiple dating platforms, writing a grammatically correct biography, making it easier for scammers in foreign countries who are not familiar with speaking English. AI can also create photos or deepfakes for the profile, he says.

Weisman told the panel that AI generating software can create an audio voice that sounds exactly like that of the grandchild, using as little as 30 seconds worth of the grandchild’s voice.

Seeking a Balanced Approach

“The interplay of AI and scams brings forth both challenges and opportunities. Striking a careful balance between fostering AI innovations and protecting vulnerable populations is paramount,” says Dr. Tahir Ekin, of the San Marcus, Texas -based McCoy College of Business.

“In the fight against AI driven scams, awareness and AI literacy are crucial weapons,” says Ekin. “Existing efforts that educate seniors on safe digital practices, such as the work FTC Federal Advisory Council and the “Pass It On” campaign, can be enhanced to include AI related scams,” he says.

Tom Romanoff, Director, Technology at the Washington, DC-based Bipartisan Policy Center, stated, “As the good of this technology is being explored, we must acknowledge AI’s risks and seek a balanced approach, focusing on curtailing abuse while promoting positive uses and innovations.”

“As I stated in the beginning, we must tackle the abuse while driving toward positive application to safeguard its adoption,” says Romanoff.

To view the Senate Aging hearing, held on Nov. 16, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CMhzgQdz_I.

For a copy of Fighting Fraud: Top Scams in 2022,  go to https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fraud_book_2023__english.pdf

“There’s a New Sheriff in Town” at SSA

Published in RINewsToday on June 20, 2020

On June President Joe Biden has asked two political holdovers from the President Trump’s administration, Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul and his deputy, David Black, who had previously served as the agency’s top lawyer, to resign. Saul ultimately was fired after refusing to resign Friday, July 9, while Black resigned upon the president’s request that day. 

Biden named as acting commissioner, Kilolo Kijakazi, whom he earlier had appointed to a lower-level Social Security Administration (SSA) position, deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy. 

The White House affirmed its authority to “remove the SSA Commissioner at will” by citing a Supreme Court ruling and a legal opinion from the Justice Department. Previously, under statute, the president could only remove the SSA commissioner for “neglect of duty” or “malfeasance in office.”

Saul’s term as Social Security Administrator ended in 2025 and according to The Washington Post, he states he plans to dispute the White House firing and continue to work remotely at his New York City home.

“I consider myself the term-protected commissioner of Social Security,” Saul told The Washington Post, calling the attempt to unseat him a “Friday Night Massacre.”

Minority Members of Senate Aging Committee Oppose Firing

Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Richard Burr (R-North Carolina), Marco Rubio (R-Fla..), Mike Braun (R-Ind..), Rick Scott (R-Fla..), and Mike Lee (R-Utah) sent a letter July 14 to President Biden urging him to reinstate and honor the Senate confirmed, six-year term of Saul as SSA Commissioner. 

Members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging find the politically motivated action especially worrisome as it will have drastic effects on SSA services that help millions of older Americans with basic expenses like housing, food and medicine. 

The letter explains “Commissioner Saul was confirmed by the Senate in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in 2019… led the agency through one of the most trying periods in its history during the COVID-19 pandemic… was confirmed by the Senate to serve a full six-year term that expires in 2025 and he should have remained in his position unless removed for cause, as written in federal law.”

The committee requested the Biden administration explain what authority an acting commissioner—not confirmed by the Senate—would possess to carry out the statutorily obligated duties of the SSA commissioner. 

 On the Other Side of the Aisle…

“From the beginning of their tenure at the Social Security Administration Andrew Saul and David Black were anti-beneficiary and anti-employee. The Biden Administration made the right move to fire both Saul and Black after they refused to resign, says chairperson John B. Larson (D-CT), of the House Ways and Means Social Security Committee, who had called for Saul and Black’s removal in March 2021. “As [Supreme Court] Justice Alito recently stated, the president needs someone running the agency who will follow their policy agenda,” he says.

According to Larson, since June 17, 2019, Saul’s control over SSA policies have “disproportionately harmed vulnerable Americans like low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, immigrants and people of color.

During Saul’s tenure, Larson noted that the SSA implemented a new rule that denied disability benefits for older, severely disabled workers who are unable to communicate in English, resulting in approximately 100,000 people being denied more than $5 billion in benefits from 2020 to 2029. However, there has been considerable discussion of the misinterpretation of the intent of this change.

SSA also finalized a new regulation that dramatically reduced due process protections for Social Security appeals hearings, by allowing the SSA to use agency attorneys instead of independent judges for the hearings, says Larson.

Larson also expressed concern about SSA proposing to change the disability review process to cut off benefits for some eligible people and proposing to make it significantly harder for older, severely disabled workers to be found eligible for disability benefits. 

According to Larson, Saul also advanced the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant policies by resuming “no-match letters” to employers with even minor discrepancies between their wage reports and their employees’ Social Security records. These letters effectively serve to harass immigrants and their employers, often leading to U.S. citizens and work-authorized immigrants being fired, he said.

Finally, Larson charged that Saul embraced the Trump Administration’s anti-federal employee policies, including forcing harsh union contracts that strip employees of rights and ending telework for thousands of employees just months before the COVID-19 pandemic started – a particularly ill-fated decision given the critical role telework has played in SSA’s ability to continue serving the public during the pandemic. 

Thumbs Up from Aging Advocacy Groups 

“The Social Security Commissioner should reflect the values and priorities of President Biden, which include improving benefits, extending solvency, improving customer services, reopening field offices, and treating SSA employees and their unions fairly. That was not the case with former Commissioner Saul, and we look forward to President Biden nominating someone who meets that standard,” says Max Richtman, President and CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

Adds Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works: “Today is a great day for every current and future Social Security beneficiary. Andrew Saul and David Black were appointed by former President Donald Trump to undermine Social Security. They’ve done their very best to carry out that despicable mission. That includes waging a war on people with disabilities, demoralizing the agency’s workforce, and delaying President Biden’s stimulus checks.”  

Introducing New SSA Commissioner, Kilolo Kijakazi…

Kilolo Kijakazi has a Ph.D. in public policy from George Washington University, an MSW from Howard University, and a BA from SUNY Binghamton University. Kijakazi’s Urban Institute bio notes that she served as an Institute Fellow at the Urban Institute, where she “worked with staff across the organization to develop collaborative partnerships with those most affected by economic and social issues, to expand and strengthen Urban’s agenda of rigorous research, to effectively communicate findings to diverse audiences and to recruit and retain a diverse research staff at all levels” while conducting research on economic security, structural racism, and the racial wealth gap. 

Kijakazi was previously employed as a program officer at the Ford Foundation, a senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a program analyst at the Food Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture, and an analyst at the National Urban League.

According to Wikipedia, before entering the Biden administration, Kijakazi was a board member of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, the National Academy of Social Insurance and its Study Panel on Economic Security, the Policy Academies and Liberation in a Generation, as well as a member of the DC Equitable Recovery Advisory Group, adviser to Closing the Women’s Wealth Gap, co-chair of the National Advisory Council on Eliminating the Black-White Wealth Gap at the Center for American Progress, and member of the Commission on Retirement Security and Personal Savings at the Bipartisan Policy Center. 

“Kilolo has an amazing ability to find and build connections among individuals and institutions that should be working together on critical public policy issues and policy discussions are much better for that inclusionary approach,” says Margaret Simms, an Institute Fellow in the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population at the Urban Institute.