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Senior Agenda Coalition of RI’s 16th Annual Conference, Expo, Awards

Published in RINewsToday on September 15, 2025

The clock is ticking.  There are just 10 days left to register for the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island’s (SACRI) 16th Annual Conference and Expo “Navigating Choppy Waters – Shelter from the Storm” at Rhodes on the Pawtucket, on September 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Breakfast and lunch boxes will be provided for attendees.

At this annual event, which is expected to draw hundreds, as in prior years, SACRI Executive Director, Carol Anne Costa, will present the inaugural Marjorie Waters Award for Service.

In Feb. 2024, Rhode Island’s aging, advocacy and disability communities were shaken by the passing of Marjorie Waters. Costa noted that after leaving a corporate career, Waters made her mark in the aging network, leaving a legacy of deep and lasting impact throughout the state.

“Marjorie dedicated her life to lifting marginalized voices and creating opportunities where others might have seen obstacles,” said Costa. “The award named in her honor ensures her legacy is not only remembered but carried forward by others who share her passion for service.”

SACRI’s Policy Advisor Maureen Maigret added, “We are living in stressful times. Programs supporting the marginalized are under the threat and reality of deep cuts, and highlighting Marjorie’s legacy is a positive way to celebrate service to our shared humanity and bolster the energy needed to continue this work.”

Board Chair Kathy McKeon, echoed that sentiment: “Celebrating the work of these individuals is how we, as an organization can collectively honor those who walk the walk and impact the folks among us who need the advocacy and compassion of champions like Ray and Sister Norma.”

A Life of Advocacy

Marjorie, a 1979 graduate from Rhode Island College with a degree in political science, began her career in information technology.  She served  as director of information technology for a Tribal Nation and later as a Six Sigma Process Excellence Coach in the finance industry.

Leaving corporate life, she turned her energy to supporting older Rhode Islanders.  As director of the Providence’s Westminster Senior Center, she quickly recognized the daily challenges of older adults.  She went on to lead advocacy efforts for the Home Care Independence Provider Program and the Raise the Bar coalitions, both of which secured key legislative victories to improve home and nursing home care.

In 2015, Waters joined the Rhode Island Organizing Project, working to expand access to health care, transportation, and community-based service. In 2022, SACRI recognized her with the Senior Heroes Award for Outstanding Service on behalf of Older Rhode Islanders.  She also played a central role in the Save RIPTA Campaign, which prevented devastating cuts to bus service.

“Marjorie’s work and relationships in the aging space were herculean, Costa said. “Her death was a blow to so many people and organizations who worked for older adults and adults with disabilities. Honoring her memory and celebrating her work was a driving factor for creating this award.” says Costa.

Celebrating the First Recipients

Costa announced that SACRI has chosen Ray Gagne and Sister Norma Fleming, RSM as the first awardees.

“In recognizing leaders in this field, the Marjorie Waters Award is a story about who we are and what we aspire to be as a community, Costa explained.  “Celebrating the work of these two individuals provides examples of advocacy that affirm humanity in every stage of life and every ability.”

She added, Ray Gagne worked, shoulder to shoulder with Marjorie, focused on transportation and transformed what could have been a devastating cut to mobility and accessibility into a matter of equity and independence.”

Gagne has been Director/Lead Organizer of Rhode Island Organizing Project (RIOP) since 2006, leading campaigns to expand access to transportation, long-term care and health care.  Prior to that, he directed campaigns around adult education, affordable housing, and after-school programs in Massachusetts.

“Sister Norma Fleming, RSM, embodies service and compassion through her direct work with adults with disabilities at ReFocus, Inc. and through her lifetime ministry and service to adults with disabilities, exemplifying what it means to foster inclusion and enrich lives, adds Costa.

Costa also praised Sister Norman Fleming, RSM, for a lifetime of service. “Sister Norma embodies service and compassion through her direct work with adults with disabilities at Re-Focus, Inc., , many other service agencies and through her ministry with the Sisters of Mercy,” said Costa.

At 90, Sister Fleming continues her service, having enriched countless lives through her leadership at ReFocus, Inc., her classroom teaching, and as a former principal at St. Mary Academy – Bay View Elementary.

Looking Ahead: Great Keynote, Knowledge, Resources, and Inspiration

The conference will also feature 35 vendors and organizations providing services and resources for older adults and caregivers. Sponsors will provide breakfast and boxed lunches.

“This program will deliver knowledge and resources in many areas,” Costa said. “Whether you’re planning for the future, seeking health insights, or navigating the complexities of caregiving, attendees will leave feeling more prepared and empowered,” she says.

Costa noted that Dr. Ed Iannuccilli was selected as keynote speaker for his medical experience and his deep understanding of the culture of health care. “As an older adult and an author, he brings so much into the conversation on a wide swath of issues,” she said.

“We all review data. And in this time of Zoom meetings and remote working, we need to get together,” added Costa. “This conference is about learning together, and Dr. Iannuccilli is the perfect person to set the tone. Often, subjects on aging can be difficult and sobering. This is SACRI’s way of talking about serious things with serious people in a happy place.”

United Healthcare is the presenting sponsor of SACRI’s “Shelter from the Storm.” Supporting sponsors are Blue Cross/Blue Shield of RI, Neighborhood Health, Delta Dental, Navigant Credit Union, SEIU, Age Friendly RI as well as a plethora of various agencies, businesses and nonprofits. This support allows SACRI to do the work to deliver good policy and law for all of Rhode Island’s older adults and adults with disabilities.

How to Register

For program specifics, visit https://rinewstoday.com/senior-agenda-coalition-of-rhode-island-fall-conference/.

To register, go to https://sacri.org/event/navigating-choppy-waters-shelter-from-the-storm/

To learn more about SACRI, visit SACRI.org

Senior Agenda Coalition of RI unveils its 2025 legislative priorities at forum,

Published in RINewsToday on March 17, 2025

On March 14, 2025, hundreds of older Rhode Islanders, aging network providers, state officials, and lawmakers gathered at the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island (SACRI)’s 2025 legislative forum, “United Voices for Meaningful Advocacy” at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. With the RI House deliberating the FY 2025 budget and key legislation impacting older adults, SACRI announced its legislative priorities.

SACRI Board Chair Kathy McKeon gave welcoming remarks, giving recognition to major sponsor Delta Dental.  Serving as master of ceremonies, Executive Director Carol Anne E. Costa kept the three hour Legislative Forum on track.

SACRI Policy Advisor Maureen Maigret gave an overview and highlighted the growing influence of Rhode Island’s aging population.

“We’re 200,000 strong and growing,” she said, noting that within five years, one in four Rhode Islanders will be 65 or older. In 21 of the state’s 39 cities and towns, older adults now make up at least 20% of the population, with some communities reaching over 30%.

The Economic Impact of Older Adults

Maigret noted that 21% of older Rhode Islanders still work, many are caregivers for loved ones, and vote in higher numbers than any other age group. About 12% are veterans, and many volunteer at senior centers, Meals on Wheels, RSVP, and The Village Common of RI.

Older adults also contribute significantly to the economy. According to AARP’s Longevity Economic Outlook report, those aged 50 and older generate 40% of the nation’s GDP. In Rhode Island, retirees inject $4 billion into the economy through Social Security benefits.

However, many older adults struggle financially. “The ‘forgotten middle’ falls through the cracks,” Maigret said, referring to those with low incomes who don’t qualify for Medicaid or other public benefits. Long-term care costs are rising, and even with home equity many middle-income adults will not be able to pay for long-term.

Census data reveals that one in four Rhode Island households headed by someone 65 or older  have incomes less than $25,000 annually, and nearly half have  less than $50,000. The average Social Security benefit is $23,995, with men receiving $26,372 and women $23,565.

Shaping SACRI’s 2025 Legislative Agenda

Survey results from SACRI’s October 2024 Conference guided this year’s priorities. Among 241 respondents (42% aged 75 and older), top concerns included healthcare costs and access, economic security, housing, and community supports.

SACRI’s top priority is expanding the state’s Medicare Savings Program (MSP) by increasing income and asset limits. “Expanding MSP eligibility would provide an extra $185 monthly, or $2,200 annually, to thousands of older adults,” Maigret said. The federal government would cover the cost of those newly eligible. This extra income could help with food, utility bills, or rent and a boon to the state’s economy, she said.

With primary care practices closing due to retirement and low reimbursements, SACRI is pushing for a rate review to ensure competitive payments.

Though fewer than 5% of older Rhode Islanders live in nursing homes, Maigret stressed the importance of addressing the industry’s staffing shortages,  and substandard care, SACRI supports increasing wages for direct care staff, rewarding high-performing nursing homes, ensuring financial transparency, and preventing Medicaid cuts.

To address the housing crisis, SACRI advocates for fair allocation of state housing funds for housing for older adults and persons with disabilities. With public housing waitlists up to five years long, this is essential. SACRI is also pushing to expand income eligibility for the property tax relief program to $50,000 and mandating accessibility features in new developments.

Aging in place is another priority. SACRI calls for adding $600,000 ($10 per person age 65 and older) to the state budget to support community senior centers and enacting a caregiver tax credit to assist Rhode Island’s 112,000 caregivers, who spend an average of $7,000 out of pocket annually.

SACRI also seeks to increase Medicaid’s asset limit from $4,000 to $12,000 to help older adults on Medicaid remain at home. Additional funding for volunteer programs and continuing the “Ride to Anywhere Pilot” are also on SACRI’s agenda.

Maigret also noted SACRI is in close contact with the state’s Congressional delegation to oppose any harmful Medicaid cuts or changes in Social Security.”

Lawmakers Respond

Bringing greetings from House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, Rep. Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), who chairs the Special Legislative Commission on Services and Programs for Older Rhode Islanders, acknowledged the political power of older voters. “In the 2024 primary, 87% of voters were over age 85. I paid close attention to that,” she said.

Carson emphasized the importance of protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. “Social Security is a promise. We paid into it. We can’t lose that program,” she said.

She highlighted legislative victories from 2024, including a $10 million investment to stabilize nursing homes, raising the pension exemption from $20,000 to $50,000, and launching the “Digital Age” initiative to bridge the digital divide. However, she stressed that more work remains.

Carson is also leading efforts to eliminate ageist language from state statutes, replacing terms like “elderly” and “senior citizen” with “older adults.” “We’re living diverse lifestyles beyond age 60, and our language should reflect that,” she said.

Representing Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) Senator Jacob E. Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence), chair of the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government, echoed Carson’s concerns. He warned that state lawmakers must protect hard-won progress in light of potential federal cuts and a $250 million state budget shortfall.

Bissaillon called for addressing the housing crisis. “There are 150,000 Rhode Island households paying over 33% of their income on housing. We need 20,000 more affordable units and 2,000 permanent supportive housing units,” he said. He also supports eliminating the state income tax on Social Security and pointed to the Senate’s newly established Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Committee noting it is important aims to protect older adults from cyber scams. “It’s critical that Rhode Island keeps pace with technology,” Bissaillon said “We have our work cut out for us,” he concluded.

Following the legislative priorities session, Carlson called to order a meeting of the Special Legislative Commission on Services and Programs for Older Rhode Islanders.

At this time, Elizabeth Dugan, PhD from the University of Massachusetts Gerontology Institute presented highlights from the 2025 RI Healthy Aging Data Report scheduled for full release on May 1st.

A Final Note…

It was obvious today that older voices must be heard,” said Director Mary Lou Moran of the City of Pawtucket’s Division of Senior Services, emphasizing the importance of SACRI’s Legislative Forum . She noted that the event provided a valuable opportunity for seniors, aging advocates, and organizations to gather and share the latest information, resources and more importantly hear from the State’s legislative leaders.

Moran expressed her support for SACRI’s  advocacy for the State to allocate $10 per person aged 65 and over to communities  to fund senior centers and senior programs. “Senior centers play a vital role in helping older Rhode Islanders age in place within their communities and offer innumerable opportunities for social engagement, healthy living opportunities, and act as a reliable resource for not only them but for their families and their caregivers” she explained.

Moran also strongly supports SACRI’s efforts to increase the income eligibility for the state’s Medicare Savings Program (MSP). By participating in MSP, individuals can have their Part B Medicare premium covered, and for some low-income participants, the program also helps with prescription drug costs. “Reducing the cost of Part B premiums and, for some[]  who are income eligible, covering  prescription drug expenses allows older adults to redirect those savings toward essentials like rent,  utilities, and food,” she added. 

To watch SACRI’s Leadership Forum held on March 14, 2025, go to:                                                                https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/10954?site=1.    

To view Larson’s  Special Legislative Commission on Services and Programs for Older Rhode                                                            Islanders held at SARCI’s Leadership Forum, go to:                                                                          https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/10955?site=1.

To learn more about SACRI, go to https://senioragendari.org/