Tag Archives for House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi

Path to an “age-friendlier” budget

Published in RINewsToday on June 5, 2023

After a 47:10 minute meeting on Friday night, the House Finance Committee approved a $14 billion budget for the 2024 fiscal year that commits funding toward addressing the housing crisis (top priority), supports business development and makes education funding more equitable while limiting the use of one-time revenue to one-time expenditures. 

The passed budget reflects the May revenue estimate that was $61.2 million lower than projected last November. 

On June 2, 2023, the budget passed on a partisan vote of 13-3, sending the budget bill (2023-H 5200A) to the full House of Representatives, which is slated to take it up June 9 at 2:30 p.m. Changes could be made.

Hammering Out a Compromised Budget 

At a news conference held on Friday at 3:30 p.m. before the vote, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi  (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) compared the politics of hammering out the state budget proposal to Democratic and GOP leadership making a deal to avoid a national default earlier this week.  “Nobody, including me and everyone else here, got everything they wanted,” he said, noting that the state budget required “compromise.”  

“Our goal with this budget is to support Rhode Islanders’ needs while responsibly preparing for our future. Our top priority, of course, is addressing our housing crisis, and we have worked hard, in collaboration with Governor McKee and our colleagues in the Senate, to identify the most effective ways we can direct the funding we have toward solutions that will help create more affordable housing access. This budget also strengthens our efforts to provide educational opportunities in K-12 and higher education and supports businesses, working Rhode Islanders, retirees and those struggling to meet their families’ basic needs,” said Shekarchi, in a statement announcing the House Finance Committee’s passage of the budget.

“At the same time, we are being realistic. Given the end of the federal funding related to the pandemic, we need to plan not only for next year, but for the following years, when we are not going to have the level of revenue we’ve been fortunate enough to have for the past few years. We are spending our remaining federal COVID funding and our available revenue on one-time investments rather than creating long-term commitments that we can’t sustain,” he said.  

Adds Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown), chairman of the House Finance Committee: “This budget was carefully crafted so that our residents, particularly our most vulnerable, retain the supports and assistance that they and their families need, so that our businesses have the ability and opportunity to grow, and so that Rhode Island is situated to withstand a very possible financial downtown that will affect both our state and national economies.  Responsible, compassionate and thoughtful decisions were made to create a budget that will benefit all Rhode Islanders and this budget positions the state to be as competitive as possible into the future.”

Taking a Look at Aging Programs and Services 

“I am extremely pleased the budget passed by the House Finance Committee contains important funding that will benefit seniors as well as older adults with disabilities,” says Maureen Maigret, chair of the Aging in Community Subcommittee of Rhode Island’s Long-Term Care Coordinating Council and policy consultant and board member of the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI. “The Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) will receive an additional $250,000 in general revenue for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). The ADRC provides counseling about services and benefits and assistance with the application process.  Advocating to strengthen the ADRC (called the POINT) was a high priority for the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI and the Aging in Community Subcommittee of the Long Term Care Coordinating Council,” says Maigret.

According to Maigret, this is the first time that ADRC will receive state funds. To date, it has operated with limited federal dollars and too many persons are not aware of the program. The state funding can be matched by federal Medicaid funds. “ADRC services are critically important for older adults, persons with disabilities and family caregivers, as they attempt to find appropriate services and navigate a sometimes-fragmented system of care, says Maigret.

Maigret says that the budget also adds funds to support two new staff positions for OHA’s protective services unit to deal with increasing reports of elder abuse and exploitation. OHA’s Adult Protective Services received over 6,000 calls last year. The additional funding for these positions will ensure that reports are investigated in a timely manner and protect older adults at risk of abuse and neglect. 

Other notable additions to the budget include an increase in the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for nursing home residents on Medicaid to $75/month (from $50.) This amount had not been adjusted since 1999, says Maigret noting that the additional funding will help thousands of nursing home residents pay for such items as haircuts, clothing and, telephone service.

“The House Finance Committee also added $250,000 to increase funding for the Livable Home Modification grant program to $0.8 million,” says Maigret, noting that the program helps pay for costs of support home modifications and accessibility enhancements to allow individuals to remain in community settings. And of course, the funds dedicated to addressing housing affordability although not specific to the older population will benefit them,” adds Maigret. “Overall, these budget additions and the additional funds for community senior services and Meals on Wheels proposed by the Governor demonstrate a continued commitment on the part of our state leaders to address the needs of our growing older population,” she says.

The budget didn’t reinstate the retiree Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) eliminated in 2011.  “Once again, retired state workers, teachers, and municipal retirees who are part of the state retirement system have been shown how little they are valued by state legislators”, comments Susan Sweet, a former state associate director of elderly affairs and an advocate for low-income elders. “Although there were many bills in to restore the COLA or at least provide a token payment to these retirees, it appears that no funds at all are being directed towards that purpose.  This is a great disappointment to so many folks who faithfully performed their duties and were stripped of their promised pensions. No wonder that teachers and government workers are reluctant to spend their career lives in the public sector” she states.

Is Proposed House Budget “Age Friendly” ?

Maigret believes that the state has taken some positive steps toward becoming “age friendly” especially if we think of age-friendly with an intergenerational lens. Items that address children and youth such as expanded tuition assistance of Rhode Island colleges are important.  “However, we still have a long way to go in many of the domains for age friendliness,” she notes, “especially in the area of economic security for older adults as many live with income less than $25,000 relying mostly on fixed incomes.” 

Maigret calls on the Rhode Island General Assembly to fund mini-grants to communities to incentivize them to “look at their comprehensive plans with age-friendly lens.” 

Here is the link to the bill to establish the budget:

Click to access H5200A.pdf

Here is the link to the entire budget and every article (as well as how it compares to the budget as submitted by the Governor in January):  https://www.rilegislature.gov/Budget/SitePages/FY24.aspx.

Here is a link to a press release which contains a summary of the highlights of the budget:

https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=373660.

To watch the House Finance Committee meeting, go to https://ritv.devosvideo.com/show?video=defebab838c1&apg=52ab780b.

House passes legislation to encourage the construction of ADUs

Published in RINewsToday on May 29, 2023

Rhode Islanders will be able to develop accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property under legislation sponsored by Rep. June S. Speakman (D-District 68, Bristol/Warren) and approved by the House. When the dust settled, H 6082 Aaa was passed by a vote of 61-10.  Of the 10 who voted against, 8 were Republicans and 2 were Democrats.  

Speakman had the backing of Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and his leadership team.  The legislation is co-sponsored by Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian (D-District 63, East Providence, Pawtucket), who is the number three ranking member in House leadership, and also by Chairman Stephen Casey (D-District 50, Woonsocket), who chairs the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee where the bill is still being considered. Speakman chairs the House Commission on Low- and Moderate-Income Housing, as well.

Other cosponsors of the ADL legislation are: Rep. Megan Cotter (D-District 39, Exeter, Richmond); Rep. Jason Knight (D-District 67, Barrington; Rep. Susan R. Donovan (D-District 69, Bristol and Portsmouth; Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi (D-District 34, Narragansett, South Kingston); Rep. Cherie Cruz (D-District 58, Pawtucket); Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-District 72, Middletown, Portsmouth). A similar bill (2023-S 1006) has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Charlestown, Westerly).

House lawmakers give thumbs up to ADUs

AARP Rhode Island’s successful efforts to enact ADL legislation last year gives more zoning flexibility to the types of structures and arrangements that would quality as ADUs.  During the 2023 legislative session, the state’s largest aging group working closely with House lawmakers, aging and housing groups to advance H 6082 Aaa to make further tweaks to allow more Rhode Islanders to make further improvements to their homes by giving them an opportunity to develop ADUs on their property.   

The ADU legislation was written in collaboration with AARP Rhode Island, for whom increasing production of ADUs has been a primary policy goal for several years.

A video on ADUs from AARP: https://www.facebook.com/AARPRI/videos/1010939269550548/

With the passage of H 6082 Aaa, part of the 14-bill housing package backed by Shekarchi to encourage housing production, the Senate begins its debate on a companion measure (S 1006), introduced by Sen. Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Charlestown, Westerly).

ADUs, sometimes called “in-law apartments” and “granny flats,” are accessories to existing housing, either as a conversion of part of a house (such as with a walkout basement), an attachment to a house or a smaller, detached dwelling. They have become increasingly popular around the nation in recent years as states and municipalities grapple with expanding the existing housing stock while preserving the feel of residential neighborhoods. Seniors, especially, have taken to ADUs as a way to downsize their living space while staying independent in the community they love.

The bill would provide homeowners 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 satisfies building code, size limits and infrastructure requirements.

The purpose of the bill is to encourage the development of rental units that are likely to be more affordable than many other apartments, and also provide opportunities for homeowners with extra space to generate income that helps them maintain ownership of that property.

Combatting the Housing Crisis

“For many people, especially single people and older adults, ADUs provide just enough space and could be a more affordable option than a larger, traditional apartment. For some, they might make it possible to stay in their neighborhood or near family members after downsizing from their own home, or they might be an opportunity to live in a neighborhood where apartments are scarce or are otherwise out of their price range,” said Speakman in a statement announcing the passage of H 6082 Aaa. “We need more rental units of all types in our state, and making it easier for homeowners to use their extra space in this manner is an avenue that will help develop some in relatively short order without altering anyone’s neighborhood or requiring new, expensive construction,” she said.

To ensure that the bill achieves its goal of housing Rhode Islanders, the legislation prohibits ADUs constructed under this provision from being used as short-term rentals, and streamlines the permitting process.

“Our housing crisis is very complex, and we must be creative and identify all the tools we can to create housing that makes the most of our resources. This particular bill removes some of the obstacles to building ADUs while respecting municipal land use policies.  Our commission learned that there are many people in Rhode Island who already have space that they’d like to use in this way, but our laws make it complicated. We desperately need housing, so it’s in the public’s interest to make it easier,” said Speakman. “This is a step in the right direction toward a goal that is going to require a cooperative effort across the state for years into the future,” she adds.

Speakman considers H 6082 to be a small but important part of the much broader effort that Rhode Island must adopt to encourage the development of affordable housing.

Strong support for creating ADUs

In her testimony before the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee where the bill is the being considered (before passage on the House floor), AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor stated that passing H 6082 Aaa would be a “great step forward” to improve the existing ADU legislation and to provide municipalities with guidance on how to apply the law in their locality.

ADUs can potentially improve the lives of seniors, caregivers, and people of all ages, too, says Taylor. According to AARP Rhode Island’s November 2021 Vital Voices survey over 54% of Rhode Islanders over age 45 would consider creating an ADU if the space was available. In addition, a strong majority (84%) of Rhode Islanders aged 45 and over strongly or somewhat support town ordinances that makes it easier for property owners to create an ADU. “Allowing ADUs by right where the proposed ADU is located within the existing footprint of the primary structure or existing secondary attached or detached structure and does not expand the footprint of the structure will provide the housing options and security that Rhode Island residents are looking for,” notes Taylor.

In addition to the AARP, the bill has the support of numerous organizations and agencies, including the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, Rhode Island Housing, the American Planning Association Rhode Island Division, Grow Smart RI, RI Realtors, and Housing Network RI.

Although there was no opposition at the committee hearing for the legislative proposal, the House GOP caucus supports the concept, but expressed concerns about its impact on Rhode Island communities.  When the legislative proposal came to the House Floor no Republican lawmakers voted for H 6082Aaa.

GOP supports ADU concept but opposes passage as written

“While ADUs have been a fabric of housing throughout Rhode Island including the rural districts that I represent, they bring with them some concerns that should not be overlooked,” says House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale (R-District 40, Foster, Glocester).” The current proposal can be modified into an effective tool to help combat the housing shortage, but it requires input from all of our municipalities – particularly those like the ones in my remote district,” he notes.

Chippendale says that this legislative proposal currently before the Assembly isn’t inherently bad, but it needs to consider the challenges it creates for all 39 municipalities. “For example – if there is not sufficient off-street parking, which this bill severely limits, towns like Foster, Glocester, Western Coventry and others can have problems. Issues such as snow plowing an already narrow roadway, the passage of large vehicles such as fire trucks, garbage trucks and others that can be impacted by cars parking on the roads.  Further, they can represent a drain on limited resources such as drinking water when more people are being allowed to draw from an existing aquifer that may already be operating under duress. The same applies to neighborhoods that have water districts with limited water supply,” he adds. 

With Speakman’s ADU Legislation passed on the House floor, it is now time for the Senate to act and pass its companion measure.  Expanding ADUs in Rhode Island communities is sound housing policy that will provide access to much needed housing. Yes, it is the right thing to do.  

To download a copy of AARP Rhode Island’s “The ABCs of ADUs,” watch a Tutorial on ADUs and find other resources, go to: www.aarp.org/RIADU.

General Assembly considers “Granny Flats” proposal

Published in RINewsToday on April 24, 2023

By Herb Weiss

After AARP Rhode Island’s successful efforts to pass legislation last year, giving more flexibility to the types of structures and arrangements that would quality as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), during this year’s legislative session the state’s largest aging group is working closely with state lawmakers, aging and house groups to advance H 6082. Introduced by Rep. June Speakman (D-District 68, Bristol/Warren), the bill makes further improvements to enable more Rhode Islanders an opportunity to develop ADUs on their property. 

ADUs, sometimes called “in-law apartments” and “granny flats,” are accessories to existing housing, either as a conversion of part of a house (such as with a walkout basement), an attachment to a house or a smaller, detached dwelling. They have become increasingly popular around the nation in recent years as states and municipalities grapple with expanding the existing housing stock while preserving the feel of residential neighborhoods. Seniors, especially, have taken to ADUs as a way to downsize their living space while staying independent in the community.

H 6082 was written in collaboration with AARP Rhode Island, for whom increasing production of ADUs has been a primary policy goal for several years.

Encouraging the Construction of ADUs

H. 6082 would provide homeowners the right to develop an ADU on any lot larger than 20,000 square feet, provided that the design satisfies building code and infrastructure requirements. H 6082 would also provide homeowners on lots smaller than 20,000 square feet to construct an ADU within the existing footprint of the primary structure or existing secondary attached or detached structure that does not expand the footprint of the structure, provided that the design satisfies building code, size limits and infrastructure requirements.

The purpose of H. 6082 is to encourage the development of rental units that are likely to be affordable, and also provide opportunities for homeowners with extra space to generate income that helps them maintain ownership of that property.

To ensure that the bill achieves its goal of housing Rhode Islanders, the legislation prohibits ADUs constructed under this provision from being used as short-term rentals and streamlines the permitting process.  Speakman considers H 6082 to be a small but important part of the much broader effort that Rhode Island must adopt to encourage the development of affordable housing.

“Our housing crisis is very complex, and we must be creative and identify all the tools we can to create housing that makes the most of our resources. This particular bill removes some of the obstacles to building ADUs while respecting municipal land use policies,” says Speakman in a statement announcing her sponsorship of the ADU legislation.

“For many people, especially single people, and older adults, ADUs provide just enough space and could be a more affordable option than a larger, traditional apartment. For some, they might make it possible to stay in their neighborhood after downsizing from their own home, or they might be an opportunity to live in a neighborhood where apartments are scarce or are otherwise out of their price range,” notes Speakman, calling for more rental units.

“Accessory dwelling units are a great option to enable seniors to live at home independently and with dignity near their loved ones. They are also a very simple way to increase housing stock. Like several of the other pieces of legislation in the housing package I’ve put forward this year, this bill was developed based on feedback: in this case, from AARP, who made the ADU legislation one of their top priorities for this session,” stated House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-District 23, Warwick). “I am proud to support and co-sponsor this legislation because I know what a difference it will make for many seniors in Rhode Island to safely age in place,” he said.

Hearing puts spotlight on housing bills

On March 16th, the Municipal Government and Housing Committee held a hearing on H 6082, part of a 14-bill housing package had earlier in the month by Shekarchi to encourage housing production. The legislation in the package stems from the work of the House Commission to Study the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act, which Speakman has led since its inception in 2021, and another commission studying all aspects of land use and development.

In her testimony, AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor stated that passing H 6082 would be a “great step forward” to improve the existing ADU legislation and to provide municipalities with guidance on how to apply the law in their locality.

ADUs can potentially improve the lives of seniors, caregivers, and people of all ages, too, says Taylor. According to AARP Rhode Island’s November 2021 Vital Voices survey over 54% of Rhode Islanders over age 45 would consider creating an ADU if the space was available.  In addition, a strong majority (84%) of Rhode Islanders aged 45 and over strongly or somewhat support town ordinances that makes it easier for property owners to create an ADU.

“Allowing ADUs by right where the proposed ADU is located within the existing footprint of the primary structure or existing secondary attached or detached structure and does not expand the footprint of the structure will provide the housing options and security that Rhode Island residents are looking for,” notes Taylor.

Warwick resident Keri-Lynn Edge and her husband contemplated building an addition on her property for her widowed mother who required constant care and assistance with activities of daily living. “Buying a home or condo, even if closer to us, would leave us in a similar predicament. It would take me away from my home to care for her and handle her affairs. So, an ADU seemed like the perfect solution,” she told the Committee. 

“Unfortunately, I am currently at a standstill with how to progress, and I am hopeful that this talk of ADUs comes to fruition,” says Edge, noting that the City of Warwick only allows one dwelling on a property and even though it is aware of H 6082 it won’t authorize building of ADUs until legislation is enacted.

In comments, retired Registered Nurse Timothy Tobin spoke of his long-standing plan to build an ADU on his daughter’s property in Bristol to live closer to her and his five grandchildren. Ultimately, he found out that in Rhode Island’s economic climate, specifically in his town, this project was too costly. “Between restrictive town and state building codes and very high prices for the actual building to comply with the codes, our dream is all but dashed,” he said.

RI Housing, the Housing Network, RI Realtors, and the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association (offering comments to make the bill clear) submitted testimony supporting the expansion of ADUs. Governor Dan McKee, sending his blessing and support for the passage of H 6082, noted it will “clarify and noting that it will streamline permitting processes, standardize notice and advertising requirements, and incentivize creative ways to build more housing in Rhode Island.   

And RI AARP members sent dozens of emails from all corners of the state urging the Municipal Government and Housing Committee to pass the ADU legislative proposal, too.

Although there was no opposition at the committee hearing for the legislative proposal, the House GOP caucus supports the concept, but expressed concerns about its impact on Rhode Island communities.  “While ADUs have been a fabric of housing throughout Rhode Island including the rural districts that I represent, they bring with them some concerns that should not be overlooked,” says House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale (R-District 40, Foster, Glocester).” The current proposal can be modified into an effective tool to help combat the housing shortage, but it requires input from all of our municipalities – particularly those like the ones in my remote district,” he notes.

Chippendale says that this legislative proposal currently before the Assembly isn’t inherently bad, but it needs to consider the challenges it creates for all  39 municipalities. “For example – if there is not sufficient off-street parking, which this bill severely limits, towns like Foster, Glocester, Western Coventry and others can have problems. Issues such as snow plowing an already narrow roadway, the passage of large vehicles such as fire trucks, garbage trucks and others that can be impacted by cars parking on the roads.  Further, they can represent a drain on limited resources such as drinking water when more people are being allowed to draw from an existing aquifer that may already be operating under duress. The same applies to neighborhoods that have water districts with limited water supply,” he adds. 

Ultimately, no action was taken at the hearing, noted House Communications Director Larry Berman, noting that it’s the usual practice to receive input at the first hearing. “We expect a second hearing to be held in the coming weeks in which it will likely be voted on and moved to the full House for consideration,” he said.

According to Berman, the Senate has not yet duplicated this bill, but he anticipates that the upper chamber will before the end of the session in June. “It won’t be included in the budget because it doesn’t have a fiscal impact on the state,” he stated, noting .

Speakman has backing from House leadership.  In addition to Speaker Shekarchi, it is co-sponsored by Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian of East Providence, who is the number three ranking member in House leadership, and also by Chairman Stephen Casey of Woonsocket, who chairs the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee where the bill is the being considered.  Of course, Speakman chairs the House Commission on Low and Moderate Income Housing as well.

Other H 6082 cosponsors are: Rep. Megan Cotter (D-District 39, Exeter, Richmond); Rep. Jason Knight (D-District 67, Barrington; Rep. Susan R. Donovan (D-District 69, Bristol and Portsmouth; Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi (D-District 34, Narragansett, South Kingston); Rep. Cherie Cruz (D-District 58, Pawtucket); Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-District 72, Middletown, Portsmouth).

While the House mulls over Speakman’s legislative proposal, Smithfield just passed an ADU ordinance allowing property owners of single-family and multi-family homes to construct ADUs up to 900 square feet.  Other communities might consider following this community’s lead. 

With strong support of House Democratic caucus and no fiscal impact on the state coffers, there’s a very good chance that H 6082 might just make it to the legislative finish line.  Now it is time for the Senate to quickly act and pass a companion measure.  Expanding ADUs in every Rhode Island community is sound housing policy that will provide access to much needed housing. It’s the right thing to do.