Tag Archives for housing crisis

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/

ADU legislation sailing through lower chamber

Published in RINewstoday on February 5, 2024

With the strong support of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, one of nine cosponsors of H. 7062,  last week the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing approved a legislative proposal that would be a boost to housing production by helping Rhode Islanders to develop accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property. The legislative proposal was approved on a partisan vote of 10-2 with Rep. Brian Newberry (R-Dist. 48, North Smithfield, Burrillville) and Rep. Patricia Morgan (R-Dist. 26, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) voting nay. The legislative proposal is expected to be considered by the full House of Representatives the week of February 12.

ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), sometimes referred to as in-law apartments or granny flats (not a term we like), backyard cottages, or secondary units, are accessories to existing housing, created as a conversion of part of a house (such as from a walkout basement or garage), an attachment to a house, or a smaller, detached dwelling. They have become increasingly popular around the country in recent years as states and municipalities balance the need to create more housing while preserving the character of residential neighborhoods. 

Seniors, especially, have taken to ADUs as a way to downsize while continuing to live independently in their community. The bill was written in collaboration with AARP Rhode Island, for whom increasing production of ADUs has been their primary policy goal for several years.

While being a relative is the most common relationship, it should not be a necessary one, with short term rentals are not allowed so ADUs do not function as BNBs. Also, while most commonly intended for seniors facing limited incomes and downsizing needs, ADUs are also popular with professionals or adult children.

Encouraging the development of Affordable Housing

H. 7062, introduced by Rep. June S. Speakman (District 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.

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

Speakman said the legislation is a small but important part of the much broader effort that the Ocean State must adopt to encourage the development of affordable housing. Since its inception in 2021, she has chaired the Affordable Housing Commission, helping to achieve the passage of 17 bills to help address elements of the housing crisis over the previous two legislative sessions.

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

“We are experiencing an ‘age wave’ in Rhode Island: one in four people in our state will be age 65 or older within the next several years,” said Shekarchi, the bill’s top co-sponsor in a statement announcing committee passage of H 7062. “ADUs are a great way to give seniors more options so they can age in place. They empower seniors to remain in their own homes, maintaining their independence and privacy, with family members or others in close proximity for additional support if needed. And, with Rhode Island facing a severe housing shortage, ADUs are a great way to add more housing units to our supply without changing the character of a neighborhood. ADUs are a win all around,” he says.

“One of the drivers of our housing crisis is the low construction rate in Rhode Island. Our state has the lowest per-capita construction rate in the whole country,” charges Speakman, the primary sponsor of H 7062, who calls on local and state officials to be creative and be willing to allow construction of housing, particularly affordable, moderate, and small units like ADUs.

Increasing Housing Options in the Ocean State

“ADUs are an excellent option because they are generally affordable to build and to rent. Because they are small and often can be created without even altering the footprint of the existing building, they don’t change the character of their neighborhood. They are mutually beneficial to the renter and the homeowner, who can use the rental income to make their own homeownership more affordable, says Speakman,” stressing that ADUs can allow seniors to age in place, close to their families.

“We should be encouraging development of ADUs, because they offer another housing option for Rhode Islanders and a relatively simple way to make more units available in the near term and help ease the housing crunch in Rhode Island,” observes Speakman.

“Every Rhode Islander needs a safe home that they can afford, and the only way we are going to make that happen is to build more homes,”  adds Speakman, noting that the legislative proposal 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,” she says.

Along with AARP Rhode Island, H.7062 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 and Housing Network RI.

In the Upper Chamber

“I am happy to see my colleagues in the House again moving forward to allow more homeowners to utilize accessory dwelling units. ADUs offer the ‘missing middle’ – housing that is smaller, more affordable and smartly repurposes our existing buildings and garages,” says Sen. Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown).  The Senator is poised to submit a Senate ADU legislative proposal for drafting this week

“Homeowners can be a part of the solution to the housing crisis by creating or converting a garage, basement or shed into an ADU and offering it as a long-term rental. Then they have the benefit of receiving some additional income or housing a loved one. It’s a win-win,” adds Gu.

Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), who championed ADU legislation in the Senate last year, is strongly committed to working with Gu, to see an enacted ADU law this session. “In a time of extraordinary housing shortage, we need to be creative. ADUs are excellent choices for seniors or young adults, and offer affordable options for people at different phases of their lives. As we saw in the RISD ADU design competition in January, such buildings can also be very beautiful. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in committee and in the chamber overall to get this bill across the finish line,” she says.

Ever since June 2023, a coalition of stakeholders, including housing advocates and the AARP, have met with Senators, including both Gu and Kallman, once a month to strengthen and clarify the ADU bill that the House passed last year. Most of the Senate revisions are technical, but there will be three key differences between the House version and the current Senate draft that must be ironed out. They are:  

•             Allowing municipalities to regulate owner occupancy for ADUs. For example, requiring the owner to occupy either the main house or the ADU.

•             Allowing municipalities to set minimum rental periods for ADUs that are longer than 30 days but not more than one year.

•             Prohibiting the sale of an ADU separately, in terms of ownership, from the main house.

A Final Note…

With enactment of ADU legislation to allow Rhode Islanders do develop this housing option on their property, lawmakers might consider taking a look as to how other states are providing grants to boost its production.  

According to the California Housing Finance Agency, new funding laws incentivize and promote the creation of ADUs by providing grants up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development and non-recurring closing costs with the construction of an ADU. Pre-development costs include site prep, architectural designs, permits and soil tests, impact fees, property surveys, and energy reports. 

The House and Senate must work out their differences to pass ADU legislation this legislative session, sending legislation to send to Gov. Dan McKee to sign into law.  Lawmakers might consider investigating best practices in other states, like California’s grant program, to make it easier to add much needed housing in Rhode Island. 

Editor’s Note: Reached late Sunday for comment on why she does not support this ADU bill, Rep. Patricia Morgan, wrote, “I believe that each municipality’s planning and zoning boards should have control over land use in their community. This legislation is taking away local control.”

To see testimony presented on Jan. 25, 2024, before the House Committee on Municipal Government Hearing on H. 7062, go to https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/167?site=1,

To watch the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing’s vote and passage of H. 7062, held on Feb. 1, 2024, go to https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/196?site=1or. 

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.