Tag Archives for Larry Berman

Aging Policy in 2025: Rhode Island Legislative Wins and What’s Missing

Published in RINewsToday.com, July 14, 2025 

On June 24, 2025, with a 35-2 vote in the Senate, the Rhode Island General Assembly has given its approval to a $13.963 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year that directs additional funding toward addressing the state’s housing and homelessness crisis, improving access to health care, supporting municipalities through increased revenue sharing, more funding for the state’s Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, extending childcare subsidies for toddlers and infants, and increasing Medicaid reimbursement to primary care providers, nursing homes and hospitals, among its directives.

Faced with a slowing economy and impending federal budget cuts, lawmakers were tasked with closing a $250 million deficit without resorting to broad tax hikes or cuts to essential services. To generate revenue, they implemented new electric vehicle (EV) registration fees, adjustments to the gas tax, and increases in real estate conveyance and hotel taxes. Additionally, tolls on large trucks (18-wheelers), which were approved in 2016 but delayed due to litigation from the trucking industry, are now set to be implemented following the state’s legal victory. The FY 2026 budget includes revenue from these tolls, which are scheduled to take effect.

According to Larry Berman, House Director of Communications, when the dust settled at the conclusion of this year’s 164-day legislative session, lawmakers introduced 1,430 bills and resolutions in the House and 1,165 in the Senate. Of those, the Governor signed 384 House and Senate bills into law, while another 125 became law without his signature.

The Governor is not required to act on resolutions. During the session, the House passed 238 resolutions and the Senate passed 127, most of which expressed congratulations or condolences, says Berman.

As Rhode Island’s population continues to age, advocacy organizations urged lawmakers to consider an array of legislation aimed at enhancing the delivery of state programs and services for older residents—and strengthening protections for their health, safety, financial security, and overall well-being.

Below is a selection of key laws enacted, organized by category:

Healthcare and Insurance

Lawmakers increased insurance coverage for hearing aids from $1,500 to $1,750 per ear, applicable to all ages. Additionally, the new law allows for hearing aid purchases every year, rather than every three years. Sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett), H 5218,  and Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich, S 0120, this legislation has been signed by the Governor.

The General Assembly passed S 0610B introduced by Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) and Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty’s (D-Dist. 35, South Kingston), bill, H 5494A.  The new law provides new consumer protections for Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) and aligns Rhode  Island’s market with neighboring states. Additionally, the budget expanded the Medicare Savings Program, helping more beneficiaries with premiums and co-pays.

With the passage of S 0169A  sponsored by Sen. Jacob E. Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and H 5184A by Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket), the new law protects homeowners from medical debt-related liens on their primary residence. Medical bills are among the top reasons underlying bankruptcy among Americans. This law takes effect on Jan. 1.

Senate President Lawson and Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls) sponsored S 0974aa and H 6066A to expand paid family leave under the Temporary Care Insurance (TCI) program. Starting in January 2027, the TCI wage replacement rate will increase from 60% to 70%, and then to 75% in January 2028. This expansion is funded through a modest increase in the payroll contribution cap, which will not impact the state budget.

Consumer Protections and Financial Legislation

The General Assembly passed S 0016A and H 5121A, introduced by Senate Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies Committee Chairwoman Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingston, Exeter). Signed by the Governor, the new law aims to prevent scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs, a growing fraud scheme in Rhode Island. 

According to AARP, recently 11 states have passed laws or regulations that put key consumer fraud protections on cryptocurrency ATMs in place. Americans lost more than $246 million to crypto ATM fraud and scams in 2024 alone, and older adults are disproportionately targeted by criminals.

With the passage of H 5042A and S 0229A, sponsored by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls) and Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence), a new law eliminates the special exemption that allowed payday lenders to charge exorbitant interest rates of up to 260% APR. This reform helps protect consumers from falling into predatory debt cycles.

Lawmakers passed H 5185A and S 0133A sponsored by Rep. Susan R. Donovan (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth) and Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston).  Signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee, it prohibits predatory real estate practices that often target older homeowners, preventing them from facing liens or other issues related to their properties.  The bill is based on model legislation that has been adopted in 30 other states. The legislation was backed by AARP, the American Land Title Association and the National Association of Realtors.

Support for Vulnerable Populations

Rep. Tina L. Spears (D-Dist. 36, Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly) and Sen. Todd M. Patalano (D-Dist. 26, Cranston) sponsored H 6165A and S 0983A to create the PURPLE Alert system. Signed into law, this new initiative is designed to quickly locate missing adults with serious disabilities whose health and safety are at risk.

Legislation (S 0381A / H 5833A), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston) and Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, now law, allows licensed hairdressers to provide in-home services to individuals with special needs or sensory-related disorders. This new law ensures that such services are provided in accordance with individual care plans verified by a licensed healthcare professional.

Now law, (H 5017A/ S 0884), sponsored by Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly),  and Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), protects veterans from improper conduct or excessive fees by individuals assisting them in filing disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, except as authorized by federal law, and it imposes penalities under the deceptive trade practices provisions.

The General Assembly passed legislation (S 0884 / H 5017A) that grants people the right to repair their own complex power wheelchairs and mobility aids. Sponsored by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) and Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence), this new law requires manufacturers to provide independent service providers with the necessary tools and repair information. Under the new law, manufacturers are prohibited from using parts that would prevent installation of any non-manufacturer-approved replacement part or component. Also, a health plan’s coverage and payment is not allowed to require any form of prior authorization or medical documentation to complete repairs for consumer-owned complex rehabilitation technology.

Deputy Majority Whip Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) and Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) introduced H 5619 and S 0481, directing the Department of Health to collaborate with the state’s advisory council on Alzheimer’s to distribute educational materials. With the bill’s passage, signed into law, these resources will help  educate both the public and medical providers on prevention, early detection, and management of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Legislative Changes and Reforms

Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) and Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) sponsored legislation (S 0120, H 5218) to create a three-year pilot program to remove prior authorization requirements for medically necessary care ordered by primary care providers.  Now law, the program is designed to reduce administrative delays and improve patient access to timely care.

Two bills sponsored by Sen. Pamela Lauria and Rep. Michelle McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton) improve pharmacy flexibility. The first (H 5633, S 0483aa) allows pharmacists to dispense a one-time refill for up to 100 days if the prescriber is unavailable. The second bill (S 0482A H 5855A) simplifies the process for substituting therapeutically equivalent prescription drugs or devises. Such substitutions typically occur at the request of an insurer, and the current process requires the pharmacist to contact the patient’s prescriber for approval before filling it.

Observations from Aging Advocates:

Lori Light, the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman, frequently observes that facility staff accused of abuse are often terminated from one facility only to be rehired by another, with the new administrator unaware of the prior allegations. “While it is important not to penalize individuals based on unproven claims, we believe that repeated allegations involving the same staff member across multiple facilities are unlikely to be coincidental and suggest a recurring issue,” she says.

To address this, H 5303 was introduced to make the complaint histories of licensed care staff accessible to prospective employers. Light expressed disappointment that this bill did not become law and hopes to work closely with the state’s Department of Health to revise and reintroduce it next year.

“We were pleased to see that the Safe Staffing and Quality Care Act, initially passed in 2021, was amended by the state budget to allow for enforcement,” says Light. While she acknowledges that the revised law may not provide the same level of benefit to nursing home residents as originally intended, she recognizes it as a step forward.

Light also expressed disappointment that the Assisted Living Resident Empowerment Act (H5169, S484) did not pass. “Assisted living facilities remain under-regulated, with fewer resident rights despite high monthly costs and regular rate increases,” she said. The unsuccessful legislative change would have strengthened resident and family councils and improved financial transparency within these facilities.

“It’s unclear why the Department of Health’s legislation (H5426, S789), which would have increased financial transparency in nursing homes and limited equity extraction, failed to advance this year, despite having the governor’s support,” says Light. She notes that this is the second year the bill has been introduced.

“With more out-of-state investor groups acquiring facilities, it is critical to ensure that public Medicaid dollars are spent on resident care, not diverted to investors,” she emphasizes, recognizing that the bill represented a modest but essential step in that direction. “We anticipate that RIDOH will reintroduce the bill next session, and we remain committed to supporting it,” she says.

Carol Anne Costa, executive director of the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (SACRI), notes, “SACRI worked closely with many agencies and individuals in the aging network to advance our legislative agenda. Collaboration is always beneficial for passing good laws, and more importantly, it strengthens the fabric of the coalition,” she says.

Costa continues, “SACRI fully intends to resume pushing for the passage of unsuccessful legislation in the next session, including expanded accessibility in new housing, the development of more housing for older adults, nursing home patient welfare, and assisted living resident councils. Additionally, SACRI will be closely monitoring the impact of the Trump’s Reconciliation Bill on Rhode Island.”

SACRI Policy Advisor Maureen Maigret adds, “It was absolutely wonderful to see the FY 2026 bill include a provision to increase the income eligibility for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), which was SACRI’s top legislative priority for 2025.”

Maigret notes that SACRI has worked tirelessly since 2013 to expand the MSP program. “These efforts finally paid off, thanks to the incredible support from community partners and legislative champions, including House Speaker  K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), lead sponsors Sen. Louis DiPalma and Rep. Karen Alzate, and many legislative co-sponsors.”

“Once eligibility is increased, as called for in the budget, potentially several thousand current MSP participants will have their co-payments covered, and thousands more Medicare enrollees will no longer have to pay for their Part B premiums (currently $185/month). These savings will help pay for other basic needs, such as food,” says Maigret.

Rhode Island’s 2025 legislative session brought meaningful advances for older adults, including expanded healthcare coverage, stronger consumer protections, and new programs supporting vulnerable populations.  Despite these successes, important bills on long-term care staff accountability, assisted living oversight, and nursing home financial transparency did not pass, leaving critical issues unresolved.

Expect committed aging organizations and advocates to return next year to advance these and other unfinished legislative priorities including promoting development of accessible housing for those with mobility impairments and caregiver tax credits to help ease the financial burden on unpaid family caregivers.

For a reporting of the provisions in the FY 2026 Rhode Island budget, visit https://rinewstoday.com/house-finance-committees-fy-26-budget-boosts-support-for-older-rhode-islanders-herb-weiss/.

House Finance Committee’s FY 26 Budget boosts support for older Rhode Islanders

Published in RiNewsToday on June 16, 2025

Last Wednesday evening, the House Finance Committee voted 11–3 to approve a balanced $14.33 billion budget for fiscal year 2026—approximately $500 million less than the current year’s budget.

Lawmakers were tasked with closing a $250 million deficit without resorting to broad tax hikes or cuts to essential services. Faced with a slowing state economy and looming federal funding reductions, they focused squarely on bridging the budget gap while improving access to health care, increasing reimbursement rates for primary care providers, nursing homes, and hospitals, and addressing the state’s housing crisis.

The budget proposal also boosts funding for housing and homelessness services, supports municipalities through increased revenue sharing, expands Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (a.k.a. RIPTA) funding, invests in education, imposes new EV registration fees, restores highway tolls, and extends childcare subsidies while setting distinct rates for toddlers and infants.

“Despite the very significant challenges we face in this fiscal year, this budget reflects our commitment to our priorities: not only protecting, but strengthening the vital Medicaid programs that provide health and safety to Rhode Island’s seniors, children, individuals with disabilities, and working families; supporting our health care system, particularly the hard-working primary care providers and frontline caregivers; and addressing our housing crisis,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), in a statement announcing the budget’s passage by the House Finance Committee.

Vote Set

According to House Communications Director Larry Berman, the 435-page budget proposal (2025-H 5076A) now moves to the full House for a vote scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, at 3:30 p.m. If passed, the budget will be sent to the Senate, where action is expected by the end of next week as the legislative session concludes.

If the Senate makes no changes, the bill will go directly to Governor Dan McKee for his signature. However, if revisions are made, it must return to the House for final approval before being sent to the Governor.

Berman and his Senate counterpart, Greg Paré, Director of Senate Communications, do not anticipate any major issues—but note that nothing is ever guaranteed.

Funding Aging Programs and Services

The Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island (SACRI) and its allied aging advocacy groups didn’t get everything they lobbied for —but they made progress, according to SACRI Executive Director Carol Anne Costa, who praised the proposal as a “moral budget.”

“This budget represents a moral compass pointing toward a healthier, more equitable Rhode Island,” said Costa, crediting the group’s advocacy efforts, particularly those of SACRI Policy Advisor Maureen Maigret.

Costa highlighted new language in Article 8 that expands the Medicare Savings Programs, enhancing healthcare access for vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities. The House Finance Committee recommended adding $7.1 million—$700,000 of that from general revenues—for this critical expansion.

Unlike a narrower 2024 Assembly proposal that faced implementation barriers, the FY 2026 budget expands eligibility to 125% of the federal poverty level for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) group and up to 168% for the Qualified Individuals (QI) group.

“This crucial change is estimated to assist thousands of Medicare enrollees, helping them cover burdensome co-payments and deductibles, and potentially saving them at least the $185 monthly Part B premium—which can now go toward food and other essentials. For many, this means the difference between delaying care and receiving timely treatment,” Costa noted.

Strengthening Primary Care Access

“The state’s primary care system is at a crisis point. We’ve heard that our reimbursement rates are low, and that’s the main cause of the health care shortage. We wanted to address that immediately,” said Speaker Shekarchi.

SACRI applauded the Speaker’s efforts to address both the shortage of primary care physicians and the funding shortfall for direct-care staff in nursing homes. “This budget recognizes the critical importance of primary care—especially for older adults and those managing chronic conditions—and addresses provider rate increases through several key initiatives,” said Costa.

The proposal includes over $40 million—$15 million from the state and the rest from federal funds—to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care providers, currently lower than in neighboring states.

Additionally, the budget proposes a new healthcare assessment similar to the state’s immunization program assessments. This broad-based assessment, applied per member per month to all covered lives (including self-insured plans), is expected to raise $30 million annually to support primary care and related services. The estimated state cost is $1.4 million, including $800,000 in general revenues.

The committee also recommended $26.4 million ($8.3 million in general revenue) to raise Medicaid primary care rates to 100% of Medicare rates beginning Oct. 1, 2025. This significant increase aims to incentivize providers to serve more Medicaid patients and improve access to foundational care.

Furthermore, the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) must submit a one-time report by September 2026 to recommend further adjustments to primary care reimbursement rates.

“To address fiscal challenges facing our community health centers, the budget also includes $10.5 million—$4 million of that from general revenues,” Costa added.

Attacking Persistent Staffing Issues in Rhode Island’s Nursing Homes

SACRI, the Rhode Island Health Care Association (RIHCA), SEIU 1199NE, and the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman praised the House Finance Committee’s decision to allocate funds aimed at addressing persistent staffing issues in Rhode Island’s 73 nursing homes. The committee approved a $12 million funding package—including $5 million from general revenues—for a base rate staffing adjustment to improve compensation, wages, benefits, and employer costs for direct-care staff. These investments are designed to enhance the quality of resident care and improve workforce stability.

According to John E. Gage, President and CEO of RIHCA, following months of negotiations, RIHCA and SEIU 1199NE reached a compromise to amend the 2021 nursing home staffing law. The revised agreement establishes a more achievable staffing target of 3.58 hours of care per resident per day and adjusts penalties to support facilities in reaching consistent compliance. It also introduces flexibility for high-performing facilities and those with site-specific challenges. “The state budget passed by the House Finance Committee invests $5 million, which unlocks an additional $7 million in federal matching funds,” noted Gage.

“On behalf of RIHCA and its members, we are pleased that the Speaker and House Finance Committee members recognized the dire conditions facing the industry,” Gage added. “We are encouraged that their actions will help stabilize Rhode Island’s nursing facilities and ensure access to high-quality care and services.”

Rhode Island currently ranks second in the nation for “Immediate Jeopardy” violations—the most serious federal nursing home deficiencies. Both SEIU 1199NE and RIHCA believe the budget provisions will help reverse this alarming trend.

SEIU 1199NE’s Patrick Quinn and SACRI’s Costa praised the inclusion of the $12 million investment in the FY 2026 budget, viewing it as a crucial step in helping nursing homes recruit and retain essential staff.

Lori Light, Rhode Island’s State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, also commended House lawmakers for allocating new funding to improve pay and staffing levels—critical measures for enhancing care quality and creating safer, more stable environments for vulnerable residents. “These are issues our office has consistently advocated for, and we’re encouraged to see real movement in the right direction,” she said.

Finally, the budget proposal also includes an increase of $1.86 million for the Office of Healthy Aging, raising its funding from $37,091,920 to $38,948,518. This includes:

  • A $200,000 boost for Senior Services Support (from $1.4 million to $1.6 million)
  • A $50,000 increase for Meals on Wheels (from $630,000 to $680,000)
  • $325,000 to provide elder services, including respite care, through the Diocese of Providence
  • $40,000 to fund ombudsman services provided by the Alliance for Long Term Care

The Missing Millionaire’s Tax

SACRI and progressive advocacy groups had hoped the budget would include HB 5473, introduced by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls) on Feb. 12, 2025 and S329 introduced on by Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield, on February 21, 2025. The bill proposed a 3% surtax on taxable income above $625,000—on top of the existing 5.99% rate—targeting the top 1% of Rhode Island filers. The tax was projected to raise roughly $190 million annually and impact only 5,700 of the state’s 500,000 taxpayers.

But the surtax didn’t make it into the final budget.

Asked why, Speaker Shekarchi explained: “There is still a great deal of uncertainty at the federal level. We don’t know what changes are going to be made in the federal tax code. We felt comfortable enough to move forward with the non-owner-occupied property tax on homes valued at over $1 million, and we will revisit the millionaire’s tax when we have more clarity from Washington.”

While Costa wished the surtax had been included to fund additional initiatives, she said, “The bottom line is the budget is balanced and people-focused. In particular, older adult concerns were seriously considered.” As the session winds down, SACRI will continue to monitor remaining legislative proposals that affect Rhode Island’s older residents.

Writer Herb Weiss attains archive status: a legacy of 45 years of advocacy on aging

Published on April 2, 2025

The substantial body of work compiled by Herb Weiss—a 72-page list detailing 1,111 articles on aging, plus three books published over 45 years—now has a permanent home at Rhode Island College’s (RIC) Special Collections, housed in the James P. Adams Library. The archive, titled the Herbert P. Weiss Papers, 1980 to 2025, is a significant addition to RIC’s archives.

This newly established collection spans Weiss’s career as a writer, editor, and journalist, documenting his contributions to the field of aging, senior life, healthcare, and public policy. The collection includes a range of publications that

Weiss contributed to as a writer, editor, or editorial board member. These publications—magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and trade journals—cover topics such as aging, senior life, healthcare, and federal and state policy issues.

In addition to his articles, the collection features various degrees, certificates, and awards Weiss has earned throughout his education and career.

Weiss’s journalistic career began long before he was a staff writer intern (a three-month position) for the Providence Journal. He has since written columns and digital news commentaries on aging for outlets such as the Pawtucket Times, Woonsocket Call, Senior Digest, Senior Living (now Prime Time), and RINewsToday. Weiss holds a Master of Arts in Studies in Aging and a Specialist Certificate in Aging from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas). He also spent years covering health and long-term care policy as an accredited House Gallery Reporter in Washington, D.C., for various publications.

Weiss has contributed his expertise to the editorial boards of McKnight’s LTC News and The Brown University LTC Quality Letter. His “Age Beat” column, which has been a staple for local readers in Rhode Island, reflects his dedication to covering generational issues with depth and insight.
Weiss has published three volumes of his column compilations: Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging Boldly (2016), Taking Charge: Vol. 2 – More Stories on Aging Boldly (2021), and his recently released third volume, Taking Charge: Vol. 3 – Even More Stories on Aging Boldly.

Service to the Community and Advocacy

In addition to his journalistic work, Weiss has served as Pawtucket’s arts and cultural “ambassador” and as the deputy director of the Leon Mathieu Senior Center. He has been appointed to the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Aging by five different governors and, in 2021, was tapped by Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio to serve on the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Treatment.

Weiss’s impact extends beyond his writing: one local restaurant even named a lobster salad (delicious) and a hamburger (dangerous) in his honor. Recently, a small café also named a decadent breakfast sandwich after him, called “The Herb Weiss Breakfast Sandwich.”

Weiss hopes that the archive will provide researchers, students, and journalists with valuable historical context on aging policy and community issues from the past four decades. His work, particularly in understanding aging-related public policy, will be a helpful resource for professionals in aging services, healthcare, social work, and gerontology.

The Value of the Collection at RIC

Housed in RIC’s Special Collections, the Weiss archive is poised to benefit generations of students, researchers, and professionals. The collection not only preserves the history of aging policy in Rhode Island and in Congress but also serves as a vital resource for anyone involved in or studying aging-related topics.

The value of this collection lies not only in the breadth of its coverage but also in its unique perspective—Weiss has chronicled aging issues from a journalistic standpoint, grounded in personal experience. His columns explore complex issues like healthcare, caregiving, and retirement, offering readers practical advice as well as a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by older adults.

The Herbert P. Weiss Papers collection offers insights into the evolution of aging policies and practices, highlighting both local Rhode Island issues and broader national trends, especially pulling the findings from AARP reports, studies and polls For students and professionals in fields such as nursing, healthcare administration, gerontology, and social work, the collection provides a solid foundation of knowledge. It will also inform the work of aging professionals, enabling them to better advocate for older adults and their families.

What They’re Saying About the Herbert P. Weiss Papers collection at Rhode Island College

Numerous aging network professionals, providers and elected officials have praised the significance of the Herbert P. Weiss Papers at RIC. Some have recognized Weiss for his tireless work on aging issues, others have lauded the collection’s contribution to expanding access to vital research on aging. One even commented on the collection’s role in tackling pressing issues such as Medicare reform and family caregiving. Others noted that this collection would become an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and policymakers alike.

Let us take a look at their comments…

“I am so pleased to have the opportunity to praise the action of Rhode Island College in establishing the collection of the works of Herb Weiss’s reports on aging in Rhode Island over the years. The reports have recognized the evolution of the enormous challenges faced by our large aging population and inspired the people who worked tirelessly to address them.

I met Herb when he worked for the Pawtucket Times and the City of Pawtucket. Back then, we both served as members of the Governor’s Commission on Aging. The committee members were younger then and were mostly leaders in agencies, service providers and dedicated professionals. I came to recognize the young reporter (Herb) and his deep commitment to solving the daunting challenges we faced.

Herb has never let up on his efforts and his writings are full of insights and useful information presented in multiple articles and reports which are all factual and frequently memorable. He has gained readers among leaders, researchers and others of all ages. His writings are a great resource for the public, and the state’s Office of Elderly Affairs.

Herb is a true champion for all as we age.”
Kathleen Connell, Past Secretary of State of Rhode Island, Past Director of AARP Rhode Island

“Herb Weiss’s collection at Rhode Island College is a treasure trove of invaluable insights that have not only shaped the conversation on aging, but also influenced key policies at both the state and national levels. His tireless dedication to addressing the challenges of an aging population is reflected in his extensive body of work. The establishment of the Herbert P. Weiss Papers at RIC will serve as a lasting resource for future generations of students, researchers, and policymakers, ensuring that Herb’s contributions to aging policy remain accessible for years to come. It is an honor to have his remarkable legacy preserved in such a meaningful way.”

Robin Covington, Coalition Director – Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice

“What an honor to hold the Herb Weiss collections at Rhode Island College and so well deserved! I especially enjoy Taking Charge: Stories on Aging Boldly where Herb Weiss offers practical tools to live a happy, fulfilled life and interviews experts and everyday people who share their keen observations about growing older.”

Patricia Raskin, Broadcaster “Positive Living and Aging”PBS and Cumulus Afffiliates and Southcoast Health Podcasts

“Herb is a respected leader and trusted authority in the aging field, as evidenced by his appointments by the last five governors to provide crucial guidance to the Advisory Commission on Aging. We are excited that his remarkable collection will be showcased at Rhode Island College’s James P. Adam’s Library, increasing visibility of his work and expanding access to his writings, which have made a significant contribution over the past 45 years in support of the nation’s aging population.”

Meghan Grady, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of RI, Inc. and Chair of the Advisory Commission on Aging.

”It’s fantastic to have the collective works of Herb Weiss’s many insightful insights on aging organized in one place for all to benefit from his years of experience in aging.”

Sarah Lenz Lock, SVP Policy & Brain Health, AARP

“Herb Weiss has an incredible dedication to shining a light on so many issues involving aging. This collection will be an invaluable resource in further understanding the myriad of important topics that he has addressed in his decades of insightful writing.”

Larry Berman, Director of Communications, Rhode Island House of Representatives

A wealth of Herb Weiss’ keen observations and insights with respect to all things healthy aging, is now housed at Rhode Island College, to the benefit of students, researchers, and professionals in aging work. This treasure trove will be a tremendous asset to those seeking context or to understand the broad range of issues facing older Rhode Islanders and their caregivers. The Weiss collection will also inform the work of countless aging work professionals and provide a solid foundation for students pursuing their education in nursing, gerontology, healthcare administration, as well as social work.

James B. Connell, Age-Friendly RI

“Herb Weiss’s reporting on aging has helped shape our state’s long-term care services. As Lieutenant Governor, I have often relied on his writing to both stay informed on the issues of the day and to learn about the history of aging policy in Rhode Island which he has covered over his long career. The Herbert P. Weiss Collection at RIC James P. Adams Library will ensure that generations to come are able to access his reporting, and I am glad to see the importance of his work recognized in this way.”

RI Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos

“Herb Weiss has long been a guiding voice in the conversation around aging, capturing both the personal journey and the broader policy landscape with clarity and depth. His work distills complex research into accessible articles that educate the public, influence policymakers, and support older adults, their families, and caregivers. His collection of articles, now housed in the “Herbert P. Weiss Papers collection at Rhode Island College’s (RIC) James P. Adams Library, tackle pressing issues such as Social Security and Medicare reform, affordable housing, and the challenges of family caregiving. His tenacity and commitment to truth make his articles an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand aging in America today. More than just a policy discussion, the collection is a roadmap for navigating the later years of life with knowledge and confidence.

Whether you’re an advocate, a professional in elder care, or simply planning for your own future, RIC’s archives of his work offers essential insights into the evolving landscape of aging—one well-researched story at a time.”

John E. Gage, MBA, NHA, President & CEO, Rhode Island Health Care Association

“Herb Weiss has dedicated his career to illuminating the complexities of aging and retirement, providing invaluable insight and advocacy for older adults. Through his thoughtful journalism and deep expertise, he has shaped public understanding and influenced policy discussions, ensuring that aging issues remain at the forefront. His work has had a profound impact, empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge needed to navigate later life with dignity and confidence. It has been an honor and privilege to have now published three volumes of his collected works.”
Steven R. Porter, Publisher, Stillwater River Publications, West Warwick, RI

“Herb Weiss’s 3 book compendium is a one of a kind collection, illustrating the complex social, economic, and political dynamics that surround and influence elder care in our country. This is a vital resource for all professionals who have anything to do with elders and their families. Herb’s sensitivity to these matters emerges from his various roles as a professional himself – a noted author, a devotee to culture and art, a background as a former Nursing Facility Administrator and an opinion writer on all legislative issues related to elders at local and national levels. This recognition of him at Rhode Island College brings honor indeed to the institution.”

Teresa Chopoorian, EdD, MSN, FNAP, Vice President and Administrator , Mansion Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Fellow, National Academy of Practice , Nursing

“Herb Weiss has worked tirelessly over many years to keep Rhode Island’s aging population informed about the issues that matter most and highlight policy areas and proposals that otherwise might not receive wider attention. Congratulations to Herb and Rhode Island College for creating this valuable resource.”

Dominick J. Ruggerio, President of the Senate

“Herb Weiss has helped countless people better understand aging, caregiving, and the politics of long term care through his clear and accessible writing. His books and articles have educated and inspired readers across Rhode Island and beyond. As a RI College alum, it is great to know that the Herbert Weiss Papers collection will be available at Adams Library for the students, professionals, and the community for years to come!”

Deb Burton, Ms., Executive Director & Gerontologist, RI Elder Info.

“Herb Weiss for many years has been a tireless, committed researcher and writer regarding the issues that face our increasingly older population. I always read his work with interest and believe his writings will be a valuable resource for students, faculty, politicians, and others who earnestly seek to address the needs of those of us who are elders in the community.”

Dr. Nancy Carriuolo, Rhode Island College president 2008-2016

“As a journalist Herb has always adhered to the most critical qualities of objectivity, integrity and just plain good understandable writing, coupled with his keen sense for a story that needs to be told,” states Bill Benson, former Acting Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Administration on Aging who leadership position in the US Senate and House of Representatives. Rhode Island College is to be commended for providing a permanent home for Herb’s collection, says Benson. “These are worrisome times with journalism under assault.” Hopefully those reviewing the Herbert P. Weiss collection in the future who care about aging in America will find inspiration and a model for quality writing on these important matters, he said.

Bill Benson, Former Acting Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Administration on Aging who spent 8 years working in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

“We appreciate Herb Weiss’s donation and believe that it will be beneficial to RIC students and the broader Rhode Island community interested in the topics of healthcare, policy, and aging.Thank you!”

Veronica L. Denison, Assistant Professor, Digital Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, James P. Adams Library, Rhode Island College

“Herb has chronicled over 45 years of aging in America and locally. No one individual has been so attentive and dedicated to older adult reporting on emerging healthcare concerns, social security and financial matters, caregiving, socialization, volunteering, nutrition, etc. This collection provides enormous historical access for social & healthcare workers, geriatric case managers, policy makers, and elected officials. Readers should want to immerse themselves in these insightful and instructive stories. Well done, Herb!”

Vincent Marzullo, former Federal Director/Corp. for National & Community Service (RI); past volunteer President, AARP RI; Board member/Senior Agenda Coalition of RI.

“We are thrilled and honored to hold the Herb Weiss collections at Rhode Island College. No one has made more contributions to the field of aging and long term care through their journalism and writing than Herb. Herb has studied and tracked policies, issues, trends, legislation, and best practices in long term care for years and provided invaluable research, commentary, analysis, and a historical perspective. Most important, he has engaged with the community, policy makers, providers, and older adults themselves and has fully immersed himself in the field.

Having his collection at Rhode Island College will provide an invaluable asset and resource to faculty, students, researchers and those shaping policies on services and supports to older adults. As the population is rapidly growing older, his work has become increasingly more relevant and important today and in the future.”

Marianne Raimondo, MS, MSW, LICSW, Ph.D., Dean, School of Business, Rhode Island College

“Until now, Herb Weiss has been a virtual walking archive of information about retirement issues and policy debates about aging in America. Now, thanks to RIC’s Adams Library, anyone, including Weiss, will literally be able to walk in (or dip in online) and access one of the rarest continuous files of media coverage on this vital topic over most of the past half century. Uniquely researched and written from the perspective of a single journalist and public policy professional, the Herbert P. Weiss Papers should stand as an historical treasury for researchers and students in the years to come.”

Paul Kleyman, Cofounder, Journalists Network on Generations/Editor, GBONewss.org.

“It is an honor to be asked for a quote on Herb Weiss’ work for your archiving his writings. As the former Chief of Staff of the House Aging Committee and since then a spokesman at the White House and after, I’ve had the privilege of working with Herb Weiss for decades. Herb Weiss is the best and most knowledgeable aging issues writer in the country. He has informed not only Rhode Island but the Nation on problems and solutions for the elderly. His work will finally be archived and protected as the national treasure that it is. His historical record is invaluable and an incomparable resource for researchers, writers, and students.”

Robert S. Weiner, Former Chief of Staff, U.S. House Aging Committee under Chairman Claude Pepper, spokesman in the Clinton and Bush White Houses, and spokesman/senior staff for Cong. Claude Pepper, Charles Rangel, John Conyers, Ed Koch, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Four-Star Gen./Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey – Winner, National Press Club President’s Award for recruiting young journalists as co-bylined oped writers (1000+ articles to date (www.weinerpublic.com/opeds).
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“Herb Weiss has set the highest standard for writing on important aging policy issues. He does more than write. He provokes people to take action. He is the best journalist advocate I know.”
Bob Blancato, Executive Director, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, DC

“Herb Weiss is an indispensable conduit for real-time news that gives us what is increasingly disappearing: honesty, transparency, fact-based And an amalgam of big-picture and personal stories about aging and the human condition—a real treasure!”

Fernando Torres-Gil, M.S.W., Ph.D., Director, UCLA Center for Policy Research on Aging; Professor, Social Welfare and Public Policy, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs

“Herb’s contributions have been a guiding light in the field of aging, illuminating critical issues with compassion, clarity, and a relentless pursuit of the truth. This collection is a well-deserved tribute to his decades of impactful journalism and advocacy.”
John O’Connor, Editorial Director, McKnight’s

“For over 45 years Herb Weiss’s reporting has kept us informed about important issues touching the lives of our older population – from critical national and local policy proposals to tips for aging boldly. This collection honors his many years of journalistic excellence in reporting on aging.”
Maureen Maigret, Policy Advisor, Senior Agenda Coalition of RI

“The City of Pawtucket is proud to recognize the establishment of the Herbert P. Weiss Papers collection at RIC’s James P. Adams Library, preserving his invaluable contributions to the fields of aging, health care, and medical issues. Herb’s work has profoundly impacted our community, and this collection ensures that his legacy will continue to inform and inspire future generations.”
Mayor Donald Grebien, Mayor of Pawtucket, RI

“Herb Weiss tackles important seniors’ topics from a Rhode Island perspective, at once localizing and nationalizing them. Our organization has been happy to help share Herb’s work with a national audience over these past decades. His columns go beyond routine reporting on Social Security, Medicare, Aging, and a host of other issues we care about. Herb brings nuance, balance, and detail where it can otherwise be lacking in other media. This new collection of his works will be a valuable resource to everyone in our field.”

Max Richtman, President and CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare

“Herb Weiss has been an articulate and passionate writer on so many issues related to aging and older adults in Rhode Island. His writings trace the enduring achievements and challenges of growing older, and this collection is a testament to his myriad contributions to enriching our perspectives on older adults.”

Phillip G. Clark, ScD, Professor and Director, Program in Gerontology
University of Rhode Island

From Herb Weiss: A Personal Reflection

As Weiss reflects on his decades of work, he acknowledges the unique role his writing has played in shaping public discourse on aging. Through his columns, he strives to offer practical advice and provoke action on aging issues, all while highlighting the personal and emotional aspects of growing older. His hope is that this archive will inspire and inform future generations, just as his columns have done for decades.

In conclusion, The Herbert P. Weiss Papers is a treasure trove of information that not only showcases a significant body of work in aging journalism but also offers a lasting resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of aging, caregiving, and public policy. The archive’s permanent home at RIC’s James P. Adams Library ensures that Weiss’s contributions will continue to inspire and educate students, researchers, and professionals long into the future. By preserving his comprehensive documentation of the aging landscape, RIC will allow future generations to benefit from his detailed insights and policy analysis. For anyone involved in aging-related work—whether in research, policy, or direct services—the collection will serve as a valuable touchstone for understanding the evolution of aging issues over the past four and a half decades.

This collection is an invaluable asset to the community, providing essential insights and supporting the work of those involved in aging services.

Publisher’s Note: Herb Weiss’s column on aging issues is featured every Monday in RINewsToday. We are thrilled to have Herb’s expertise with us, almost from the very beginning of our publication, 10 years ago. As we come to understand issues around aging in one of the state’s with the oldest populations, institutional history helps us know where we’ve been, what has been tried, what’s worked, what hasn’t – something all too often missing in today’s dynamic of politics and public policy.

We are grateful for Herb’s contributions to RINewsToday’s readers – and Congratulations to Herb on his collection being established at Rhode Island College! – Nancy Thomas, founder and publisher, RINewsToday.

– https://www.riamco.org/render?eadid=US-RPRC-mss-0149