Path to an “age-friendlier” budget – Herb Weiss

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by Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues Photo: Pamela Bhatia, Artistic Images Can We Call the Recently Passed House Budget Proposal “Age-Friendly”   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…

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Governor submits FY24 “RI Ready” budget

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Governor Dan McKee has submitted his FY24 “RI Ready” budget to the General Assembly. The housing portion of the budget includes: hiring of 21 new full time staff and $30 million to expand shelter capacity for those experiencing homelessness. The establishment of a Department on Housing would include transition of employees from other departments, bringing…

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In the Arena – RI Speaker of the House, Joseph Shekarchi

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Each week Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews leaders in Rhode Island. This week he speaks with the RI Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi. They talk about the budget, COVID money, top priorities for the year, affordable housing, etc. Watch In the Arena each week on Sunday at 7am on ABC6. ___

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In the Arena – Michael DiBiase with Joe Paolino Jr.

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This week Joe Paolino, Jr. interviews Michael DiBiase, former chief of staff to Gov. Raimondo, who is now President & CEO of the RI Public Expenditure Council. They talk about budgets both local and national, possible recession, the state surplus from American Rescue Plan, and Providence funding. Pre-payment of debts such as pension fund and…

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Infrastructure investment to extend life of the Port of Galilee by decades

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Photo: Town of Narragansett Governor Dan McKee’s proposed FY2023 budget includes an infusion of nearly $50 million in State Fiscal Recovery Fund dollars to continue the work of upgrading essential infrastructure at the Port of Galilee. The proposed investment at the Narragansett-based state port – the hub of the state’s commercial fishing industry – will…

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Calls for Rhode Island to become more “Age Friendly” – Herb Weiss

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By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues On Aug. 3, 2020, The Decade of Healthy Aging 2020-2030 proposal was endorsed by the 73rd World Health Assembly. It was presented to the U.N. General Assembly Dec. 14, 2020, (Resolution 75/131), leading to the proclamation of a U.N. Decade of Healthy Aging (2021-2030). The four-page Resolution expressed concern…

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A Crisis in Care. RI’s General Assembly must act now – Maureen Maigret, RN, BS, MPA

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by: Maureen Maigret, RN, BS, MPA The Supplemental Budget bill submitted by Governor McKee (H6494) includes neededinvestments using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for housing, children’sservices, child care and small businesses. Unfortunately, it fails to include funds toaddress the immediate and growing direct care workforce crisis facing our health andhuman services providers, including those…

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