Gov. McKee To Sign 2 Bills Helping RI Seniors

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee will sign two pieces of legislation Monday to help seniors living in Rhode Island, a spokesperson for the governor's office said Friday.

The first bill requires financial institutions to report suspected financial exploitation of seniors to the Office of Healthy Aging.

The bill was sponsored by state Sens. Cynthia Coyne (D-Barrington), and advocated for by the Rhode Island chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Catherine Taylor, the AARP Rhode Island state director, in June wrote a letter to McKee urging him to sign the legislation.

"Recognizing that financial exploitation is a pervasive and increasing problem that specifically threatens our members' financial security, AARP supports strong legal protections against financial exploitation, Taylor wrote. "AARP hopes this legislation is just the beginning, and we stand ready to work with you to forge solutions and bring safeguards to our members and the public."

The second bill allows cities and towns to offer tax credits to property owners age 60 and over in exchange for volunteer hours. The program means seniors can earn up to $1,500 off their property taxes.

McKee is scheduled to sign the bills during a ceremony at the East Providence Senior Center on Monday.