Gov. McKee Signs 2 Bills Supporting RI Seniors

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee signed two pieces of legislation Monday to help seniors living in Rhode Island.

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).

"I am proud to serve Rhode Island’s aging community in any way possible," McKee said. "Ensuring that our most dear neighbors are not taken advantage of financially is a no-brainer and I thank the bill sponsors and advocates who make Rhode Island better for everyone, including folks like my mom, every day."

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.

"Many older property owners, particularly retirees, struggle under the burden of their property taxes." Coyne said in a statement. "Allowing them to reduce their tax liability by volunteering for their city or town lets them use some of resources they have — time and skills — to lighten the load. This is an idea that would benefit seniors and municipalities alike. Seniors are very dependable volunteers who have a lifetime of skills and experience to offer. In these days of tight municipal budgets, it could bring in some very valuable volunteers for cash-strapped towns."

McKee signed the bills during a ceremony at the East Providence Senior Center Monday.