THIS WEEK at the George Wiley Center

THIS WEEK at the George Wiley Center

& the Rhode Island Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty Issue LXI

A Newsletter for Friends and Supporters of the George Wiley Center March 8, 2004

& the R.I. Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty.

Your comments are welcome. 728-5555 or e-mail: bill.flynn3@verizon.net Editor: Bill Flynn



National AFL-CIO Leader Linda Chavez-Thompson Keynotes:



Campaign and Unions Join Hands at Annual

Action Conference: A lively and diverse crowd of 325 people gathered on Saturday,

February 7 for the Rhode Island Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty’s 13th Annual Action Conference.

Participants met at the Rhode Island Convention Center under the theme “Community Groups and Unions

Working Together for Economic Justice.” From the opening invocation by Reverend Dr. Virgil Wood and

musical selections by Cheryl Albright accompanied by Jim Tull, a spirit of unity and action energized

everyone. Citizens Bank and the Rhode Island AFL-CIO were the Conference’s principal underwriters.



Stirring Keynote Speech: Keynoter Linda Chavez-Thompson, Executive Vice President of the national

AFL-CIO and the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. labor movement, told her personal story of empowerment.

As the child of a Mexican-American farm worker family in Texas, she had worked in the fields at age 10.

Through membership in the Laborers Union, she eventually became a union official and organizer, rising to the

presidency of the Texas AFSCME. “If you can survive as a union leader in Texas, you can anywhere,” she said

with pride. Linda applauded Rhode Island’s collaboration between unions and community groups in support of

measures such as a higher state minimum wage, and urged that such efforts (Conference continued on page 3).



Community Groups Protest at State House

Governor Proposes 8% Aid Cut for 3,100 of

RI’s Poorest Families: Governor Donald Carcieri has proposed to eliminate a

$50 per month “pass through” of child support payments to 3,100 families receiving cash assistance (welfare).

For an average family (a mom and two children) receiving $554 per month, this represents an 8.2 % cut in

benefits—benefits that have not been increased in fifteen years. These recipients, who are some of Rhode

Island’s most destitute families, will be driven deeper into poverty. While proposed in connection with the

Governor’s submission of a deficiency budget for fiscal year ’04, this cut can be made by administrative action

without legislative approval, saving $400,000 in the rest of this fiscal year, and $1.7 million annually.



“Pass-Through” Shares Child Support with Families: Non-custodial parents of families receiving cash

assistance (welfare) are required to make child support payments directly to the state. Currently, if they pay on

time, the child’s custodial parent receives an additional $50 per month in the family’s cash grant. States were

once required to pass-through this money, but it was made optional by the federal “welfare reform” legislation

in 1996. Twenty-two other states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and

(Governor Cuts Poor continued on page 2)



Inside:  2004 Campaign Action Steps  Victory: East Providence Sanctuary for Homeless

 Campaign Leaders Needed  Editorial: “The Worst Thing Governor Carcieri Has Done”



(Governor Cuts Poor continued from page 1)

New York currently also provide the pass-through. Under the reauthorization of that legislation currently in the

U.S. Senate, federal funds would share in the costs of the pass-through.



Strange Rationale for Cut: In defending this cut, the Governor’s office described it as principally a “fairness”

issue. They argued that passing through $50 of child-support was “unfair” to 11,000 other welfare families who

don’t get the pass-through because their non-custodial parents aren’t paying child support. RI Community Food

Bank Executive Director Bernie Beaudreau, in a public letter to the Governor, put it best:



“True, there are about 12,000 children in FIP{welfare}-supported families who are not benefiting from

child support because the fathers have not been found or taken to family court…should 3,100 families

lose their pass-through because all of the 15,000 FIP-supported families don’t get it? Consider the fact

that only 25% of all FIP-supported families receive Section 8 housing subsidies. Are we suggesting

that those with Section 8 rents forfeit their subsidies because all FIP recipients don’t have access to the

program?”



State House Rally Voices Strong Opposition: On February 24 several hundred people gathered for a Rally of

Concern at the State House to vehemently protest this cut. Organized on just a week’s notice through the OneRI

Coalition, the rally showed the depth of public concern about this issue. It featured many children from

programs at Woonsocket’s Family Resources/Community Action who brought postcards and pictures about

their concerns to the door of the Governor’s office. The Governor was not in.



The Fight Continues: The cut will first take effect when families receive their payments on April 1 st. OneRI is

sponsoring daily countdown vigils on this issue at the State House from Monday through Friday, March 8-12, at

3:30 PM. Concerned people are asked to gather on the second floor near the Governor’s office.

(see related editorial on page 6).





Leaders Needed: The Leadership Committee of the Wiley Center’s Rhode Island

Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty is looking for new members. The Committee meets every 6 weeks

on Saturday mornings from 9 to 11 AM at the Wiley Center. Its work includes making decisions on

implementing the recommendations from our Annual Action Conference. Planning that Conference and other

actions during the year is another of the group’s duties. The next Campaign Leadership Committee meeting

will be held on Saturday, March 13 at the Wiley Center. Anyone wishing to join should contact Bill

Flynn or Henry Shelton at the Center, 728-5555.



Donated Car Sought: The Wiley Center needs a donation of a “company car”, preferably

with an automatic transmission. High mileage not a problem, as long as it runs. Get a tax deduction instead of

a trade in and help our cause! Call 728-5555.





What a Difference a Year Makes: “We are going to balance the budget,

and do it in a way that will not harm those who rely on our help.”

Governor Donald Carcieri (State of the State Address, February 2003).



“We tried to put the burden, if you will, everywhere.” Governor Donald Carcieri,

referring to his proposed FY’05 budget. (Providence Journal, March 2, 2004)





(Conference continued from page 1)



continue. Rhode Island AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer George Nee, who introduced Linda, pledged that the

AFL-CIO would continue to be a principal sponsor of the Campaign’s Annual Action Conference in future



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years. Noting that nine AFL-CIO member union locals were also sponsors, Ms. Chavez-Thompson genially told

George, “I want to see that number higher next year.”



Workshops Tackled Tough Problems: The conference’s primary work was done in five concurrent

workshops on the following issues:



Organizing Locally for Affordable Housing: discussed how citizens could organize to demand that their

cities and towns adopt affordable housing plans containing specific steps to build more affordable housing.

This workshop drew almost 100 participants, underlining the current crisis in lack of affordable housing in

Rhode Island. Panelists included Tom Callahan of the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Association, Noreen

Shawcross, Executive Director of the R.I. Coalition for the Homeless, Megan Burke from Welcome House,

Brenda Clement, Executive Director of the Housing Network, and Joe Garlick, Executive Director of the

Woonsocket Neighborhood Development Corporation. The moderator was John Glasheen.



Increasing Jobs & Incomes for Poor Families: looked at 3 initiatives: increasing the state refundable

earned income tax credit amount through legislation; fighting to protect good-paying unionized jobs at local

groceries by keeping Wal-Mart grocery stores out of Rhode Island; and a program to place low-income

unemployed people in state jobs and in jobs at companies receiving state tax breaks. Speakers included Jim

Riley, Organizer for Local 328, United Food and Commercial Workers, and Professor Bill Sweeney of Bryant

College. Jack Reinholt was the moderator.









Prescription Drugs from Canada: attracted the most media attention, partly due to a presentation by

former Springfield, Massachusetts Mayor Michael Albano on how his city arranged to buy prescription drugs

from Canada as part of its employees’ health care package. The city’s savings enabled them to rehire a number

of laid-off workers. Dr. Nicholas Tsiongas and State Representative Fausto Anguilla described pending

legislation to achieve this goal in Rhode Island. The R.I. Gray Panthers and Senior Agenda Coalition organized

and moderated this workshop.



Eliminating Hunger in Rhode Island: Discussed two ongoing Campaign strategies: universal free

breakfast programs in high- poverty schools, and expanding access to food stamps. Panelists included Mike

Marrocco, Food Service Director, Cranston Public Schools, Bernie Beaudreau, Executive Director

(Conference continued on page 4)





(Conference continued from page 3)





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of the R.I. Community Food Bank, and Professor Mary Montminy-Danna of Salve Regina University. The

moderator was Lela Coons.



Implementing an Affordable Energy Bargain: discussed details of legislation for an Affordable

Energy Bargain mandating that the R.I. Public Utilities Commission approve a program that would

reduce significantly the numbers of low-income customers whose heat or electricity would be shut off

due to back bills. John Howat of the National Consumer Law Center, who drafted the plan, explained

it and compared it to similar initiatives in other states. Joining the discussion were State Representative

Tom Slater, the legislation’s sponsor, attorney John Lawlor, State Energy Director Matt

Guglielmetti, and Aimee Olin, lead organizer from ACORN. Moderators were Darlene Magaw and

Roger Harris.









Part of the large Conference crowd of 325 people hears Keynoter Linda Chavez –Thompson

(photo by Mary Louise Delano)





Awards Presented: During the Conference’s luncheon session, Legislative Awards were presented to Senator

Elizabeth Roberts and Representative Thomas Slater for sponsoring and helping pass the Campaign’s

Refundable Earned Income Tax Credit bill. Governor Donald Carcieri received an award for responding to the

Campaign’s requests by allocating $50,000 for summer teen jobs and providing $35,000 from his contingency

fund to restore heat and electricity to shut-off families with large back bills. A highlight was the emotional

presentation of the first John Coen Memorial Leadership Award to Campaign member



(Conference continued on page 5)

(Conference continued from page 5)





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Maggi Burns Rogers of Pawtucket for her successful two-year battle for universal free breakfast in that city’s

schools.



Conference Campaign Action Plans for 2004: The following

summarizes action steps that were agreed upon by the Conference’s Workshops:



Affordable Housing Support legislation for rental assistance and Neighborhood

Keep land trust pricing affordable Opportunities Program

 Seek to save abandoned Navy housing  Meet locally to expand support for affordable housing

 Increase locations where affordable housing  Protect tenants who report code violations

can be built—look beyond 10%  Work to eliminate negative image of affordable housing

Encourage state’s Congressional delegation

to increase federal funding

Prescription Drugs from Canada Pass state legislation to license Canadian Pharmacies in RI

Join State House lobby days every Thursday, Lobby local governments to adopt Springfield plan

speak to legislators and deliver postcards from  Lobby for pharmacy freedom of choice bill

constituents  Promote individual Rx purchase from Canada

Affordable Energy Bargain  “Do homework” on the issue and legislation

Educate consumers & legislators  Hold utility companies accountable for illegal shutoffs

Eliminating Hunger in RI  Push for universal free breakfast in all school districts

Set deadlines & build citizen pressure for  Work with parents & unions to understand issue

universal free breakfast  Ask DHS to fund more outreach on food stamps

 Push DHS for more food stamp application  Urge grocery chains to provide food stamp info on fliers

sites and flexible night & weekend hours  Streamline food stamp application process

 Increase value of food stamps at Fed level  Support state legislation to fund food stamp outreach

Jobs and Income  Mobilize all Conference attendees for actions to support

 Don’t shop at Wal-Mart keeping a Wal-Mart super grocery out of Woonsocket

 Support Slater bill limiting grocery store  Support legislation allowing FIP recipients 2 yrs.for

size education

 Register & organize voters on issue & training anytime during 5 yrs. Eligibility for benefits

 Call House & Senate Finance members to  Push for program placing low-income workers in state jobs

support legislation increasing the amount of

the refundable EITC





Victory in East Providence: thanks to the determination and hard work of the

Campaign’s East Bay Chapter, the City of East Providence has opened a new homeless shelter for single adults

on January 30, 2004. The shelter is located on Pawtucket Avenue near the City’s Senior Center. Members

active on this issue included Frances Doherty, George Page, Dr. John Farley, John Gallagher, Virginia

Gonsalves and Maggi Burns Rogers.



Educate People about the Affordable Housing Crisis

If anyone would like to host the showing of the Wiley Center’s video on affordable

housing followed by a discussion, contact Bill Flynn at the Wiley Center 728-5555.





Thank You to the Foundry Artists for making the Wiley Center the

beneficiary of the silent auction at their Annual Holiday Sale at the Pawtucket Armory. This

raised over $3,000 to support the Wiley Center’s work.

EDITORIAL: The Worst Thing that Governor Carcieri Has Done

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We were profoundly disappointed that Governor Don Carcieri decided to cut $50 per month in child support

payments “passed through” to thirty-one hundred desperately poor families. We have come to expect politicians

of all parties and at all levels to throw poor people out of the lifeboat at the first sign of an impending storm.

Yet this Governor had seemed to demonstrate a special concern about the suffering of poor people. His relief

work in Jamaica, his participation in our Annual Action Conferences, and particularly his responsiveness to our

call for funding summer jobs for teens and grants for needy families without heat---all of these things gave us

hope that we had a governor who truly cared about the poor. We were pleased to present him with an award at

our recent Annual Action Conference, the first governor ever to be so honored in the Conference’s thirteen

years.



Now he will cut the meager incomes of 3,100 of our poorest families by $600 per year, an 8.2% reduction.

Why? For “fairness” because these families have a parent paying child support to the state while others do not.

That notion of what’s fair defies common sense. The Governor calls for “sharing the burden” of balancing the

budget. Who can name one other constituency that will be asked to bear a burden of this magnitude? What part

of the burden will the wealthy be sharing? What sacrifice will be asked of the heartless DHS bureaucrats who

proposed this as the first cut in that agency’s $900 million budget?



Everyone is well aware of this year’s budget shortfall. We don’t need platitudes about “difficult choices must

be made.” Harming our state’s poorest, most powerless families was the politically easy choice. The difficult,

but right choice would be to raise taxes on the wealthy. The Governor should raise taxes on those of us who

can afford to pay more, who have good jobs, whose homes have doubled in value in five years, whose families

don’t have to rely on food pantries to feed their children. Governor Carcieri was badly advised on the proposed

“homeland defense” legislation and quickly withdrew it. Cutting the pass-through was equally wrong. We urge

him to reverse this decision before great harm is done. Concerned citizens should call the Governor’s office

at 222-2080 and tell him to do the right thing.



R.I. Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty

SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING CHAPTER MEETINGS

Northern RI Tuesday, March 16 @ Family Resources/Community

Chapter 6:30 PM Action 240 Main St. Woonsocket

Blackstone Valley Thursday, March 11 @ George Wiley Center, 32 East Ave.,

Chapter 6:30 PM Pawtucket

South County To be announced. See Peace Dale Congregational Church,

Chapter www.georgewileycenter.org 261 Columbia St., Peace Dale

Monday, March 22, @7:00 J.O.N.A.H., 830 Oakland Beach

Central Chapter

PM Ave., Warwick

Thursday, March 25, @ DaVinci Center, 470 Charles Street,

Providence Chapter

12:00 noon Providence

Friday, March 12, @ 1:00 Florence Gray Center, 1 York St.,

Aquidneck Chapter

PM Newport

Tuesday, March 23 @ St. Martha’s Church, 2595

East Bay Chapter

7:00 PM Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence









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