THIS WEEK at the George Wiley Center

							THIS WEEK at the George Wiley Center
& the Rhode Island Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty                                 Issue LXV
A Newsletter for Friends and Supporters of the George Wiley Center                    JULY 21, 2005
  & the R.I. Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty.
Your comments are welcome. 728-5555 or e-mail: bill.flynn3@verizon.net        Editor: Bill Flynn


                           Legislative Wrap-up Issue
Last-minute Wiley Center “bridge” bill will help some customers
Affordable Energy Plan Stalls in RI Senate                                          After lengthy deliberations
starting in November 2004, by mid-April 2005 a community coalition that included the Wiley Center had
agreed on a compromise state affordable energy plan for low-income consumers. The plan included many of
the features of legislation proposed by the Wiley Center in 2004, including: (1) Low-income households would
pay 4% of their income for heat, with the balance subsidized by a state fund; and (2) participating households
would have to pay $10 per month toward any back bills, which would be “forgiven” after 36 months of
payments. A significant addition to the Wiley plan was coverage for oil heat customers. For the first time
Narragansett Electric and New England Gas, as well as the oil heat dealers’ association, had agreed to a
meaningful plan to reduce shutoffs of low-income customers.

Funding Mechanism Issue and Timing Slowed Drafting: Because the coalition could not agree on how to
fund the plan, crafting that critical component was left up to the legislature. As the Senate Policy Office worked
on the bill, there were reportedly intense behind the scenes discussions of funding mechanisms. Also to be
worked out were the arrangements for administration of the program. The timing of this drafting work was also
problematic, coming at the beginning of the General Assembly session’s busiest period. Thanks to hard work by
Senate Senior Policy Advisor Ken Payne, a completed affordable energy bill was introduced during the first
week of June. It was funded by 3 sources: a $2 per month surcharge on all gas heating
(Energy Plan continued on page 3)

Refundable EITC and Circuit-Breaker Property Tax Relief Funding Increased
Wiley Legislative Victories: $5.2 Million in Tax Refunds for
Low-Income Households: “Tax breaks” and “low-income households” are terms rarely
linked in legislation enacted by the Rhode Island General Assembly. However, the Fiscal 2006 budget recently
passed by the General Assembly included increases in two funds that provide tax refunds to low-income
households. The Wiley Center’s advocacy efforts “paid off” for a constituency usually overlooked when tax
state tax policy is being made. Rhode Island’s refundable earned income tax credit (EITC) amount was
increased to 2.5% of the federal EITC refund by an additional appropriation of $1.2million. This tax refund for
working people primarily benefits families with children. The maximum refund for the poorest families was
increased from $50 to $100. Senator Harold Metts and Representative Tom Slater were prime sponsors of
this year’s legislation to increase the refundable EITC. As Rhode Island’s refundable EITC percentage remains
the lowest of 13 states with such programs, the Wiley Center will continue to work next year to increase it to at
least 5%. (Tax Relief continued on page 2)

Inside: OneRI Victories  Woonsocket Universal Free School Breakfast Victory  Legislative Heroes 
Campaign Supports Increased Affordable Housing Subsidies  Annual Fundraiser  Wiley Center
Demands “Jobs, not Sanctions”
(Tax Refunds continued from page 1)
Property Tax “Circuit-Breaker” Fund Increased by $4 Million: One of Rhode Island’s least known benefits
for poor people is the state’s property-tax relief program. It is intended to distribute to each eligible household a
“rebate” of up $250 as a way to help reduce the local property-tax burden faced by lower-income Rhode
Islanders.(Higher-income taxpayers who itemize have always been able to deduct the full amount of local
property taxes). A number of years ago the Wiley Center won a change that expanded this program’s eligible
population from exclusively elderly to other low-income people. However, that addition split the program’s
beneficiaries into two classes: people 65 or older or those receiving Social Security disability payments---those
persons received full benefits. Other low-income renters and homeowner under age 65 received pro-rated shares
of what remained.

While more people became aware of the program and filed for it each year, total annual state funding remained
at $6 million. As a result, by 2004 the average non-elderly rebate dropped to $18. For the past two years
Governor Carcieri proposed to add $4 million to the fund, increase the numbers of elderly eligible and drop all
non-elderly from the program. Thanks in large part to the Wiley Center’s advocacy, and with the support of
Senator John McBurney (D-Pawtucket), this year the General Assembly added $4 million and retained the
non-elderly as eligible for the program. It’s expected that most of the additional funds will be paid to non-
elderly renters and homeowners and significantly increase their average rebate amount.


                                         HUNGER WATCH
 Woonsocket Approves Universal Free School Breakfast Trial: After a year-long campaign led by members
of the Northern RI Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty, the Woonsocket School Committee finally
agreed to implement a pilot universal free school breakfast at the Coleman Elementary School from April
through the end of the school year. Led by members Roger Harris and Judy Dance, the campaign overcame
fierce opposition from Woonsocket School Superintendent Anthony D’Acchioli. The Campaign’s next goal is
to seek universal free school breakfast at Woonsocket’s middle and high schools.

 Summer Feeding Programs Expanded: In a perennial summer ritual, the Wiley Center’s advocacy resulted
in continuation of the federally-funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in East Providence and
Cranston, with both cities adding more sites this year. Meanwhile, after local Campaign members protested
outside Warwick’s City Hall, city officials agreed to provide a city-funded snack program to 350 children at all
city summer recreation sites. Warwick officials also agreed to work on a summer lunch program at those sites
for next year.

 $100,000 for Food Stamp Outreach: Thanks to the efforts of the OneRI Coalition and in particular the
Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the 2006 state budget appropriated $100,000 to fund efforts to reach out
and enroll eligible Rhode Islanders for food stamps. Those funds will be matched with federal dollars. Rhode
Island’s estimated rate of eligible recipients receiving food stamps has fallen below 70% this year.




(Energy Plan continued from page 1)

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bills, a 1.25¢ per gallon tax on home heating oil, and allocation of 1% from an electric energy conservation
fund already collected from electricity customers. This would generate a fund of $9 million per year. Federal
energy dollars would be added to the fund.

Senate Hearing Held: On June 14 the affordable energy bill was heard in the Senate’s Financial Services,
Technology and Regulatory Issues Committee chaired by Senator William Walaska (D-Warwick). A host of
diverse and vocal witnesses spoke in favor of the bill, including representatives of Narragansett Electric and
New England Gas. Rev. John Holt of the R.I. State Council of Churches, who chaired the commission that
developed the plan, described it as a “moral issue” and stressed that the bill represented a compromise between
community and business interests. Strong personal testimony came from people living on fixed incomes who
were unable to keep up with skyrocketing energy prices.

Oil Dealers Renege on Support: The affordable energy bill came under vocal attack from a bevy of small oil
heat dealers despite the fact that their trade association, the Oil Heat Institute, had supported it as a member of
the commission that crafted it. Their complaints were vague: the bill “would create another bureaucracy, ” it
wasn’t needed because they “ ‘took care’ of their low-income customers”, it was “another tax”. Ken Payne
responded that staff would be drawn from existing sources, including the Governor’s Energy Office. Committee
Chair Walaska did most of the talking, while most Committee members asked few questions and didn’t indicate
where they stood on the bill. Senator Daniel Issa (D-Central Falls) was most strongly supportive.

No vote was taken that day and the Committee never did vote on the bill before the end of the session. The
short time remaining before the end of the session and other last-minute legislative issues such as the state
budget worked against it. The bill’s supporters were left wondering whether the oil dealers’ testimony was the
stumbling block or whether other factors were involved. Following the session, R.I. Community Food Bank
Director Bernie Beaudreau urged that the members of the affordable energy commission meet soon to plan
their ongoing strategy for next year. That meeting was scheduled for the fourth week in July.

Wiley Center Bill Provides Small Victory for Shut-off Customers: Earlier, because the proposed affordable
energy bill would not take effect until the winter of 2006, the Wiley Center introduced legislation requiring
energy companies in 2005 to restore service to shut-off low-income customers for a 10% down payment and 36
months to pay the balance. Despite strong testimony before the House Corporations Committee documenting
the Public Utilities Commission’s inflexible regulations, the bill also appeared unlikely to pass. However,
thanks to ceaseless efforts by sponsor Representative Art Handy, Senator William Tassoni, and Wiley staff
Henry Shelton and Julie Silvia the General Assembly passed a watered-down bill. Julie handled the last-
minute negotiations, and the House passed the bill at 1:30 AM as its last act before adjourning. The final bill
mandated that the P.U.C. allow shut–off low income customers to have service restored for 20% down and 24
months to pay the back balance. The bill had major limitations---it would only be in effect until August 15 of
this year. After debating whether to even support this extremely limited bill, the Wiley Center decided that it
was better than nothing because it would help some poor households. Furthermore, it did “send a message” to
the P.U.C. that it should be more flexible in applying its rules to poor customers.

STATISTICS OF THE WEEK:
Low Income Households with Energy Shut Offs & Restorations in 2005 as of June 30
Company:                         New England Gas          Narragansett Electric
Shutoffs:                             1,155                        523
Restorations:                           352                        454
Low Income Households                   803                         69
Still shut off 6/30/05


                                 Coalition Wins Victories

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The One Rhode Island Coalition is a consortium of advocacy, social service and religious organizations that
unites to support an annual agenda of direct financial benefits for poor and working class Rhode Islanders. The
George Wiley Center is a founding member of the Coalition and Henry Shelton serves on its steering
committee. During this General Assembly session One Rhode Island won more than $3.8 million that was
added to the Governor’s proposed fiscal 2006 budget, including a) $100,000 for food stamp outreach; b) $1.2
million increased funding for the refundable earned income tax credit; c) $2.5 million increase in Neighborhood
Opportunities Program funds for affordable housing subsidies; and d) $22,000 to eliminate monthly RIte Care
premiums imposed on pregnant women and children under age 1. In addition, $3.3 million in benefits were
protected from the Governor’s proposed cuts.

Citizens demand “jobs, not penalties” at DHS Hearing
A large and vocal crowd of advocates, welfare recipients and community leaders braved sweltering heat to
speak out against new welfare regulations at a R.I. Department of Human Services (DHS) public hearing on
July 12. DHS is preparing regulations to cut off all cash assistance from families for families who “refuse to
cooperate” for 18 months. While the new policy was mandated by the General Assembly, the Governor had
proposed cutting off families after 12 months at the behest of DHS.

Wiley Center speakers attacked DHS for its failure to have an effective job development and training program
in place for recipients. Jack Reinholt called the rules “insanity”. Maggi Burns Rogers said the rules violated
the basic tenet of Rhode Island’s Family Independence Act that “the children would be protected no matter
what.” Heidi Collins, Executive Director of Rhode Island Parents for Progress, blasted DHS for once again
refusing to support legislation that would allow welfare recipients to receive vocational education or training at
any time during their “5-year window” of eligibility, instead of only during the first two years. She also said
that many of her members reported that the sanction process was not explained to them. Several staff from the
East Bay Community Action Head Start Program in Newport gave extremely powerful testimony describing
ineffective “computer training” and “job search” programs for welfare recipients funded by DHS. As a result
of this hearing, the Wiley Center and other advocacy groups will be meeting with acting DHS Director
Ron Lebel and his staff to examine alternatives to implementing these draconian rules.

R.I. CAMPAIGN TO ELIMINATE CHILDHOOD POVERTY NEWS BRIEFS

 Aquidneck Island Chapter supports Middletown Plan for Surplus Navy Housing: Middletown members
held a telephone campaign urging their town council to support a plan to increase affordable housing units in
the town. After months of extremely difficult negotiations, Church Community Housing and the Town of
Middletown Planning Department had reached agreement with the civilian management company handling
excess Navy land and buildings in an area known as “The Anchorage”. The agreement would allow Church
Community and the town to buy a 28-acre parcel containing 300 units at a below-market price. When the time
came to commit the funds, some council members began to get “cold feet”. However, after last minute changes
that reduced the number of children projected to live in the development, in the end the project was approved. It
will produce 162 units, 60 of which will be homeownership condominiums and 102 a mixture of market rate
rentals and affordable housing. Congratulations to Steve Ostiguy, Church Community Housing’s Executive
Director, for pulling off this spectacular accomplishment!

(Briefs continued on p.5)
(Briefs continued from p.4)

 Chapters Win Affordable Housing Resolutions from Towns: The Aquidneck Island and South County
Chapters achieved passage of town council resolutions asking their General Assembly representatives to
support legislation increasing state funding for affordable housing subsidies by $2.5 million. Resolutions were
passed by the Middletown, Charlestown, South Kingstown and North Kingstown town councils.


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 East Bay Chapter Fights for DHS Satellite Office: Members met with DHS Acting Director Ron Lebel to
demand that he fulfill promises made by former director Jane Hayward to open a satellite office in the East Bay
area after closing the East Providence DHS office. Lebel asked for one month to prepare a plan to address the
members’ concerns.


Six New Members Join Wiley Center Board: The George Wiley Center Board of
Directors elected six new members who took their positions at the May board meeting. The new members are
Irwin Becker of Providence, Lisa Dupree of Cranston, Robert Fain of North Scituate, John Flynn of
Lincoln, John MacLennan of Narragansett and Maureen Reddy of Providence.



                                              In Memoriam
With great sadness the George Wiley Center takes note of the passing of two people who were both valiant
soldiers in the struggle for justice for low-income and working people in Rhode Island. Both recently passed
away after long battles with cancer.

Sue Boutin of Middletown was a long-time and very active member of the Aquidneck Island Chapter of the
R.I. Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty. She fearlessly spoke from her heart about the issue that affected
her personally---the lack of affordable housing. Before the Middletown Town Council and at many other public
forums she had the courage to talk about her own situation of living in substandard housing and to demand that
action be taken. We dedicate our local campaigns for affordable housing to her memory.

Tom Chellel of Pawtucket was the President of Council 94, American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees (AFSCME). He served in that position for many years. He fought equally hard for the
interests of all workers, from the lowest-paid to the highest. He never lost his concern for poor people and
social justice, and was a very good friend of the George Wiley Center and a strong supporter of the Fund for
Community Progress. As Henry Shelton has put it, “This gentle giant understood that if one child was hungry,
all of the citizens of Rhode Island were affected negatively.”


Volunteer Advocates Needed Immediately: The Wiley Center needs advocates to help
support low-income consumers at formal hearings before the R.I. Division of Public Utilities, as well as to help
represent welfare recipients at hearings at the R.I. Department of Human Services. Training will be provided.
Lawyers and non-lawyers equally welcome. Call Henry Shelton at 728-5555 or e-mail to
bill.flynn3@verizon.net.

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, September 15
Wiley Center Annual Fundraiser Auction at the Providence Performing Arts Center
(PPAC) Foyer 6-9:30 PM. Bid on great items. Invitations will be mailed soon.

              R.I. Campaign to Eliminate Childhood Poverty
        SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING CHAPTER MEETINGS
        Northern RI                Monday, August 1 @ 6:30        Woonsocket Public Library, 303
        Chapter                    PM                             Clinton St., Woonsocket
        Blackstone Valley          Thursday, August 4 @           George Wiley Center, 32 East Ave.,
        Chapter                    6:30 PM                        Pawtucket



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        South County               Tuesday, August 16,            Peace Dale Congregational
        Chapter                    @ 7:00 PM                      Church, 261 Columbia Road, Peace
                                                                  Dale
                                   Monday, July 25, and           J.O.N.A.H., 830 Oakland Beach
        Central Chapter
                                   Monday, August 29 @            Ave., Warwick
                                   7:00 PM
                                   Wednesday, August 3,           Knight Memorial Library, 275
        Providence Chapter
                                   @ 6:00 PM                      Elmwood Ave., Providence
                                   Thursday, August 11,           Florence Gray Center, 1 York St.,
        Aquidneck Chapter
                                   @ 1:00 PM                      Newport
                                   Tuesday, July 26, and          Riverside Congregational Church,
        East Bay Chapter
                                   Tuesday, August 23,            15 Oak Avenue, Riverside
                                   @ 7:00 PM




                                                                        Campaign members protest
                                                                     against DHS rules rescinding cash
                                                                     benefits for children. July 13, 2005




Legislative Heroes: The George Wiley Center is strictly non-partisan and does not endorse political
candidates. However, we are pleased to thank the following legislators for working tirelessly in support of our
priority legislation during the past General Assembly Session. In alphabetical order:

Representative Gordon Fox                   Neighborhood Opportunities Program
Representative Art Handy                    Affordable Energy
Representative Peter Kilmartin              Affordable Energy
Senator John McBurney                       Low Income Housing Circuit-Breaker
Senator Harold Metts                        Refundable EITC
Representative Tom Slater                   Refundable EITC, Affordable Energy
Senator John Tassoni                        Affordable Energy




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