2024 -- H 8134

========

LC005775

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

____________

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO ENSURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A

COMPREHENSIVE AND ACTIONABLE PLAN THAT ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF

RHODE ISLAND'S AGING POPULATION

     Introduced By: Representative Lauren H. Carson

     Date Introduced: April 03, 2024

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, On May 11, 2023, the House of Representatives enacted a legislative

commission to study and provide recommendations pertaining to services and coordination of

state programs relating to older adult Rhode Islanders; and

     WHEREAS, The purpose of the commission is to make a comprehensive study of key

statistics and information about services for older adults in Rhode Island including, but not

limited to, review and provide recommendations for the funding of services through State,

Federal, and private grants and provide recommendations for more efficient distribution and use

of these dollars and more effective delivery of services as we prepare for a growth in the numbers

of aging Rhode Islanders over the next seven (7) years; and

     WHEREAS, The Commission has gathered strategic information essential for the

formulation of a State Plan on Aging, and thus far, has made significant progress effectively

constituting half of the work required for a comprehensive strategic plan; and

     WHEREAS, To expedite the planning process efficiently and cost-effectively requires

specialized expertise and strategic guidance, including engaging a qualified strategic planning

consultant to ensure the development of a comprehensive and actionable plan that addresses the

needs of Rhode Island's aging population; and

     WHEREAS, An allocation of $250,000 is essential for the engagement of a strategic

planning consultant for the development and completion of a comprehensive and actionable 2030

Aging Plan that addresses the needs of Rhode Island's aging population, which would be broken

down as follows:

     1. $200,000 for a strategic planning consultant to facilitate the completion of the 2030

Aging Plan, ensuring that the expertise of both the House Study Commission on Aging Policy

and relevant state agencies are effectively utilized, and thereby maximizing the impact of

available resources and expediting the implementation of critical initiatives to support Rhode

Island's aging population;

     2. The strategic planning consultant would be selected through a competitive

procurement process, ensuring that the chosen consultant possesses the requisite experience,

expertise, and resources to effectively facilitate the formulation of the State Plan on Aging. The

consultants would be chosen by the Rhode Island Office on Aging;

     3. The strategic planning consultant would work closely with the State Division on

Planning, the Rhode Island Office on Healthy Aging, the House Commission on Aging and other

relevant stakeholders to gather input, analyze data, and develop recommendations for the State

Plan on Aging;

     4. The strategic planning consultant would also be responsible for conducting thorough

research, identifying best practices, and drafting actionable strategies and initiatives to address the

diverse needs and priorities of Rhode Island's aging population utilizing the work products of the

House Study Commission on Aging Policy;

     5. The State Division on Planning and the Rhode Island Office on Healthy Aging would

collaborate closely with the planning consultant to ensure that the resulting plan is

comprehensive, actionable, and reflective of the needs and priorities of Rhode Island's aging

population;

     6. The strategic planning consultant would provide regular progress reports and updates

to the State Division on Planning, the Rhode Island Office on Healthy Aging, the House Study

Commission on Aging and other stakeholders throughout the planning process, soliciting

feedback and ensuring alignment with state priorities and objectives;

     7. The Rhode Island Office on Healthy Aging, in conjunction with the State Division on

Planning and the House Study Commission on Aging Policy, would oversee the preparation of

the 2030 Aging Plan;

     8. $25,000 would be allocated to the Rhode Island Office on Healthy Aging and would be

utilized to facilitate outreach efforts, community engagement initiatives, and other activities

aimed at ensuring that the perspectives and needs of aging residents are incorporated into the

2030 Aging Plan;

     9. $25,000 would be allocated to the State Division on Planning and would be utilized to

LC005775 - Page 2 of 4

support staffing, administrative costs, and other resources necessary for their involvement in the

planning process;

     10. The 2030 Aging Plan for Rhode Island would be completed no later than July 2025,

and would incorporate the strategic insights and recommendations gathered by the House Study

Commission on Aging Policy; and

     WHEREAS, The completion of the 2030 Aging Plan will serve as a critical step in

advancing the State's commitment to supporting and enhancing the well-being of its aging

residents, fostering a more inclusive and age-friendly Rhode Island for generations to come; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2024-2025, the sum of two hundred fifty thousand

dollars ($250,000) for a strategic planning consultant, to the Rhode Island Office on Healthy

Aging, and to the State Division on Planning to ensure the development of a comprehensive and

actionable plan that addresses the needs of Rhode Island's aging population; and the state

controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for the

payment of said sum, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.

========

LC005775

========

LC005775 - Page 3 of 4

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO ENSURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A

COMPREHENSIVE AND ACTIONABLE PLAN THAT ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF

RHODE ISLAND'S AGING POPULATION

***

     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $250,000 consisting of

$200,000 for a strategic planning consultant, and $25,000 each for the Rhode Island Office on

Healthy Aging, and the State Division on Planning.

========

LC005775

========

LC005775 - Page 4 of 4