To the Editor:
The state of Rhode Island must provide water, heat, electricity and air conditioning; heat and air conditioning to meet 70 degrees for normal living conditions. The Necessity Act …
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To the Editor:
The state of Rhode Island must provide water, heat, electricity and air conditioning; heat and air conditioning to meet 70 degrees for normal living conditions. The Necessity Act – Residents of Rhode Island must meet the following qualifications:
1. Unemployed because of physical or mental reasons
2. Unemployed because unemployment at 5 percent or above
3. Unemployed or living on $16,000 or less
How do we finance?
Currently, everyone pays 73 cents a month on electricity or would do the same on water, gas, oil, or propane gas. I believe this should produce the necessary funds. If it is not, the state could pay from the general fund. The state pays presently for residents who are underinsured or not insured. The money should not have to be repaid.
When you collect unemployment payment or receive aid on medical costs, you are not required to pay. Payment plans only work if you’re employed.
Qualifications – You have to be physically examined by a licensed physician or mentally examined. You have to be living under the poverty label of $16,000 per annum. You must be examined once a year. You must be economically examined once a year.
Penalties – If you in any manner fraudulently attain benefits from the Necessity Act, you will lose all of your state benefits, food stamps, etc., now provided by the state. An anonymous tip on someone will produce a $50 reward.
We had a moral obligation to all our residents; 95 percent of us will be able to help the 5 percent indigent needs.
I am approaching legislators now as you are reading this. I would also recommend the George Wiley Center and Senior Agenda to manage the funds collected and the policing of the bill. I believe $100,000 to each of the above would be a necessary amount needed. These two organizations have been outstanding in their vigilance for the elderly and the indigent.
Let’s encourage, not discourage. Let’s keep our residents safe and comfortable.
The electric fund should be managed by a nonprofit organization. Taxpayers should be confident their taxes are going the right way.
Elmer H. Gardiner
Warwick
2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
davebarry109
You are out of your liberal mind. Why am I paying 73 cents on my electric and gas bills to support those who cannot afford gas or electric? That is forced charity. I give to the poor and to my church. Why does the state decide who I give money too? This is un American. I cannot abide this nonsense.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Report this
ronruggieri
The " liberal mind " of Mr. Elmer H. Gardiner is indeed too moderate for any democratic Socialist giving " critical support " to the Bernie Sanders campaign.. Under socialist principles " forced charity " would not be a complaint of privileged citizens. They will , however , complain about " forced equality " There is nothing rich people do in America -no intellectual or physical efforts- that justifies 21st century economic inequality.
And the so called capitalist FREE MARKET is as inhumane as it is irrational.The banking crisis of 2008 showed the whole world just WHO has a grandiose sense of entitlement: our very own ONE PERCENT.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016 Report this