PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island lawmaker is calling on the state to double the amount of funding for community senior centers and programs for the elderly.
Rep. Joseph Shekarchi, a Warwick Democrat, notes that the state has cut funds for community senior services from $900,000 in 2006 to $364,000 this year. Meanwhile, the number of seniors living in the state continues to rise.
Shekarchi introduced a bill this week that would set increase funding levels for community senior centers and programs by $400,000.
The money would also create a formula that divides funding for seniors based on the number living in each community.
A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Louis DiPalma.
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