To the editor:

As an active member of Rhode Island AARP for 20 years, I am a great supporter of their advocacy efforts to help the senior population. Elderly friends of mine repeatedly have said they want to stay in their homes as long as they can. They look for ways they can live independently and not be a financial burden for anyone.

Legislation — H-5778 and S-477, the Livable Home Tax Credit — addresses this wish. The legislation would provide tax credits for up to $5,000 based on 50 percent of the first $10,000 in improvements. Co-sponsors of the bill include our local Sen. Felag and Rep. Carson 

Why is this legislation needed? Housing that is safe and accommodating for the aging will become a significant issue in the future. In data from the 2016 Rhode Island Housing Commission, the 65-plus population will increase by 40 percent in the next 10 years.

The Livable Home Tax Credit proposal would allow homeowners to make modifications to improve accessibility and safety. The modification could include such things as wheel chair ramps, railings, widening halls and doors, even adding such things as an additional bathroom. 

The legislation, besides allowing older Rhode Islanders to continue to live in their homes, reduces the financial burden for essential home modifications. It would also reduce the state cost of Medicaid by keeping seniors out of nursing homes. Many people who go from hospitals to nursing homes never make it back home because of safety or accessibility issues.

I think this is worthy legislation for all of us and urge you to let your legislators know that you, too, support the Livable Home Tax Credit. 

Tia Scigulinsky

368 Sea Meadow Drive

Portsmouth