2016 -- H 8359

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LC006210

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING HENRY SHELTON FOR MORE THAN FIVE DECADES OF ADVOCACY

AND COMMITMENT FOR SOCIAL CHANGE IN RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Handy, Barros, Tobon, Coughlin, and Johnston

     Date Introduced: June 16, 2016

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Henry Shelton began his journey to comfort and serve his fellow man as a

Catholic priest. He left the church but continued on the path in pursuit of economic justice and

empowerment for the disadvantaged and less fortunate in our state; and

     WHEREAS, Since the mid-60s, Henry Shelton has ardently and tirelessly shaped and

spearheaded multiple campaigns to help the poor by establishing a panoply of programs,

initiatives, and strategies that have fed, sheltered, warmed and empowered countless Rhode

Islanders; and

     WHEREAS, In 1981, Mr. Shelton founded the Wiley Center and served as Director for

more than three decades. It was named for Rhode Islander George Wiley who was active in the

Civil and Welfare Rights movements and is a grassroots organization that advocates for

systematic changes aimed at alleviating problems associated with poverty for low-income Rhode

Islanders; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Shelton has helped start numerous additional organizations including RI

Welfare Rights, The Coalition for Consumer Justice, W.A.G.E., and the RI Handicapped Action

Committee; and

     WHEREAS, Often testifying into the late night hours at the State House, Mr. Shelton

spearheaded an arrearage forgiveness program for LIHEAP-eligible low-income residential

households who have had their utility services shut off for non-payment or who have been

scheduled for shutoff. The initiative, known as The Henry Shelton Act, became effective in

October of 2011; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Shelton has been a vital component and driving force

behind many consumer and community welfare programs such as the utility shutoff policy, the

elimination of the sales tax on clothing, handicapped access all over the state, the defeat of the

Charlestown Nuclear Plant, and universal free breakfast for school children; and

     WHEREAS, Henry Shelton's legacy mirrors the mission he established for the Wiley

Center. He built and now bequeaths a community movement and organization that addresses

human needs and redresses injustices, and his voice will never be quieted, through door-to-door

community organizing and grassroots advocacy alliances, he has created and leaves a system in

place that will continue his good work for decades to come; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby thanks and honors Henry Shelton for more than five decades of

dedicated commitment to social change and advocacy for those less fortunate. We wish him much

happiness and good health for many years to come; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Henry Shelton.

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LC006210

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