PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Former Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty is retiring from his position as elderly affairs director in the Raimondo administration.

Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo said Friday Fogarty plans to retire later this year.

Raimondo says Fogarty played an important role in successfully repealing the tax seniors pay on Social Security income and in expanding support for Meals on Wheels. She says her budget request doubles state funding for senior centers partly because of his advocacy.

Fogarty, a native Rhode Islander, began his career in 1978 advising the governor on policy.

He served as a state senator, then lieutenant governor from 1999 to 2007 and director of the state labor department from 2011 to 2015. Raimondo thanked him for four decades of public service.

Fogarty says he appreciates having the opportunity to serve.