R 019

2016 -- H 7226 Enacted 01/19/2016

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING 2016 TO BE "THE YEAR OF THE VETERAN" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Lancia, Naughton, Azzinaro, Costa, and Reilly

Date Introduced: January 19, 2016

WHEREAS, According to the United States Census, Rhode Island has approximately

71,000 military veterans residing in our State. Veterans constitute close to twenty percent of the

adult population in Rhode Island. On a daily basis they enrich our lives and are a link to our past;

and

WHEREAS, In the near future, a significant increase is expected in the number of

military veterans who will transition from military life to civilian life. Many of them will enroll

in colleges and universities. They deserve enhanced access to all available educational and job

training opportunities as they strive to provide for their families; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Education and

Defense work collaboratively to develop the best strategies to aid our veterans and active service

members to reach their educational and training goals; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That we recognize veteran legislative initiatives: providing a pension tax

exemption, creating a Virtual Veterans Academy to include a directory of resources, education,

and a roadmap of services available, and a three percent set-aside of government contracts for

veterans; and be it further

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

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims 2016 to be "The Year of the Veteran" in the State of

Rhode Island; 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 Ms. Kim A. Ripoli, Associate Director,

Division of Veterans Affairs.

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LC003932

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