08-R094

2008 -- S 2838

Enacted 03/05/08

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ADEQUATELY

PROVIDE FOR OUR COUNTRY'S VETERANS

Introduced By: Senators Blais, Breene, Bates, Felag, and Tassoni

Date Introduced: March 05, 2008

     WHEREAS, America’s veterans have and continue to make tremendous sacrifices,

offering years of their lives for our country, and often going into harm’s way. All too frequently

they return from service with a multitude of serious problems and needs that must be met; and

     WHEREAS, Various studies have indicated that the number of homeless veterans stands

at 194,254, which means that one in four of all homeless people in our country are veterans, and

that number will grow substantially in the coming decade because the mental health toll from the

war in Iraq is enormous; and

      WHEREAS, Additional statistics suggest that 45% of all participants in Veteran’s

Administration homeless programs have a diagnosable mental illness, 75% have a substance

abuse problem, and 35% have both; and

      WHEREAS, It is essential that America’s veterans know that they are never far from our

thoughts and prayers, and that we recognize that our freedom and human rights are safeguarded

by the heroic service and actions of all the valiant and dauntless members of the Armed Forces.

It is essential that this country responds to the needs of its veterans; now, therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby urges the United States Congress, on behalf of this grateful nation, to provide for our

veterans with long term health care, post combat job training and a place to call home; and be it

further

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

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the members of the Rhode Island Congressional

Delegation and the President of the United States.

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LC02373

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