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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