We are seeing a new and continued push for more funding for Veterans Service Programs in the state.
Both the Rhode Island House and Senate have passed resolutions that call for more than 70 thousand dollars to the Department of Veterans Affairs for its Officers program.
Warwick State Representatives Camille Vella-Wilkinson and Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee are leading the push.
“There are over 63,000 veterans in Rhode Island, and too many of them don’t know how to access their benefits,” said Representative Vella-Wilkinson, a retired naval officer. “Many of our cities and towns don’t have a local office, leaving veterans to fend for themselves in navigating sometimes-confusing websites, which just isn’t a viable option for many of our vets. We want to ensure that the veteran community across the state is well-served and knowledgeable when it comes to their benefits and how to access them.”
“Veterans have given so much for their country, including a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice,” said Representative McEntee. “The VFW currently receives a $28,000 grant to help with this program. We’d like to see that changed to a $100,000 item in the annual budget to expand and publicize the VSO program and enhance the lives of our veterans and military families.”
The money will be used to help identify veterans and their families and help them with healthcare and housing issues among other things.
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