By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
State leaders waged a rally Tuesday, to promote a ballot question for a $27 million bond to finish the Rhode Island Veteran’s Home in Bristol.
The home is nearing completion, based on a $94 million bond approved by voters in 2012, but an increased federal match offered a cost saving to Rhode Island, prompting the additional bond, said Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI1).
“The federal government has tripled its contribution to $60 million, which means the state is able to reduce its original authorization of $72 million to $60 million,” Cicilline said. “So this will save Rhode Island taxpayers $12 million, and it will result in the best facility you can imagine.”
Groundbreaking for the Bristol home was held in May, 2015. Gov. Gina Raimondo and the Director of the Rhode Island Office of Veteran’s Affairs, Kasim Yarn were among the speakers pledging to make a better home for veterans.
“I’m a staunch supporter of question three,” Raimondo told residents gathered outside the current home, some in wheelchairs. “And, I want you to know we’re going to get this done next week. We’re advocating for it, and it will happen, because it’s what you deserve.”
“Our society has a moral obligation to serve those who protected this great nation,” said Yarn.
