Senate passes Pichardo bill that would give housing priority to veterans
STATE HOUSE – June 4, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Senate has passed legislation introduced by Sen. Juan M. Pichardo (D-Dist. 2, Providence) that would give homeless veterans an edge when seeking public housing assistance. The measure, which passed the Senate 37-0, now heads to the House of Representatives.
The bill (2015 S-0646) would give veterans a priority for housing rental subsidy and housing retention assistance by amending the Rhode Island Housing Resource Act.
“Putting an end to homelessness among our veterans is one of the priorities of Senate leadership this year,” said Senator Pichardo. “I’m proud to sponsor this legislation, which is a big step in getting a roof over the heads of all our veterans.”
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that of the adult homeless population throughout the country, more than 12 percent are veterans of the armed forces. Last year, The General Assembly passed a package of bills to assist veterans with their reintegration into society, increase their access to educational opportunities and help them obtain essential medical and human service benefits.
This legislation continues the tradition of helping veterans by making public housing assistance that much easier to acquire.
The bill is co-sponsored by President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown), Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Bristol, Tiverton, Warren), Elizabeth A. Crowley (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket), and Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence).
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-2457
