Lawmaker proclaims 2016 as the ‘Year of the Veteran’

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ A state lawmaker is proclaiming 2016 as the “Year of the Veteran” in Rhode Island.

Other states and cities have previously designated years to honor veterans.

Rep. Robert Lancia, a former Navy chaplain, plans to hold an event Tuesday at the statehouse to make 2016 Rhode Island’s year to honor veterans.

Lancia says he’ll discuss bipartisan legislation he’s introducing to benefit veterans.

Lancia says veterans have earned the public’s support and respect and it’s important to honor them.

The Cranston Republican is working to exempt the amount of a military pension that’s included in federal adjusted gross income from the state income tax and to help veteran-owned businesses get state contracts.

Lancia also wants to start a program to help people leaving the service start small businesses in Rhode Island.

© The Associated Press WLNE-TV  2015