Veterans to Rally – TODAY – for Retiree Tax Relief

OSDRI is uniting with local veterans and veteran organizations to rally for an end to taxation on military retirements. OSDRI Executive Director Erik Wallin will emcee a rally Thursday, February 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Rhode Island State House Rotunda to call on the General Assembly to pass Article 6 of Governor Dan McKee’s Fiscal Year 2023 state budget proposal which phases out taxation of military pensions over the next five years.

“This is the first step in ensuring that once our heroes come home, they can stay home,” said Executive Director Erik Wallin, Esq. “It’s time that Rhode Island follow the lead of Massachusetts, Connecticut  and the majority of other states by exempting military retirements from income tax. This will ensure that Rhode Island veterans can stay in Rhode Island throughout their retirement.” 

Governor Daniel McKee, Senator Walter S. Felag Jr., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Legislation and Veteran’s Affairs, Representative Samuel A. Azzinaro, Chairman of the House Veteran’s Affairs Committee, Director Kasim J. Yarn of the Office of Veteran Affairs, as well as veteran advocates throughout the state will speak in favor of the legislation at the rally.

Operation Stand Down RI along with many other veteran groups has advocated for the end of taxation of military retirement pay for years. 

“This proposed budget is a big step toward ensuring that Rhode Island veterans get the support and benefits they deserve from their state,” said Erik Wallin Esq.

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About Operation Stand Down Rhode Island

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Rhode Island’s primary nonprofit resource for homeless and at-risk veterans. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Johnston, OSDRI’s mission is to help veterans secure stable housing, employment, and basic human needs. OSDRI offers an array of services for veterans including a food pantry program, pro bono legal services, rental assistance, and a robust employment program. In addition, OSDRI has 88 units of housing for veterans spanning across the state from Woonsocket to Westerly. On average 2,000 veterans a year benefit from OSDRI’s services.