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5/17/2022 Sen. Raptakis’ bill proposes boost in life insurance coverage for RI National Guard members
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick) has introduced legislation (2022-S 2064) that would increase the life insurance benefit for Rhode Island National Guard members and their families.

The bill is being heard by the Senate Finance Committee today.

Senator Raptakis said the move is necessary to recognize the state’s military personnel for their service and to help them make sure their families are protected. The bill would increase the amount from the current level of $400,000 to $500,000 for the state-funded life insurance available to every active member of the Rhode Island National Guard.

“Rhode Islanders have a proud tradition of serving their country and providing honorable military service and their families deserve financial protection if the worst were to happen,” he said. “Frankly, this amount has not been changed in ten years and with rising costs and inflation, this increase is absolutely necessary to help families experiencing the ultimate sacrifice of their loved one.  As tensions in the world continue to grow by the day, leading to great uncertainty of when and where our National Guard members could be deployed, the necessity of this legislation becomes more urgent and apparent.”

Senator Raptakis was the principal sponsor in 2004 of the legislation establishing the state-funded life insurance program for members of the National Guard. In its first year, $250,000 of coverage was provided, and that has grown to $400,000 through the years.

“There is never enough that we can do to show our gratitude to these fine individuals,” said Senator Raptakis. “My proposal to hike the coverage is just one small way to provide for the families of those who may make the ultimate sacrifice.”

Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) has introduced the legislation (2022-H 7449) in the House of Representatives.



For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124