Photo By Richard W. Dionne Jr. Navy veteran Russell Debonis keys on Gov. Donald Carcieri, during his federal tax-rebate speech in the RI Veterans' Home cafeteria on Thursday morning.

BRISTOL — About 25 veterans gathered in the Rhode Island Veterans' Home cafeteria Thursday and applauded as Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri was introduced to the lectern around 11:25 a.m. to explain President George W. Bush's tax rebate program.

A federal IRS representative was also on hand to detail the plan, adopted in February, that will offer between $300 and $1,200 plus $300 per child younger than 17, for 130 million qualifying Americans, including senior citizens who file tax return statements. Rebate checks are scheduled to start arriving in May.

Aside from presenting tax information, the governor said he had been wanting to return to the home and see its physical improvements over the past two years.

"The home, physically, is really coming along nicely. The new pharmacy is coming along. It looks good and they do a great job here," he said after his speech.

Army veteran Ernie Schaffer said he was happy to see the governor in Bristol.

"This is the first time I've seen him since I came here in April 2007. I hope he continues to visit," he said.

Some veterans wondered about how the governor would be received by Veterans' Home staff, after reports of job cuts outlined in the governor's budget proposal. In his nearly 15-minute speech, the governor hardly touched on that issue, but did thank the staff for the "great job" they do. As for the possible cuts, he said, "I'm trying to do the right thing."

Air Force veteran Ron Joynes said it was unique seeing the governor at the home "with all the staff cuts in the works."

"I'm sure a lot of staff who may lose their jobs are frustrated to see him here. They may be mad," he said.

Mr. Joynes said the governor did not plan the state's financial deficit and is in a tough situation, but has to make the decisions.

"People should have listened to Cool Moose Party candidate Robert Healey who said we've been spending more than we're taking in," he said. "It's happened over the years and Carcieri has caught the ball."

Mr. Schaffer said he hopes the governor will at least spare the nurses.

"We have some good nurses. Hopefully he won't cut them. I need diabetic care throughout the day," he said.

After his speech, Gov. Carcieri said there will be nothing like nursing cuts.

"We have to make sure the place is doing well for the veterans," he said.

The governor said he is trying to be responsive to the people and does not see much happening in the way of job cuts, aside from possibly privatizing food services.

"This could be done by outside companies that provide meals on a contractual basis," he said after his speech. "Though I understand [food services] does a good job here."

The handful of food service workers on hand, who were serving a lunch of roast beef, potatoes, carrots and fruit during the governor's visit, did not want to comment.

Maggie Potris, a medical records worker, said the governor seems like a good man stuck in a tough spot.

"No one wants job cuts for themselves or their friends. I hope he's not just looking at cutting some state workers for a solution," she said. "I hope everything eventually works out."