Bonuses to Ohio veterans total about $33M

COLUMBUS — Nearly 42,000 Ohio veterans have received bonus payments from the state totaling about $33 million since the program was launched more than a year ago.

The funds are being provided through a voter-approved bond issue to honor military men and women who have served during conflicts in the Middle East.

In November 2009, voters OK’d a constitutional amendment allowing the state to borrow up to $200 million to pay cash bonuses to Ohio military men and women who served at least 90 days of active duty in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq in current conflicts in the area, plus those involved in Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s.

That includes those who served from Aug. 2, 1990, to March 3, 1991; since Oct. 7, 2001, in Afghanistan; and since March 19, 2003, in Iraq.

Eligible veterans are being paid $100 per month, up to $1,000, for time served in those areas or $50 a month, up to $500, for those serving in other locations. Families of veterans who died in action will be eligible for a $5,000 death benefit.