Ohio voters approve veterans bonuses

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio voters have opened their wallets to veterans, easily approving bonuses of up to $1,000 for those who served in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq.

Voters approved a constitutional amendment Tuesday authorizing $200 million in bonds to be issued to pay for the bonuses, which will amount to $100 a month up to $1,000.

With 44 percent of precincts reporting, Issue 1 is passing 73 percent to 27 percent.

Veterans who served outside war zones during those conflicts will get $50 a month up to $500. Family members may also apply for a death benefit of $5,000, which will be based on an application
process.

This marks the first time the state will pay bonuses for a war that hasn't ended, but Ohio has paid similar veterans' bonuses throughout history.