Funding For Veterans Services Varies

A report commissioned by the state says while Ohio appears to offer one of the most comprehensive benefit packages to veterans in the nation, its funding system creates vast disparities between urban and rural areas. The report was conducted by a private consulting firm. A spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Veterans Services says the existing funding system allows each county to make decisions based on its needs. Each of the 88 counties has an agency tasked with helping needy vets. Funding is determined through property tax collections and the county's veteran population. The report also says the county agencies are struggling to file federal claims for vets.