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.
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