Issue of the Month: Kent County Veterans Millage

Kent County voters will be asked to vote on a special dedicated millage of .05 mills for veterans assistance on the November 4 ballot. The County Commission decided to ask the voters for extra money over and above what is currently allocated from the General Fund because our county has the 4th largest veteran population but is ranked 50th out of our state’s 83 counties in obtaining federal funds to help veterans. Since we’ve established our own Department of Veteran Affairs in 2008 we have significantly enhanced our services to veterans, but we still find there are many more needs out there that our limited staff cannot help. This dedicated source of funds will enable us to do a much better job of outreach to veterans, and will aid in providing more emergency service assistance to needy veterans and their families. Specifically, the proposed new millage funds will help provide (1) more emergency utilities help, grocery purchases, rent, and transportation assistance, (2) improve outreach services to locations where veterans live and need services, (3) assistance in filing claims for VA benefits, (4) burial services will become funded, and (5) helping female veterans transition back into the civilian community. The added tax for the average homeowner will only be $5 per year based on a home valued at $100,000. For more information visit the Vote Yes for Vets website www.kentcountyvets.com.