Ritter Introduces Legislation to Support Local Memorial Day Events

COLUMBUS –State Representative Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) has introduced legislation to increase funding for federally recognized veteran organizations participating in local Memorial Day events. 

County commissioners can provide local funding to veteran organizations that are participating in local Memorial Day events to help these organizations offset expenses. Currently, these organizations can apply for up to $500. Ritter, along with his joint sponsor State Representative Jonathan Newman (R-Troy), would like to increase that funding to $1,000. 

“Our local American Legions, VFWs and other veterans’ groups help our local communities honor service members, past and present, during key holidays like Memorial Day,” said Ritter. “They are providing a service and expenses have increased. So, it is only appropriate that the local government funding allotment increases as well.”

To be awarded funding, local veteran organizations must apply by submitting a statement of expenses to the board of county commissioners and return any funding not used back to the county.

House Bill 297 has been assigned to the House Veteran and Military Development Committee and awaits its first hearing.