November Election Features Referendum On Vets' Benefits

The Nov. 7 election will include a referendum on benefits for military veterans who served during the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War.

Pennsylvania voters are being asked to decide whether the state should borrow up to $20 million to compensate about 33,000 veterans. They would receive bonuses of as much as $525 if the $20 million bond issue is approved.

The measure calls for payments of $75 for each month served. Survivors of the 27 Pennsylvanians who died in the war would be eligible for $5,000, as would prisoners of war.

There are no local races on the Nov. 7 ballot. However, statewide contests for governor and U.S. senator will likely draw some voters to the polls. Also on the ballot are seats

in the U.S. Congress and the Pa. House of Representatives. As is often the case, political observers see the Republican incumbents, Congressman John Peterson and State Assemblyman Martin Causer, as shoo-ins for re-election.

Registered voters who will be unable to cast ballots locally on Nov. 7 have until Oct. 31 to apply for an absentee ballot.