Audit calls for better oversight of Minn. veterans offices
(AP) - Minnesota's Legislative Auditor is highlighting disparities in staffing and budgets for county veterans services offices as it recommends greater state oversight.
An audit released Wednesday finds that spending on veterans services in 2006 ranged from $5 per veteran in some counties to $125 in others. Veteran-to-staff ratios ranged from 350-to-one to more than 11,000-to-one.
Auditors note that state law gives the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs general supervisory authority over local offices. But the report says the state agency lacks adequate tools to carry out that function.
The report urges lawmakers to require that county offices report key performance information to the state. That way, the department can ensure veterans get benefits to which they're entitled.
Duane Krueger of the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers says the report validates the work of county offices but notes there is room to improve.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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