Scratch-off game raises funds for vets

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A new lottery game will raise money for the 1.7 million veterans in Texas.

Texas Senator Leticia Van de Putte and Representative Chris Turner unveiled Veterans Cash on Monday. The two lawmakers spearheaded the legislation that created the game. Members of veterans groups joined them at the ceremony.

Proceeds from the lotto will go to the Permanent Fund for Veterans' Assistance. The fund supports military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as families of deployed service members and veterans.

"We could generate up to $9 million annually to help Texas veterans," said Representative Chris Turner. "We can help more veterans with transportation assistance to VA hospitals. We could help fund PTSD counseling services that are so crucial, especially to many of our younger veterans. And we'll be able to do more to reduce the shame of veterans' homelessness in Texas."

Veterans Cash will be in stores on Nov. 9, just two days before Veterans Day. A scratch-off ticket costs $2 and the top prize payout is $20,000.

"With the help of this lottery scratch-off game, we can provide our veterans some help that they need and have earned," said Rep. Turner. "And what we can do also is honor the service and the sacrifice of Texas veterans that they have more than demonstrated over and over again."