Town Hall: Can policymakers keep America’s promises to Ohio veterans?

Note: This event was held on Aug. 20, 2025. Some information may be out of date. See below for details about events and resources mentioned in the recording.

Panelists (in order of appearance)

• Hannah Halbert: Executive Director, Policy Matters Ohio
• Nick Gwyn: Senior Fellow, Government Affairs, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
• Chris Ericksen: President and National Veterans Committee Chair, UWUA Local 270
• Jeremy Parkins: Founder/President, Dress Right Dress Inc.
• Drew Smith, Outreach Supervisor, Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission
• Geniece Garner, Veteran Service Officer, Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission

Resources

• Presentation slides
• Share your story
• Policy brief: Can America keep its promises to veterans?
• Dress Right Dress Inc. assists Service-Members and Veterans of the United States Armed Forces throughout Ohio during tough times associated with transitional hardships and life after the military. Learn more at https://www.dressrightdress.org/
• Veterans Service Offices provide an array of services that help connect veterans and their families to the benefits they may be entitled to. Use this link to find a County Veterans Service Office near you. Find a County VSO near you.
• Vet Connect 2025 is a powerful, one-day event designed exclusively for Veterans and their families, featuring access to Veteran Service Officers for questions and camaraderie; free meals and refreshments throughout the day; on-site creation of Veteran ID Cards and Dog Tags; a coalition of Veteran-Serving Organizations ready to connect you with life-changing resources. See this flyer for details and register here.
• See this flyer for info about resources for Homeless Veterans.
• 2025 Military Friendly Employers: List of verified companies rated by the policies and practices they offer that benefit veterans.
• OhioMeansJobs Military-Friendly Employers: Self-selected designation as an employer that grants preference to veteran and military employees.

More info on how the federal budget impacts Ohioans

• Ohioans More than 130,000 Ohio households to see a $1,150 annual reduction in SNAP benefits, and rural counties are hit hardest. The Center for Community Solutions
• An Updated County-Level Look at Imminent ACA Marketplace Premium Increases. The Century Foundation.