VETERANS’ GROUPS

An analysis of spending by the 15 biggest veterans’ groups chartered by Congress found that six spent less than 60 percent of their revenue on charitable programs, while five spent a greater share of their income on such efforts, according to an analysis by Knight Ridder. The rest did not disclose their spending on programs on their informational tax returns. Those groups, plus their affiliated organizations, raised a total of $330-million last year. Even though Congress charters the groups, it provides very little oversight and questions have been raised about the legitimacy of some veterans groups, the wire service said.