In 1921 Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment to give bonuses to soldiers returning home from World War I. Ohioans passed similar measures to cover veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Finally, Ohio voters have the opportunity to provide this token of appreciation to those fighting the war on terrorism.
Approving Issue I on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot would show the state's veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts that Ohio appreciates their service and that Buckeye State residents are willing to help them transition back to civilian life. Specifically, Issue I does the following:
- Provides $100 per month up to $1,000 total for these veterans.
- Provides $50 per month up to $500 total for Ohioans who served elsewhere during these conflicts.
- Allows families of those who gave their lives during this service with the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 death benefit.
- Allows certain survivors to receive the same benefit if the service man or woman dies, is designated missing in action or is held prisoner.
Ohioans should be proud of this long-standing tradition and proud to continue it by approving Issue I.
