|
Thursday, 29 October 2009 |
By MATT NICHOLS
Staff Writer
A “yes” vote for Ohio Issue 1 is the perfect way to show gratitude to Ohio’s most recent veterans, the Auglaize County Veterans Commissions director says.
The proposed constitutional amendment which will be on the Nov. 3 ballot would authorize up to $200 million in bonds for veterans of conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the Persian Gulf.
Auglaize County Veterans Commissions Director Doug Howard said the amendment would continue a longstanding tradition put forth in Ohio decades ago.
Ohio voters approved in 1921 a constitutional amendment to provide bonuses for soldiers who fought during World War I, and that tradition continued.
Howard told the Wapakoneta Daily News there is no reason to exclude the most recent veterans from what is entitled to them for their service.
“The state of Ohio gave war bonuses to previous veterans from the other wars — World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam,” Howard said. “It only makes sense to do it for these men as well.”
Howard, who served three tours during the Vietnam War while he was in the Navy, said the amendment strikes a chord with him personally, and said all those who served should be bestowed an honor.
“This is very important to me that these vets be honored like the rest have been honored,” Howard said.
Howard said the Issue was first brought to attention by state Attorney General Richard Cordray who spearheaded the issue when he was state treasurer.
Howard said the proposal died in the Ohio legislature and never made it to fruition.
When Cordray became attorney general, he re-introduced it with better results.
The $200 million in bonds would be divided amongst Ohio veterans in several different ways. Those who were involved in the conflicts in the Middle East would be receive $100 for each month of service, not to exceed $1,000.
Soldiers, who were stationed elsewhere during the conflicts but never saw combat, would receive $50 for each month of service, not to exceed $500. Family members of qualified deceased Ohio veterans could also apply for a $5,000 death benefit.
The state would issue the bonds immediately after passage, and would continue until Dec. 31, 2013.
The Ohio Ballot Board received no submission of opposition to the amendment, and in that absence, the board released two arguments against the proposal.
The board argued the amendment would authorize the government to spend more in bond money, and would mean taxpayers would have to pay back the bonds sometime in the future.
Howard countered the fears by assuring the amendment is a bond, and not a tax issue, and said voters should keep in mind the main reason behind the proposal.
“This gives all the residents in Ohio a chance to thank the veterans who served for them,” Howard said. “Is it worth it? It is absolutely worth it.”
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 30 October 2009 )
|
