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CORDRAY PROPOSES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FOR VETERANS
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Monday, 05 November 2007
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(Columbus)—Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray today asked the legislature to place on the ballot a constitutional amendment to provide compensation to Ohio veterans of major conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Cordray was joined by Thomas Germano, an Iraq war veteran and West Point graduate from Mentor who, on behalf of other soldiers in his unit, wrote the treasurer’s office earlier this year to find out whether Ohio offered any specific financial benefits for its veterans upon their return home.
“When Captain Germano contacted us with his question, we were sorry to report back to him that, unlike some other states, Ohio had no such financial benefits available,” Cordray said. “But we didn’t think that answer was good enough, so we didn’t stop there.”
Cordray said Germano’s question prompted research that found Ohio had issued bonds through separate voter-approved amendments to the state’s constitution in order to provide compensation to its veterans of World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
“I believe that we should now do the same for those serving in the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as for those who served during the Persian Gulf War,” Cordray said. “While modest, these benefits recognize the service of our war veterans and help with their transition back to civilian life.”
The proposed amendment provides for compensation of $100 for each month served by veterans in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, or Iraq, up to $1,000, and monthly compensation of $50 for those serving elsewhere during these conflicts, up to $500. Family members of those killed in action would receive $5,000 in addition to any other allowable compensation.
Voters would be asked to authorize no more than $200 million in bonds, Cordray said, along the lines of benefits paid in the past and updated for inflation. The cost, which he estimated would be about $106 million, would be spread over 15 years with a maximum annual debt service payment estimated to be approximately $9.5 million.
“Ohio’s tradition of honoring the sacrifices of soldiers who served during periods of major conflicts defines our state’s history as well as its geography,” Cordray noted. Large tracts of the Northwest Territory, which later became the state of Ohio, were districts reserved to compensate veterans of the Revolutionary War. The practice of awarding land for American veterans of wartime military service continued from 1776 through 1855.
The first time monetary bonuses were awarded to Ohio veterans was in 1862 when a state property tax of three fifths of a mil was levied to create a fund “for the relief of the necessities of the families of non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates.” The tax was doubled in 1864 and black soldiers and their families became eligible, for the first time, to receive these benefits from the state.
“Knowing your commitment to those who serve our country, I want to propose one way in which we might all work together to continue this proud tradition,” Cordray wrote in a letter delivered this morning to state legislators.
To read the full text of the proposed amendment, a cost analysis, and background on previous veterans’ ballot issues and military bonuses in Ohio, go to www.ohiotreasurer.gov
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