Bonuses proposed for Ohio vets of Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts

Bonuses proposed for Ohio vets of Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts

COLUMBUS — Voters would decide whether to use state bonds to pay for bonuses to veterans of current and recent military conflicts under a ballot issue proposed by one state lawmaker.

The constitutional amendment is outlined in a resolution offered by Sen. Tim Grendell, a Republican from Chesterland.

The move is in line with a proposal first outlined by state Treasurer Richard Cordray, who asked lawmakers in November to create the bonus fund for veterans who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Persian Gulf.

Comparable bonuses were approved by voters for veterans of World War I and II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

The new issue was prompted, in part, by a veteran in Grendell’s district, who contacted Cordray’s office about financial benefits for those returning to civilian life from military service.

“As a military veteran, I am proud to join treasurer Cordray in this effort to give the people of Ohio an opportunity to adopt this amendment for those serving in the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as those who served during the Persian Gulf War,” Grendell told members of the Senate’s Finance and Financial Institution Committee this week. “While modest, these benefits will recognize the service of our war veterans and help with their transition back to civilian life.”

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.