State Issue 1: Should Ohio borrow to pay veterans bonuses?

CLEVELAND -- Should  budget-crunched Ohio borrow $200 million to pay Mideast conflict era veterans a bonus for their service?

That's the question facing voters Election Day in Ohio Issue 1.

Ohio has traditionally given veterans bonuses for their service. The tradition dates back to World War I.

World War II, Korea, and Vietnam-era veterans also got small "thanks" payments, to show Ohioans' appreciation.

Governor Ted Strickland vetoed a plan to pay bonuses for recent veterans out of the state's rainy day fund. That money got spent for other purposes in Ohio's stressed budget.

Issue 1 is a constitutional amendment. It would authorize the state to borrow about $200 million.

Veterans serving in the Mideast who saw combat would be eligible for $100 monthly payments, up to $1000.

Veterans who served in non-conflict situations would get $50 a month, up to $500.

The families of servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty would get $5,000.

"Nobody is gonna get rich from the amounts. You're just saying 'thank you' to a veteran for their service," said Bob Schloendorn, Executive Director of the Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission.

Kelly Woods served more than 11 years in the Navy. She just lost her job as an air traffic controller for a private firm.

She did not know about Issue 1.

A bonus would help her. "Anything right now would help just to put food on the table and pay electric and other bills," she said.

No organized groups have come out against Issue 1. But some question the wisdom of having Ohio sell bonds, borrow more money, and take on more debt.

Art Stone is active with North Olmsted VFW Post 7647. He strongly supports Issue 1.

"People are going to say it's a volunteer army. But these people put their lives on the line for us. I'd give the bonus before some other things we spend money on in Ohio," he said.

Eight other states have passed similar bonus programs.

Abouat 206,000 veterans and families would be eligible for payments. That number increases, the longer Mideast fighting continues.

Strickland's newly-created Cabinet Level Veterans Affairs Department is launching a media campaign to suppport Issue 1.

Estimates of what the program would cost each Ohio taxpayer range from $24 to $50 over 15 years.