This proposed constitutional amendment would authorize the state to issue up in $200 million of bonds to provide compensation to Ohio veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq conflicts, and to pay for the administration of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Conflicts Compensation Bond Retirement Fund and the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Conflicts Compensation Fund.

The amendment would also authorize the Ohio Department of Veterans Services to provide compensation to persons who have served in active duty in the United States armed forces at any time during the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq conflicts and who were Ohio residents at the start of active duty services and are currently Ohio residents. The state would provide stipends of $100 a month up to a total of $1,000 for Ohio veterans who served in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Conflicts. Furthermore, the state would provide stipends of $50 a month up to a total of $500 for Ohio veterans who served elsewhere during the conflicts. Family members of qualified deceased Ohio veterans could apply for a $5,000 death benefit with the passage of the amendment. Also, certain survivors would be allowed to receive the same compensation as the person who served in the armed forces would have received, if that person dies or is designated as missing in action or held in enemy captivity.

The state would be allowed to issue bonds only from the effective date of the amendment until December 31, 2013. If approved, the amendment would take effect immediately

Official Arguments
By law, the five-member Ohio Ballot Board designates a group of individuals to prepare and file arguments in support of or in opposition to each proposed constitutional amendment. Click below to read the official arguments regarding State Issue 1.

Ballot Language
Read exactly what’s printed on the ballot regarding Issue 1: