We have no doubt that Ohio voters will approve a Nov. 3 ballot issue to provide bonuses to veterans of major military conflicts during recent years and to pay small amounts to survivors of those killed in the line of duty. We'd like to see the proposal - Issue 1 on the ballot - approved overwhelmingly.
Times are tough, however. Any talk of new taxes may raise the eyebrows of some voters. The $200 million in bonds that will be issued to cover the bonuses will have to be paid off by taxpayers.
If approved, the program will pay bonuses of as much as $1,000 to Ohioans who served in the Persian Gulf War, Iraq or Afghanistan. Those in the military at other locations during that time period will receive bonuses of as much as $500. Families of those killed in the line of duty will receive $5,000 death benefits.
Buckeye State residents have approved such bonuses for veterans of every major conflict during the past century. The cash payments are relatively small in comparison to the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform - but they are an important symbol of our gratefulness.
The current bonus proposal was controversial for a time - but disagreement was about how to fund the bonuses, not about whether they should be paid.
Again, we think most Ohioans are extraordinarily thankful for those who have served us in the military. Passage of Issue 1 is an excellent way to make it clear that our thanks is more than just words.
We urge Ohioans, then, to vote "yes" on Issue 1.