Ohio to seek cabinet-level department for veterans

[OhioChick]

Source: AP

Article published Friday, January 18, 2008


COLUMBUS - Gov. Ted Strickland will move to add Ohio to a list of more than 20 other states that have cabinet-level veterans affairs agencies, after a report he commissioned supported the formation of the new department, a spokesman said yesterday.

An increasing number of states in recent years have elevated veterans issues to the highest level as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought them into the spotlight.

Raising awareness on veterans issues was part of Mr. Strickland's campaign platform before taking office in 2007, and he formed the 22-member Veterans Study Council last May to study the feasibility of creating a cabinet-level agency.

Backed by the report's recommendations, Mr. Strickland, a Democrat, will likely take his plan to the Republican-controlled state legislature, said spokesman Keith Dailey.

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