Democratic proposal to help Iraq War widows set for vote

Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Democratic proposal to help war widows set for floor vote

A proposal long championed by state Representative Peter Ujvagi, D-Toledo, to help war widows pay for the cost of college appears headed for a House floor vote on Wednesday afternoon.

House Bill 576, introduced last week by Representative Ross McGregor, R-Springfield, cleared the House State and Local Government Committee today. The bill would provide college tuition waivers to spouses and qualifying former spouses of members of the United States armed forces killed in the line of duty in a combat zone after May 7, 1975.

McGregor’s bill is virtually identical to H.B. 273, legislation introduced a year ago by Ujvagi, D-Toledo.

The important thing, Ujvagi said today, is to stand by the Ohio families who are making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

“This issue should not be a political football,” Ujvagi said. “While my bill was tabled seven times by the Republican majority, if it takes a representative from the other side of the aisle to sponsor it to get it passed … so be it.”

“Husbands and wives, fathers and mothers have sacrificed their lives for Ohioans and Americans,” Ujvagi added. “If we truly want to repay that debt, we owe it to them to make sure that their families are cared for. That includes giving them the tools to make their way in the world.”

Funding for scholarships would come from the War Orphans Scholarship Fund.

“The harsh reality of today’s economy is that it is very difficult to make it on a single income, without a college education,” Ujvagi said. “It seems only fair that we help those who have lost a spouse to war improve themselves so they can better provide for their children.”

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