OH-16: Boccieri Applauds House Passage of Emergency Supplemental Bill

Boccieri Applauds House Passage of Emergency Supplemental Bill
Legislation Also Addresses Veterans Benefits, Critical Domestic Issues

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District, today voiced his support for Thursday's passage legislation that supports our troops both abroad and here at home. The measure which passed the House provides funding for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and addresses critical military issues.

Senator Major John Boccieri said:

"We must give our support this legislation, which gives our troops the resources they need to be successful while focusing on pressing issues here at home. Even though we're giving our troops the necessary resources for their missions, we must find the will and the way to bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon."

A second package expands GI benefits for a veteran's education by allowing those who serve at least three years to receive free tuition, along with money for books, school supplies and housing assistance, at a public university in their state. A very important measure also allows veterans who serve longer tours to transfer their education assistance to a spouse or dependent.

Senator Boccieri, in a race for the empty 16th District House Seat, still rated at 4th Place in TheFix, WaPo's Political Blog, continued:

"The expansion of education benefits for our veterans reduces burdens that many troops face when returning home – like finding a job and paying for college. This legislation gives our veterans and their families the opportunity to receive a quality education and build a successful career."

Additionally, the bill includes a 13-week extension for unemployment aid for out-of-work Americans and allocates $2.6 billion for flood relief efforts in the Midwest.

Commenting on the state of the 16th Congressional District and Ohio's gross unemployment numbers, Boccieri added:

"At a time when our economy is struggling and Ohio's unemployment compensation fund has taken a hit, the extension of unemployment benefits would give Ohioans who have lost their jobs the resources to provide for their families as they find employment."

The Fighting 16th District doesn't deserve a candidate riding on the coat-tails of ex-Governor Bob Taft, convicted for Ethics Violations and leaving Ohio's economy in shambles. It's time our district took a stand against the status-quo and the misdirected leadership of the Republican Party. Let's put a man of deep integrity fighting for the blue-collar workforce and our men and women who have serve our country with pride and honor, first!