State support (8)
I believe the answer is:
maintain
I believe this is a double definition.
'state' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'support' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for maintain that I've seen before include "Uphold, preserve" , "Look after the upkeep" , "Keep in good order" , "Assert" , "Keep - support" .)