House Republican Press Release

May 12, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. STRIPP VOTES IN FAVOR OF GOLD STAR PLATE BILL

“Praises Action to Issue Free License Plates to Immediate Family of Military who Have Fallen in Line of Duty”

HARTFORD – Rep. John E. Stripp of Weston voted in favor of legislation that eliminates the fee for the Gold Star Family license plate, which the legislature authorized in 2007 for immediate relatives of state residents killed in action while performing active military duty with the U. S. Armed Forces.

Stripp noted that current law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to charge a fee to cover the cost of making the plates, in addition to the normal registration fee. The current plate fee is $ 10.

“We realize that a measure such as this does absolutely nothing to provide solace to the families left behind by members of our armed forces who are killed in action defending our nation,” said Stripp.  “But it is a gesture of respect to those who choose to get one of these plates for the sacrifice and loss that their family collectively bears.” 

The bill, HB 5044, had passed the Transportation and Veterans’ Affairs Committees unanimously and also passed the House 134-0 and State Senate 36-0.

It now awaits Governor M. Jodi Rell’s signature before becoming law. 

For more information on the Gold Star Plate visit the Department of Motor Vehicles’ website:  http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=811&q=395440