Bill Authorizes Gold Star License Plates for Parents of Soldiers Killed Overseas
Senator Sean Kean stood with Gold Star families and representatives from military organizations at a press conference to highlight legislation he has sponsored in honor of New Jersey military families that would authorize a special Gold Star Family license plate for families of servicemen and women who have lost their lives while on active duty for the United States.
Senator Sean Kean was joined by local Gold Star families and representatives from military organizations at a press conference to highlight legislation he has sponsored in honor of New Jersey military families.
According to the Washington Post, nearly 4,400 servicemen and women have died while serving in Iraq and more than 900 in Afghanistan. 93 have come from New Jersey.
“Nearly every state in the nation offers the Gold Star license plate to its residents, but New Jersey does not,” said Kean. “It is crucial that we honor the local families who have lost loved ones who were fighting for our country. It is time that we give back in whatever way we can.”
The bill, S-1890, would allow parents of fallen soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen and other military personnel killed in combat to buy “Gold Star Family” license plates for their cars registered in New Jersey. The legislation has been stalled for more than a year, due to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)’s claim that it is losing money on other types of specialty plates. According to the Office of Legislative Services, the MVC will charge a $25 free in addition to registration feeds in order to defray the cost of manufacturing the license plates.
“As a prime sponsor of legislation that would authorize Gold Star plates, I urge the Legislature to stop stalling and start honoring the parents of our fallen service men and women,” said Kean. “These license plates will allow parents to express both their grief at heartbreaking losses and pride in the courage and honor of their sons and daughters.”
Senator Kean and Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman are the prime sponsors of Senate Bill 1890, which would allow the state to offer “Gold Star Family” plates. The bill has bipartisan support with thirteen co-sponsors from both political parties. Kean sent correspondence to the remaining Senators asking for their joint support.
“The cost of providing these plates is negligible compared to the enormity of the losses experienced by Gold Star families,” said Kean. “Parents who have made such terrible sacrifices for their country shouldn’t have to wait while legislators debate the merits of other types of specialty plates.”
In addition, Senator Kean urged Senator Nicholas Sacco, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, to move S-1890 through committee immediately. Senator Kean also called on Senate President Dick Codey to “no reference” the bill, which would push it out of committee and bring it to the full Legislature for a vote.
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