House Republican Press Release

April 28, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Klarides Votes in Favor of Gold Star Plate Bill

HARTFORD- Deputy House Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby) today 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.

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.

“While the waiving of this fee is a minor thing, it at least is a measure of respect for those who have lost family performing their duty as members of our armed forces protecting our nation,” said Klarides.  “These plates are a unique reminder of the sometimes high price of freedom that our neighbors, friends, families and loved ones pay in the service of our country, and it is something we should be reminded of regularly.”

It is estimated that the measure would have a fiscal impact of less than $1,000.

The bill, HB 5044, had passed the Transportation and Veterans’ Committees unanimously and also passed the House this afternoon 134-0.  It now heads to the State Senate for action there.

The 2008 session of the Connecticut General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn at midnight on Wednesday, May 7^th.