House Republican Press Release

April 28, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Perillo Votes in Favor of Gold Star Plate Bill

HARTFORD- State Representative Jason Perillo (R-Shelton) 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.

Perillo 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 Perillo.  “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.”

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’ Affairs 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.