January 27, 2009


Assembly panel OKs license-plate bill

An Assembly panel on Monday advanced a bill, sponsored by a South Jersey legislator and supported by a local Gold Star mother, that would create a special license plate for the parents of soldiers killed on active duty.

The plate would feature a gold star and the words "Gold Star Parent."

Judith Young of Moorestown told lawmakers the plate would recognize a family's sacrifice. Her son Jeffrey was among the Marines killed in a 1983 attack on a Beirut barracks.

Foster parents and step-parents also would be eligible under the measure, sponsored by Assemblyman Jack Conners, D-Camden.

The measure, approved unanimously by the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs committee, now goes to the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Ellie