Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Press Release-Special By Delegate Mike McDermott


PRESS RELEASE
Delegate Michael A. McDermott
 (R-Wicomico & Worcester Counties)

 February 29, 2012
(Annapolis)  Yesterday, Del. Michael Smigiel (R-Cecil) and Del. Michael McDermott (R-Wicomico/Worcester) presented HB-541 to the House Environmental Matters Committee that would create a special license plate in Maryland to honor all veterans. The plates would be available to the public just as the current Agriculture and Bay plates are currently. The funds collected for the Veterans Support plates would go directly to help wounded Maryland Veterans.

“This is an opportunity for all Marylanders to show their true appreciation for the sacrifices of our Veterans” said Del. McDermott. “People want to say ‘thank you’ and provide real support to those protecting our liberty in harm’s way, and this plate gives them a way to display it proudly”.

 The plates would be available from the Department of Motor Vehicles for a fee, but the money collected over the normal registration charges would go directly to help the wounded Maryland Veterans. There has been some resistance to the new plates from the DMV. In a statement, they complained about the administration of the program and storing the new plates. To that, the delegates said, “find room…empty a closet, and stop making excuses”.

“Supporting our farmers is important…supporting the bay is important…but without our veterans, our very liberties would be in peril. How can we not find a way to make this happen?” said Del. McDermott to reporters attending a press conference on Tuesday.

Support for the new plates, featuring a soaring eagle in the background clutching a banner reading “Maryland Supports Veterans”, has been overwhelming.

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