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Allen County Ohio Republicans Press Releases:

Senate Bill Names Vets Highway and Designates 'choose Life' License Plate


I was proud to support this legislation, as I believe very strongly in our responsibility to honor the service of our military veterans and in our responsibility to provide Ohioans with the opportunity to honor and preserve life by supporting adoption.

The Ohio Legislature recently approved Senate Bill 156, a bill that will name State Route 48 the "U. S. A. F. Pararescue Memorial Parkway." An additional provision of the bill will allow Ohioans to purchase "Choose Life" license plates with a portion of the proceeds designated to support adoption services in Ohio. As a strong supporter of both of these provisions, I was proud to work in support of the passage of this legislation.

It's very important that we recognize the invaluable contributions of Ohio's pararescue jumpers, or PJ, war heroes. With Wright-Patterson Air Force Base located nearby, this region was the home of many brave individuals who grew up to participate in one of the most elite units of the United States Air Force. State Route 48 became known as "PJ Main Street" since so many of the pararescue members hailed from the counties located along the stretch of road.

I was honored to meet two such PJs, Steven West and Bill Eby, when they came to the Statehouse to speak in support of this legislation. They are just two of the many honorable veterans who served our country with quiet dignity and strength. The passage of this bill is just one small, yet very appropriate way we can thank them for their sacrifice while commemorating their service for future generations.

In addition to naming S.R. 48, Senate Bill 156 contained language that allows Ohioans to purchase license plates with a "Choose Life" designation. Under this legislation, motorists wishing to purchase a "Choose Life" license plate would pay an additional fee on top of the regular registration charge. Proceeds from the additional fee would be used to benefit nonprofit agencies that promote adoption.

Ohioans have waited a long time to be able to make this distinction when purchasing a license plate. With the wide variety of license plate designations available, I'm glad that "Choose Life" will now be an option for people who feel strongly about this topic and would like to support it publicly. I know that many Ohioans are eager to show their support for charities that promote adoption and that work toward creating a society where every child is welcomed and loved.

I was proud to support this legislation, as I believe very strongly in our responsibility to honor the service of our military veterans and in our responsibility to provide Ohioans with the opportunity to honor and preserve life by supporting adoption