Senate approves Pawnee couple's request
for Gold Star license plates    

[MAY 19, 2004]  SPRINGFIELD -- A Pawnee couple's request to include Gold Star license plates in the Circuit Breaker program is on its way to the governor. State Sen. Larry Bomke and Rep. Rich Brauer sponsored Senate Bill 2453 at the request of Bill and Alvora Sandidge of Pawnee.

Gold Star plates are offered to the surviving spouse of Illinois residents who have been awarded the Gold Star. The plates are offered to the surviving parent if there is no spouse or to a sibling if there is no surviving parent.

"It is always exciting when a bill suggested by a constituent heads to the governor. I hope he acts quickly and signs this bill into law," said Bomke. "It makes sense that Gold Star plates should be included in the Circuit Breaker program when so many other veteran and military plates are already included. I want to thank Bill and Alvora for bringing this to our attention."

Currently, participants in the Circuit Breaker program may apply for discount license plates. The discount is available for standard car or truck plates, plates used by disabled people, plates for recreational vehicles, or Korean War or Purple Heart license plates. Senate Bill 2453 would also include license plates for Gold Star recipients under the Circuit Breaker discount.

Senate Bill 2453 currently awaits the governor's signature. If signed into law, it will take effect Jan. 1, 2005.

[Illinois Senate Republican Caucus
news release]