For Immediate Release
May 10, 2004
Please Contact: Colin Durrant (617)722-1650 or
Dalié Jiménez, 617-722-1650

Senate Passes Barrios Disabled Veterans Bill

(Boston, MA) - A disabled veterans bill sponsored by Senator Jarrett T. Barrios was approved by the Senate last week, once again confirming the state's commitment to honoring the veterans of who have honorably served the United States.

On Tuesday May 3rd, the Senate unanimously passed the Disabled Veterans of America license plate bill, of which Senator Barrios was the primary sponsor. The bill will create a new Disabled Americans Veteran plate that expressly includes the international handicap symbol. Most disabled veterans currently receive license plates that are not recognized in states outside of Massachusetts because they do not include the international handicap symbol.

"Our veterans have served our state and country honorably," said Senator Barrios. "It is our duty as elected officials, and as citizens, to do everything we can to support and recognize their commitment and sacrifices."

The license plate bill, which was sponsored by every major veteran organization in the state, will affect the over 800 disabled veterans of Massachusetts -- some of whom who have to travel outside the state to received veterans services or attend veterans events. When approached about sponsoring the bill by the Disabled Veterans of America group, Senator Barrios heard a story about a veteran who traveled down to Washington D.C. for a ceremony and received a parking ticket because his disabled veterans plate -- which did not include the international handicap symbol -- was not recognized by local police. For veterans living on a limited budget, needless tickets can be a serious financial strain.

“All of us at the Disabled Veterans of America are extremely thankful to Senator Barrios for sponsoring a bill that will make a significant impact in the lives of veterans in our state” said Tom Daley, the State Adjutant for the Disabled Veterans of America. “It is important that our veterans and their families get the care and honor that they deserve.”

The bill now heads to the House for its approval.

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