Rep. Karlee Macer and local veteran successful in disabled veterans recognition

STATEHOUSE – Thanks to the persistence of State Representative Karlee Macer (D-Indianapolis) and a local veteran, disabled Hoosiers who were awarded the Purple Heart for their service will soon be able to have license plates recognizing their accomplishments.

Macer said today that she has been advised by officials with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) that the plates will be provided sometime in the near future.

The Indianapolis lawmaker had intended to pursue legislation this session to provide the plates via state law. However, after discussing the issue with House Roads & Transportation Committee Chairman Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso), Macer chose to see if the plates could be provided through administrative action.

“This entire matter was brought to my attention by a veteran in my district named Gary Ward,” Macer said. “He believed this issue was a terrible oversight and I agreed to use my position as a state legislator to see what could be done about it.”

The decision will allow disabled Purple Heart recipients to receive special commemorative license plates that recognize both their service to their country as well as their disability. Disabled individuals who have been awarded the Purple Heart are entitled to these license plates regardless of whether or not their disability is related to their service.

The bill went to the House Roads & Transportation Committee, where it was ruled that administrative action by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles would be taken, instead of legislative action.

A bill making the change was filed this session and sent to the Roads & Transportation Committee. During debate on the proposal, Macer and Soliday have agreed that the best course of action was to see what could be done through the BMV.

“One of the things that this situation has demonstrated is that average citizens can make their voices heard in government and make changes that benefit us all,” said Macer. “We wouldn’t have gotten anywhere on this issue without the hard work and diligence demonstrated by one man, Gary Ward.

“Thanks to him, a special group of veterans will be getting recognition they richly deserve,” she concluded.