Moriarty, Tucker & Danielsen Bill to Support Homeless Veterans Clears Assembly Committee

Monies from ‘Support Our Veterans’ License Plates Would Go to Veterans Haven Council

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Democrats Paul Moriarty, Cleopatra Tucker and Joseph Danielsen sponsored to support transitional housing for homeless veterans was advanced Thursday by an Assembly committee.

The bill (A-1540) would authorize a special “Support Our Veterans” license plate, the proceeds of which would be appropriated annually to the Veterans Haven Council within the Division of Veterans’ Services in the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs. Funds would support services for the benefit of veterans housed at Veterans Haven and the duties of the council.

“In addition to providing housing for those who served, Veterans Haven takes a holistic approach to the health and wellness of veterans,” said Moriarty (D-Camden/Gloucester). “With additional support, the program could provide more vocational training, mental health services and other resources to help veterans thrive in civilian life.”

“Veterans Haven has a record of working tirelessly to end veteran homelessness and providing the specialized services veterans need,” said Tucker (D-Essex). “These license plates will allow drivers in New Jersey to display their appreciation for the men and women who were willing to give their lives for this country by contributing to a program that plays an active role in supporting those who served.”

“No one who has worn this country’s uniform should ever be homeless,” said Danielsen (D-Middlesex/Somerset), who served as a reservist in the U.S. Army. “Veterans Haven is committed to our state meeting its obligation to serve those who served. Motorists throughout New Jersey can help advance that mission by purchasing these license plates.”

Under the legislation, a complete application for the special plate must be accompanied by an initial $50 fee payable to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Motorists with the plates would pay a $10 annual fee thereafter.

The measure was advanced by the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, of which Tucker is chair.