LANSING, Mich. — State Sens. Rick Outman and Kevin Daley on Thursday introduced a package of bills that would honor Michigan families who have a member serving in the U.S. Military.
Blue Star Families was started in 2009 by a group of military spouses and has grown to more than 150,000 members. The organization’s mission is to strengthen military families by providing resources and support. Their programs and services reach more than 1.5 million military family members every year.
“The men and women of our armed forces honorably serve our country and defend our freedoms and way of life,” said Daley, R-Lum. “The bills serve as a way for us to express our appreciation and recognize the sacrifices made by their families.”
Senate Bill 118, sponsored by Daley, amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the secretary of state to develop and issue a special recognition license plate recognizing Blue Star Families. Under the bill, residents who are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces — or members of their immediate family — would be able to apply for the special recognition plate.
The plate would include the Blue Star Families insignia and the words “Blue Star Family” under the registration numbers.
SB 119, sponsored by Outman, would formally recognize Feb. 1 as Blue Star Mother’s Day in the state of Michigan. Outman recently sponsored Senate Resolution 9, which commemorated Feb. 1, 2019 as Blue Star Mother’s Day. The bill would recognize Blue Star Mother’s Day on an annual basis without a resolution from the Legislature.
“Blue Star Mothers was founded in Flint during World War II,” said Outman, R-Six Lakes. “They provide a tremendous amount of support to mothers who have sons and daughters serving in the military. While we can never truly display our gratitude for their children’s bravery and sacrifices, we can certainly honor the organization’s mission and raise awareness about the work they do.”
SBs 118 and 119 have been referred to the Senate Committee on Families, Seniors and Veterans for further consideration.
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