Rep Ciresi Looks To Exempt Military Vets From Annual Vehicle Registration Fees

PERKIOMEN, VALLEY — Pennsylvania State Rep. Joe Ciresi, a Democrat representing the 146th Legislative District, introduced Tuesday legislation that would example injured and decorated U.S. Military veterans from paying annual vehicle registration fees.

Ciresi, who says he is particularly concerned that returning veterans receive state assistance in recognition of the sacrifices they've made serving their country, eyes the vehicle fee exemption as one way to help returning vets.

"While state law currently provides some veterans with a discounted rate for vehicle registration by only charging a processing fee, in recognition of their service I believe our injured and decorated veterans deserve to be fully excused from paying vehicle registration fees," Ciresi said in a statement.

"That is why I've introduced legislation, with bipartisan support, which totally waives these fees for veterans who were injured or captured while serving their country, or who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart."

According to Ciresi's office, under current Pennsylvania law, veterans who have lost a limb or eye or became partially paralyzed while serving in the armed forces; those who were captured by the enemy; or those who have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor are only required to pay a $10 processing fee each year instead of a vehicle registration fee.

Ciresi's proposed legislation would eliminate the processing fee entirely while also expanding eligibility to those who have been recipients of the Purple Heart.

Ciresi says the new exemption would help military veterans directly along with their loved ones and communities by easing financial challenges many vets face when returning home from service.

Ciresi's legislative district includes the townships of Perkiomen, Limerick and Lower Pottsgrove, along with the boroughs of Pottstown, Royersford and Trappe.