Support urged for HB 419 and the SAVE22 license plate

In Ohio, organizations have the opportunity to create specialty license plates that reflect their cause, offering a unique way to spread awareness and raise support.

During the 136th General Assembly, state Rep. Matt Kishman, R–50th District, and state Rep. Jodi Salvo, R–51st District, introduced House Bill 419 before the Transportation Committee. The bill would create a SAVE22 specialty license plate. SAVE22 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing suicide among veterans, first responders and active-duty service members. The plate would help raise awareness of the organization’s work, and each purchase would include a required $22 contribution that goes directly to SAVE22.

HB 419 is sponsored by two Democrats and seven Republicans, including state Rep. Monica Robb-Blasdel, R–79th District, who represents Carroll and Columbiana counties.

I support the introduction and purpose of HB 419. According to the most recent information available from the state of Ohio, 242 Ohio veterans died by suicide in 2021, including 108 between the ages of 55 and 74. As of 2022, Ohio was home to 602,318 veterans. Life is precious, and one life lost to suicide is one too many.

Edward Hale

Carrollton