May 30, 2009


Salem, Oregon—The Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) worked with others to pass a bill that designates the U.S. Highway 97 in Oregon as the World War II Veterans Historic Highway. SB 449 passed the House unanimously Thursday.

“The passage of this bill is a huge victory,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of OWVA. “Oregonians often forget the history behind World War II, the war that played a major role in central Oregon. This bill will place plaques along the highway with facts and reminders of those that fought for our country.”

The signage will be paid for by veteran groups and will be organized by the US Highway 97 WWII Veterans Historic Highway Committee, chaired by Dick Tobiason, LTC US Army Retired, of Bend Oregon. The Committee first promoted the idea of the historical highway in 2005. The Vice Chair of the committee, Mr. Bob Maxwell, the only surviving Metal of Honor recipient in living in Oregon, attended the House Floor Session and watched SB 449 become reality.

Also occurring this week, SB 731B passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Consumer Affairs. This important legislation will help disabled veterans better protect their disability pensions from illegal collections. SB 731B implements the policy and principle behind state and federal exemption laws by ensuring that protection is offered up front, at the bank account level, rather than requiring an expensive and delayed court hearing. OWVA joined the Oregon Law Center, and Ms. Sybil Hebb on this legislation soon after her organization drafted it, and made it a priority bill for 2009.

SB 731B is expected to land on the House floor this Tuesday for a vote. OWVA is writing a Floor Letter to all of the Representatives in support of the bill.

For more information, contact:

Nellie deVries
Public Affairs
Nellie@owva.org
541.601.7272