Tuesday, February 14, 2006

New Jersey Legislators Propose to Name State Highway 15 after Ronald Reagan
Group commends re-introduction of bill

Washington, D.C.- On February 6th, the anniversary of the birth of late president Ronald Reagan, New Jersey state representatives introduced bill A.2355 which proposes that state highway 15 be renamed “Ronald Reagan Highway.” Assemblymen Mike Patrick Carroll (R- Morris) and Richard A. Merkt (R- Mendham) co-sponsored the bill, which was filed prior to the start of the current legislative session. The Ronald Reagan Legacy Project applauds the legislators’ efforts to honor Reagan’s memory.

The bill was previously introduced in June of 2004 within days of President Reagan’s death. It was passed on to committee at that time, but no action was taken before the end of last year’s legislative session. Members of the transportation committee had refused to comment on the proposed bill. Both bills suggest that State Highway 15, which runs from Dover in Morris County into Sussex County, should be named after Reagan although maps will remain unchanged.

“It is admirable that Assemblyman Carroll and Assemblyman Merkt are working hard to honor Ronald Reagan,” Grover Norquist, chairman of the RRLP stated. “His legacy is one of patriotism, dignity and strong moral character. We should continue to preserve this legacy throughout the United States and abroad.”

Currently, there are 74 dedications to Reagan worldwide, 68 of which are in the United States. 25 states have created memorials and New Jersey may soon become the 26th. Although Reagan carried the state in both the 1980 and 1984 election with 52 percent and 60 percent respectively, New Jersey currently has no state memorials named in remembrance of President Ronald Reagan.

The RRLP is committed to preserving the legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents throughout the nation and abroad. Grover Norquist, chairman of the RLLP, is available for interviews regarding Ronald Reagan’s legacy and the group’s projects. Please contact John Kartch at (202)-785-0266 or jkartch@atr.org.
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