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Senator calls for DMV to act on program

WHEELING — West Virginia Sen. Ryan Weld says state residents should be able to donate to veterans’ causes when they renew their driver’s license following an act by the Legislature last year.

But a system to allow West Virginians to contribute to the Office of Veterans Assistance through the state Division of Motor Vehicles website — and at kiosks operated by the agency — isn’t yet up and running, and this has him concerned.

“The DMV is still not in compliance,” Weld, R-Brooke, said. “There are about 11,000 residents every month who could be making a contribution to the state’s veterans.”

Weld serves as chairman of the Senate Military Committee, and said he has asked for DMV Commissioner Pat Reed to appear before members. The agency instead sent counsel, who informed the committee the DMV is working to correct the issue.

“The DMV is trying to have the issue corrected by March,” Weld said.

Residents do have the opportunity to contribute to the Office of Veteran’s Assistance when they renew their license in person at a DMV site.

“But it took them seven months to get the form there,” Weld said.

He wants the Office of Veterans Assistance to have the opportunity for contributions, as it works to serve the state’s veterans. Among the services provides are van service and rides to hospitals for medical visits.

Phone messages seeking comment from DMV Public Affairs Officer Natalie Holcomb were not immediately returned.

(King can be contacted at jking@theintelligencer.net)

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